San Diego Wages and Patient Ratios

U.S.A. California

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Hi! I'm new here & trying to figure the forum out.

I have been a nurse since 2008 and have TELE/MS, hospice, corrections, and Quality Dept. experience.

I came across some articles from 2013 about how difficult it is in San Diego to find a nursing job. Is this still the case???

We recently visited San Diego and I loved it. My job in core measures was ending (due to Joint Commission dropping many of them) where I worked, so after vacation I went home, put my house up for sale and decided we were soon moving to San Diego. Surprisingly, my house sold in 7 days! (I was thinking it'd take like a year to sell). Sooo... I got a travel nurse job for now but am now worried after I've read a ton of articles about how San Diego is so unaffordable . I've never rushed into anything like I did that... I hope I haven't made a mistake! :( But either way, we needed a change .

So, I'd like some input from some San Diego nurses on your opinion about your wages vs the cost of living. It it possible for a nurse supporting a family alone to make it there?? I have a husband who has a few years to go in school. He will finish wherever we end up. I also have a 3 & 4 year old.

Also, a big reason I am thinking about a move to CA is because of the nurse ratio laws. Do they really make a difference, though, or does admin take all the CNA, lab help, etc., away to make up for the less patients?? I am very upset with the state of floor nursing these days. I think 1 less patient could make a huge difference.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'm working as a travel nurse now in Kingman, AZ, where my husband's parents live until we figure out for sure where we want to go!

Melissa

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I'm in nor cal, not so cal. But from what I've read on AN, so cal seems to be a more difficult market. Lower pay, more competition, less opportunities.

But it may be different for a nurse with experience.

I researched the new grad market only.

R/T ratios, thank goodness Cali is the same across the board. Thank goodness for legally mandated ratios in acute care. These don't exist in LTC/SNF/ALF. It kinda sucks.

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Thanks for your input. So what is the ratio in CA for a TELE/MS floor? And would you still have a CNA? I am on a TELE/MS floor now and it is 1-6 and I can't even take a breath or read the Drs notes :no: (and rarely see the Dr because I'm so busy). They should be in effect for those others, too - not fair!

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Thanks for your input. So what is the ratio in CA for a TELE/MS floor? And would you still have a CNA? I am on a TELE/MS floor now and it is 1-6 and I can't even take a breath or read the Drs notes :no: (and rarely see the Dr because I'm so busy). They should be in effect for those others, too - not fair!

Hi Melissa,

I live in Southern CA. San Diego is beautiful!!! Can't blame you for wanting to move.

The ratio for tele/MS is 4 to 5 pts:1 RN, but that will depend on acuity. Ratio for PCU or step-down is 3:1. Ratio for ICU is 1-2:1.

You will have a CNA assigned for each patient. However, depending on census, the CNA will have an average of 10 to 18 patients.

The market for experienced RNs is great! However, most acute care hospitals look for BSN graduates, but not required. So that will mean that if someone else with a BSN applies, they will pick the BSN graduate over you. It is best to find a job first before relocating since living expenses are extremely HIGH!

Good luck ;-)

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And by the way, endorse your license first because according to some AN members, it took 4 to 6 months for them.

Good luck

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Thanks for your input! I have applied for my license a couple months ago and am waiting now. I have not gotten my BSN yet due to what I feel is unfair treatment for floor nurses and I have considered leaving my career in nursing. I went into nursing thinking L&D or nursery but have never gotten in those places because I don't have experience and haven't found anywhere that will train. So, if CA ratio laws really make a difference I would go back and get my BSN and stay with nursing most likely. I just want to work in a place where floor nurses are respected :)! Even if I'm not a floor nurse I don't want to work for a hospital that doesn't respect the floor nurse. I am very passionate about fairness.

Thanks for the info on the ratios - very helpful :).

Melissa

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Thanks for your input! I have applied for my license a couple months ago and am waiting now. I have not gotten my BSN yet due to what I feel is unfair treatment for floor nurses and I have considered leaving my career in nursing. I went into nursing thinking L&D or nursery but have never gotten in those places because I don't have experience and haven't found anywhere that will train. So, if CA ratio laws really make a difference I would go back and get my BSN and stay with nursing most likely. I just want to work in a place where floor nurses are respected :)! Even if I'm not a floor nurse I don't want to work for a hospital that doesn't respect the floor nurse. I am very passionate about fairness.

Thanks for the info on the ratios - very helpful :).

Melissa

Ok, not a problem! Good job on endorsing your license in CA as your first step. This is one of the biggest hurdles, according to nurses from other states.

The strict ratios in acute/critical care are extremely helpful. When charge nurses try to give us more than 4 patients, and we respectfully tell them that this is unsafe for the patients, they usually back off because they know the law. They do not try to push or nag. We give better care if we have 3 unstable patients only and nothing more (at least at a cardiac step down unit). Step down units in our health care system are under the critical care department so they really enforce the strict nurse-patient ratio. I float to MS somtimes and when they give me 5 patients, i hardly have any time to chart or take a break. I do not know how much CNAs can do for you in your current state but in WA (where i originally came from), they can check BGs, chart foley care, change some easy dressings, take VS, etc., while in CA, they do usually do not. So therefore, ratios really make a big difference... For my sanity anyway!

If i were you, i'd wait for my license to come through because processing times vary. Then i will get a definite job first... That way you can make sure that they will hire you without a BSN.

Then when you are finally here, I would take classes to finish my BSN. Advancement and professional growth should be a priority, IMO ;-) Then you can begin applying for your dream job, once you get settled. But of course, you must do what you think is best for you.

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Thank you :)!

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southern california checking in.

you will almost have no problems finding a job as an EXPERIENCED RN... i emphasize experience 1+ year(s). your experience will triumph almost any degree/certification. get your BSN WHILE employed.

the assistance depends on how much your hospital has to budget. i have a 1:5 pt ratio. i have no CNA or LVN. i work constantly/consistently for the entire 12 hours i am on the floor. some RNs have a CNA, LVN, an IV team, a q2 turn team, diaper changing team, even an "answer my call light for me" team.

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I am in a very similar situation. Looking to move to San Diego with my husband and 1 year old son. My husband is also in school and we are living on just my income. Wondering if you ever found out if it's possible to make it on just your income as an RN in San Diego? Did you make the big move yet?

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Depends on your bills. Income is decent, but you could easily spend one check on rent.

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