New Grad Nursing Jobs in CA

U.S.A. California

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Hey all..

I'm new to this site, so here's a little bit about myself.. I graduate from nursing school in May, and I live in NY. I am looking to move to CA and hopefully find a position in an ICU there. I don't really have much information about CA hospitals, but I know here in NY a few hospitals do an ICU internship program that they offer to new grads and experienced nurses. I was wondering if anyone knew if there was anything offered like that in CA? Also, if anyone knows any hospitals that are willing to hire new grads to their ICU I would appreciate the information! I am looking to take my boards in June and then hopefully come to CA to continue my job search/interview over the summer. I just want to get as much information right now as I possibly can so that I am prepared!

Thanks!

Katie

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

What part of CA are you looking to relocate? Northern CA, Southern CA, or the Central Valley? I'd hate to sound like a Debbie Downer, but the employment market for new grads in CA is absolutely horrid at the present time. Each new grad internship posting typically gets several thousand applications for only a handful of openings.

There are graduates from the class of 2009 who have not yet landed their first nursing jobs. To stay safe, I personally would not move here without a firm job offer unless you have money saved up to pay for your moving expenses while you seek employment.

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I moved here from out of state and it is difficult competing for jobs with New Grads from CA schools. California is all about networking...so if you have an "in" out here, you will be better off. I wouldn't come out here without a job lined up. It would be easiest to get a job where you did your clinicals, get 2 years of experience, and then move out here. Good luck!

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There's a fb New Grad RN Jobs page. New Grads are lamenting over there.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Coastal and Southern California are BAD for new grads...BSNs are struggling to get hired in LTC, let alone hospitals. Speaking of hospitals, those residencies are tough to get into even for internal employees. Inland and Northern (not coastal northern) California may be better for landing something, but again, things are tight.

So IMO, unless you don't have a guaranteed job offer don't move out here just yet, because it's likely you will be job hunting for a long time. You'd be better off if you can bring a year--preferably two--of experience with you.

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Coastal and Southern California are BAD for new grads...BSNs are struggling to get hired in LTC, let alone hospitals. Inland and Northern (not coastal northern) California may be better for landing something, but again, things are still tight.

So IMO, unless you don't have a guaranteed job offer don't move out here just yet, because it's likely you will be job hunting for a long time. You'd be better off if you can bring a year--preferably two--of experience with you.

Actually, according to a lot of NoCal new grads, there's nothing up there, especially with one hospital that offers a new grad program (UCDavis). On the other hand, there's more hospitals in SoCal that offers new grad programs, which means more opportunities and a higher chance to get into a new grad program.

Regardless of location though (NoCal vs. SoCal vs. Central), new grads are having a difficult job finding their first job. There's too many new grads and not enough positions for new grads.

Totally agree that you don't move unless you have a guaranteed job offer.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Actually, according to a lot of NoCal new grads, there's nothing up there, especially with one hospital that offers a new grad program (UCDavis).

Good to know. I'm in SoCal so I'm going based on what I've heard around here: most are frustrated and think things are better in the North. We may have more residency programs down here, but we have a lot more new grads fighting for the spots.

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Yes, I agree with the others here about wait till you actually have a written and signed job offer in hand. There's a survey report that's posted in the CA BON website of how nearly 50% of the CA new grads are not going to be working in a nursing job one year after graduation. There's just not enough new grad positions to go around.

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Thanks for all the information! I appreciate all of your input, even if it is a little discouraging.. I was looking to apply to southern and central ca, I will just have to apply to many and expect a lot o rejections :(

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You may have to move to small towns to start off.... smaller hospitals perhaps and rural areas will more likely considered you (new grad). I had to do that as a new grad.

PM me and I can tell you where I started and where you will most likely get hired. =)

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You may have to move to small towns to start off.... smaller hospitals perhaps and rural areas will more likely considered you (new grad). I had to do that as a new grad.

PM me and I can tell you where I started and where you will most likely get hired. =)

winter_green, i'm curious.. rural as in the central valley area? or more like the high sierra area? I am a new grad, and am willing to relocate anywhere in california to gain experience.

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