Just a little background information about myself before I start asking one of the many questions I have. I was formerly an LPN at a SNF for about two years. I recently graduated RN school last June and am currently working on a telemetry floor for the past few months. I plan on getting a years of experience before I make any moves (as well as ACLS among other certifications) and am starting some general education classes that I need for my BSN. My question is, how bad is it in SoCal as far as jobs for an RN with my type of experience? I love my job but have been very unhappy with where I currently live (Small, somewhat conservative type town) so I need to make a move for my own personal reasons. I recently booked a trip for the summertime to see how I like the area and will make decision from there. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

If you have atleast 1 year experience, especially in an acute facility, you shouldn't have a hard time finding a job in SoCal

I'll have my ACLS and all that by that time. Is it necessary to have a bachelors or can I get by with being in the process of doing it?

2 is starting to become the magic number nowadays in really competitive areas. Magnet facilities will prioritize BSN graduates, but will usually consider with proof of working on a BSN.

Being a BSN-in-progress may satisfy some of the "BSN preferred/required" employers, but not all. I was rejected from a job, despite being certified in psych, solely because I didn't have the BSN finished yet. Still, being a BSN-in-progress will probably give you a leg-up over non-BSN applicants.

And I agree with the PP: 1 year of experience will start opening doors, but most employers want to see 2 or more.