What about going to California after 6 months experience?

Nurses New Nurse

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Alright, long story short: been in long-distance relationship for what will be almost three years; my boyfriend lives in San Francisco (in the city) and I am in an Accelerated BSN program in MO. The plan was to obviously try and come out there and be together, but after a year and a half of solid research, we've decided the best decision is for me to stay and work in this area after graduation (I will have a job and also be able to work as a GN nurse while waiting to sit for boards, so another bonus).

It stinks I won't be able to come out there but I just don't want to risk it; financially speaking. NOW, my question is...do you all think it's possible to come out there and start applying after getting six months of Med-Surg experience, or is that still not enough?

I am an overachiever when it comes to job searching and making contacts, so I don't doubt my ability to go out there and pound the pavement. I'm just wondering if six months is okay! I'm planning on doing my preceptorship and working on either the Medicine or Surgical/Vascular floor; I feel like that's probably the best thing/experience to get.

Any opinions on any of this would be great :) Also, I'm open to anything within a 90 mile radius, pretty much out to the Sacramento area, up to Napa/Sonoma, and DEFINITELY south. It is not a priority for me to live in the city, as personally I won't be living with him even if I do get to go out there.

*ps - for anyone else in the new grad/Bay Area dilemma, I've talked to quite a few nurse managers out there and they seem pretty sincere when they say they are anticipating the market to take a big turn for the better starting in 2013; although you never know what will and can happen. Keep up hope!

KatsieRN

43 Posts

I am from the Bay Area and went to school in Arizona and am hoping to return home as soon as I can. I am planning on staying in AZ for at LEAST 1 year of experience ( I start work in 2 weeks, whew) but more likely 2 years. I am worried that 2 years experience will not be enough to get a great job in bay (although I know its a lot better to apply as a nurse 2).

I do not think 6 months experience will get you anywhere... if anything they will think you are a job hopper that will leave them once you get through orientation. I actually think its pretty unprofessional to stay for 6 months and then take off... think about how much money and time it took for them to train you! I would encourage you to focus on getting a job in the first place, working for a solid year and then start researching jobs in the bay area before moving.

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

I would agree with the above. California especially has been difficult for new grads. Until you have at least 18 months experience anywhere, you're still considered a new grad by many recruiters. When there are lots of jobs, to move around at 6 months is not an issue. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case for 4 years now. You're better to lay some roots, stay put for a while, then move.

Blackcat99

2,836 Posts

Yes, don't move until after you complete at least 1 year where you are now. Good luck.

DarkBluePhoenix

1,867 Posts

Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Seriously unless you go to northern cal or Boring central cal. There is no jobs here. Ca is overcrowded, run by morons, and traffic sucks not to mention high taxes and high cost of living . Weather and location is the best thing about ca. Just stay out of this state if you can, especially since you want the most over saturated spot which is the bay area. Good luck.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

*ps - for anyone else in the new grad/Bay Area dilemma, I've talked to quite a few nurse managers out there and they seem pretty sincere when they say they are anticipating the market to take a big turn for the better starting in 2013; although you never know what will and can happen. Keep up hope!

In 2009 they said the same thing, but about 2011 :( I personally won't believe an upturn in the job market is coming until it actually arrives.

IMO, I would not take chances on being hired with only 6 months. You would still be considered a new grad...and from what I've seen so far, the area is flooded with them. I wouldn't head out to CA without at least 1-2 years under your belt.

Hotflashn

362 Posts

Not to burst your bubble, but there are not jobs for new grads in the Bay Area and 6 mos is still considered a new grad. Most postings want 1-2 years minimum. It is terrible! Plus the Bay Area has one of the highest concentrations of nursing programs, so there is so much competition. Better to get in a year, first, and or start applying at 6 months and move if you get something.

Good luck!

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