Holy Cow...Nor Cal is a nightmare

U.S.A. California

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I know I have told this to many other people in the threads about how competitive the bay area is, but it REALLY is. I've got 3 years of ICU experience, my BSN-top of my class, CRRT, among other certs in 40-47 bed ICUs at decent sized hospitals, and I can't even get a call back on small ICUs or ERs.

Just thought I'd share my reality. I know it's the pay that makes it ridiculous competitive, but it's where all my family and my husband's family is located. So I guess I'll just keep sending in the apps as quickly as they e-mail the rejection letters.

:)

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true its competitive.... ironically a buddy of mine just went up north for a job offer and he did nursing school in SoCal...... interesting..... good luck ;)

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You almost have to know somebody here or take a travel assignment and then sign on as staff afterwards.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I actually know about 40-50 nurses up there and 3 MDs. They are all trying to help me with a hookup. And no luck yet. Hoping to get a break eventually! :)

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If you're willing to commute to the Peninsula....Stanford uses a lot of travelers and will generally offer to extend over and over or offer you to come on staff if there is the FTE at that point in time. Just a thought!

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Keep trying! You'll get it! You have awesome certifications!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I thought about it but travelers make significantly less from what I've seen and ive got 2 to provide for at home. Traveling would have been an option if I wasnt the only bread winner.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Update: Finally have an interview at an SICU in Sacramento! I've literally applied for around 40 some positions in both ICU/ER. There's just not a lot of postings period. So persistence is finally paying off! Anyone from up north on here? Seems to be a quiet group...

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I am in Sacramento and see the postings all over the place, but have heard that recent grads definitely have a harder time; which is something that concerns me. However, I am optimistic and flexible if need be.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.
I am in Sacramento and see the postings all over the place, but have heard that recent grads definitely have a harder time; which is something that concerns me. However, I am optimistic and flexible if need be.

Hang on to that! And always be prepared with a back up plan. If I can't score anything up north, my plan is to go back to my last hospital and work ED there for another year...then try again. :)

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

So about 45 applications later...1 job interview...I have a job! :) Definitely a challenge, but happy to report it all worked out. I start the week after thanksgiving! I can see why it's so challenging...I'm getting about a 15$ raise from what I make in Orange County.

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