[twilight3]

From reading the posts, I read that california does not hire graduate nurses. That makes me so sad because I live in Texas and it has always been my dream to live there. What do I do?

[suzanne4]

California does not do hiring, it is the individual facility that does.

You are mixing up a few things. CA BRN will permit a new CA grad to take the RN exam before they have received a completed file on them, as long as they are on a list of those expecting to gradaute at such and such time.
Since you have attended school out of the state, you will need to have a completed file before they will even permit you to take the NCLEX exam. And you cannot get an IP until you have been approved to sit for the exam. Most facilities want to see that you have passed the exam before you begin work, and we always recommend that you write the exam before you make any move.

Next thing is that most facilities here only have new grad programs two or three times per year, not all year long. When are you actually graduating?
If not until August, more than likely, you would not be able to start until next February in many facilities.

[Sheri257]

It's not that you can't get hired as a new grad in the entire state of California ... a lot of depends on WHERE you're trying to get hired.

Based on the posts in this forum, it looks like the Bay Area is tough for new grads because so many nurses/new grads are moving there, particularly from out of state.

But if you live in other areas of California, the market for new grads can be really great. Everybody in my graduating class had multiple job offers.

[TazziRN]

There are two nursing programs in my county and four hospitals, and all of them hire new grads. Same with the surrounding counties, they hire new grads all the time.

[twilight3]

Thanks for the advice! But from what I was reading on many of the threads, most facilities in the state of california want experienced nurses, not a graduate nurse. I just happened to come across a post that was incorrect.
Tazzi and Sherri can you give me advice on areas to live and work in California. I am unfamiliar with the state so can you break it down.

[Sheri257]

I'm probably not a good person to ask because I live out in the desert ... which is a far cry from people's dreams of the California beaches and lifestyle when they first move here.

I used to live in San Fran and, then, Orange County but ... it was just too expensive to live there. So, we decided to buy a cheap house out in the desert. It's certainly not SF or OC but, financially it's great ... I'm making $40 an hour so I have no complaints.

[viena]

I am a new (BSN) grad also with new license I have no work experience as a nurse yet although I had 9 years HR work experience in the management level. This is a new career for me I look forward to it. Kindly advise what areas or hospitals that have new grads in CA or nearby CA counties and how does that work? when do I have to register with them? Thank you

[michellemybelle]

It has been my experience that hospitals in southern California readily hire new grad nurses, even those from out of state. I had two job offers before I graduated in May. I would recommend signing up with aftercollege.com. Many hospitals sign up with them to advertise new grad positions and information sessions. As far as to where to live, that's totally up to you. Yes, living in California can be expensive, but in my opinion, it's all relative--you are making much more per hour as an RN then others in the country who have lower costs of living.

[BerkeleyMom]

Originally Posted by twilight3

Thanks for the advice! But from what I was reading on many of the threads, most facilities in the state of california want experienced nurses, not a graduate nurse. I just happened to come across a post that was incorrect.
Tazzi and Sherri can you give me advice on areas to live and work in California. I am unfamiliar with the state so can you break it down.

For people wishing to move to California, can you be more specific as to what exactly you are looking for?

Coastal or inland? Urban or rural? Small town close to a big city? Is ethnic diversity/multiculturalism important? Do you mind traffic? Cost of living requirements? What kind of weather/climate do you prefer? etc, etc.

One thing to consider is the vast amount of diversity that exists within the state. Each area is as if its own state. Take San Diego, Fresno, and San Franciso--one could not even begin to compare the differences between each place. Take Sacramento, Berkeley, and Santa Barbara--again, completely different from one another. The city of Oakland is as polarized as a city can be--very wealthy homes in the hills and very poor communities sprinkeled throughout.

Sorry to digress. What is it that you all are looking for specifically in California? ... Chances are are, you will find it somewhere. Unless of course you are looking for the 4 seasons--that we lack completely.

[twilight3]

I know there is no perfect place. But I would love to live in L.A. or a surrounding area. Also, diversity is a plus because I currently live in a place where there is only one veiw point. Having entertainment would be nice too.

I have never been to the state of california and would love to see it first. But that is not possible for me right now. But I honestly believe it is better than where I am now. That's why I wanted you guys advice on different areas to live and if it is possible to survive on a nurses salary. You can describe where you live now or where you once lived. Either way will help.

I'm trying to get insight on many places within the state before I make a decision.