Hello-

I have been thinking about relocating to California to finish my RN program. I am getting sick of the weather here in Chicago and need the sun back in my life. Does anyone have a good suggestion of a reasonable area to live with a near by school. I have never lived in California. I am pretty open to location whether it be Northern California, San Diego, or LA...if anyone could provide me with feedback I would appreciate it.

Are you in a nursing program in Chicago? IF so, why not wait until you are done to relocate? It is really hard to get in nursing schools here in Cali, compared to the other states, so I recommend you stay were you are until you are done.

Anyway, if you really hate the weather, San Diego and LA are good places to be. There are hospitals and schools scattered around both county's.

I have to agree with love....if you're already in school, stay there and graduate. Then work toward finding a job in CA....I think your options for being done sooner will be much better.

And while I know the cost of living in Chicago is not the cheapest, CA has you beat by a long shot. Unless you're very independently wealthy or have someone who is to back you up financially, I think it's prudent to stay where you are.

Additionally, depending on where you try to go to school, you will be paying very expensive tuition -- whether it's for a private school or a public education. You will most likely be considered an out-of-state resident for 6 months to a year (I'm not sure what it is in CA right now).

I know nothing about California, but I do know that nursing credits are very difficult to transfer. If you're already in a program in Chi, you should probably stay put (unless you are already planning on withdrawing from that program for other reasons and are aware of the implications of trying to transfer). Do you get a spring break? Why not go somewhere warm? Plan a week in Cali in one of those cities and try it out, so you'll know more about whether it's somewhere you could live after graduation!

Do you get a spring break? Why not go somewhere warm? Plan a week in Cali in one of those cities and try it out, so you'll know more about whether it's somewhere you could live after graduation!

Excellent suggestion. Maybe plan a trip now and for next winter when you can squeeze it in to give yourself a break from the cold!!

I am actually waiting to be accepted into the program here in Chicago. I will know by april-may? I have a 4.0 gpa for all of my pre-requisites. Here its a lottery and I was told by our Nursing Department that 1,000 plus students applied.I basically have a 1 in 5 chance to get in. So I have a fear of not getting picked...I never win the lottery! :)

Hello,

I live here in California, Central Valley area and I have lived here all my life and love it. I couldn't think of a better place to live. There are some pluses and minuses here and there but the weather is always not too cold and not too hot.

As far a schools go, you may want to get onto a few websites (http://www.cccco.edu) that have info about the local nursing schools in CA. We have a variety of schools here from 4 yr private to 2 yr ADN. There are many schools here however we have a very high applicant rate. Depending on what school you are in now and how far you are along your chances of transferring are not really great. Many apply anywhere they can get in and then try to transfer the following semester so they can be closer to their home.

I would say do your research, make sure it is the best option for you and your lifestyle. Moving here after graduation may be the least expensive option for you. We have lots of openings around the state for jobs, however the schools are heavily impacted.

Good Luck!

I think in many areas of CA it is a similar system. Additionally, if you go to a school with a weighted system, the fact that you're out of state might also hinder you.

Perhaps if you are really bent on getting out of Chicago, you can check in to schools in multiple areas of the country -- AZ, NV, TX, etc. I think you're going to find it's a similar story, but perhaps without so much competition.

We have a CC here where I live that's strictly first-come, first-served...once you meet the prereqs, your name goes on the list and depending on a number of factors, it may only take a 2 - 4 semesters to get admitted. Unfortunately, we're only somewhat slightly south of Chicago, so if it's 365 sunshine you're looking for, this ain't the place, lol!!

I hear ya WDW...I also belong to a CC program that is 60 mins south of chitown....so we're not that much warmer.....

My school uses a "points" system.....10 from entrance exam and 10 points for math/sci within 5 years, CNA class, and any other medical science classes (med terminology, etc....) your points determine your placement. Ties are settled by GPA.