Finding a job as an experienced RN in the upstate

[swellchaser]

Hi everyone!

I posted a similar topic to this in the Pre-Nursing forum and was advised to move it here.

I'm going to be enrolling in a South Carolina nursing school in the Fall of 2015 and expect to graduate with a BSN and minor in Spanish in 2019. I will also get certified as a Medical Translator. My university has a 100% job placement rate, so I know I'll have a job when I get out. After about two years, I really would love to relocate to the San Luis Obispo/Cayucos/Santa Maria area. I've heard the market is really rough for new RNs, but is it as bad for RNs with some experience? I'm going into acute care.

Also, I'm very flexible with where I live, as long as it's on the coast. I'm willing (and actually prefer) to work nightshifts, am okay with taking a less qualified position (CNA or LPN), and don't mind what floor I work on.

I recognize it's difficult to predict the market in 7 years, but hospitals in that area such as French Memorial have 4-5 staff nurse positions open. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance!

[RunBabyRN]

If you're truly flexible about where to live and the coast is the big factor, consider places like Eureka, Crescent City and Fort Bragg. They're smaller coastal towns, and considered rural, which means it's generally easier to find work there. Nowhere near SLO, but something to consider.

In 4-5 years, the market may be different, so definitely pay attention to trends while you finish school (which I'm sure you'll be doing anyway).