NICU Interviews in NoCal and SoCal

Boomer MS, RN · Apr 7, 2017

Hello fellow and future nurses,
I am excited to say that I have a job interview at UC Davis in Sacramento, California and a job interview at Rady Children's hospital in San Diego, California, both next week. Both positions are for the NICU, which I currently work in Oklahoma City. I did not expect to hear back from both hospitals this soon and am grateful to have been given a chance to interview. :)
Here is my issue...I have never stepped foot in the state of California and am torn between the two cities. I have heard different things about both places, good and bad, but still can't make a decision on which is better. Also, I know nothing about both hospitals, but what I've read online. I am not going to be able to visit Cali before moving this August due to saving up to move and possibly flying out to Seattle for my sister's Residency graduation. I am basically doing everything online, which is crazy I know. Lol. Anyway, if anyone could give me their opinion on both places I would love you forever. :) I need all the help I can get. Lol. Oh, I have an 11 year old daughter and a 12 year old son, my boyfriend is moving with me as well. Just a little background, if needed. Thank you. :)

I live in CA and know both locations, although I know nothing about Rady Children's Hospital. The cost of living in CA is high, often offset some by the wages. It is my understanding that wages are better in northern (Sacramento) CA than southern (San Diego) CA. Sacramento is about 90 miles east of San Francisco, beautiful area. If you're from Oklahoma, the summer heat in Sacramento probably won't bother you. San Diego is a beautiful and very desirable place to live. I am sure housing is more there than in Sacramento. UC Davis is a very fine academic institution with both a vet and a medical school. I know nothing about the schools for your children in either place. Sorry.

I love living here after growing up near Washington, DC. There are always trade offs. With your experience, you have much in your favor. Perhaps others will chime in here with more information and insight. Good luck with your decision and move.

RonnieNichelle RN · Apr 7, 2017

Thank you so much for your response Boomer MS, RN, BSN, MSN! What you've said helps a lot. I guess I have to choose wisely. The way I see it, living in California, whether northern or southern, is a win win in my book. Thanks again. :)

Dafabb, LPN · Apr 7, 2017

Well as one who just travels for contracts on occasion I am always interested in cost of this and that...Sacramento will have the best bang for your buck in housing...San Diego is double almost on housing and anything else is fairly comparable. They even have some beautiful homes for sale at a pretty reasonable price in Sacramento....Coming from OK where living is reasonable you are now going to unreasonable. Think of the long haul of paying exorbitant prices vs fairly reasonable. It's an hr drive to SF and a 2 day weekend will be a treat...I once asked one of my VETS at the clinic why are houses so high....He said it is not the house that is high but the land it sits on. My friend whom I roomed with while in San Jose at about a 1500 SFT home 3/2. nice back yard. A little older home which she got at 498K. He said the house would be worth about 150K and the land cost about 350K. It's backwards from what we are use to.(TEXAS)...Very hard for outsiders to absorb.....

RonnieNichelle RN · Apr 7, 2017

Wow! You just answered my question as to why housing is so high in California. That's pretty interesting. I'm nervous now girl. Lol. Coming from Oklahoma where I can pay $700+ a month in rent is going to be a culture shock for me, but I'm ready to give it a go. I just hope the pay will make up for the hosing costs. We shall see. Thank you for your feedback. I truly appreciate it.

NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2017

COL in San Diego will be significantly higher than Sacramento and the pay will be lower. But you will have 70-degree temps year round and live at the beach. For some that makes it worthwhile.

I'd personally choose sac but I prefer forests to beaches, so for me it's a no-brainer. The redwood forests in NoCal are spectacular.

NurseTori5150 · Apr 12, 2017

Can I ask where you are working in OKC? I have my interview for the NICU at OU next week. I'm so excited!

prmenrs, RN · Apr 12, 2017

I've lived in San Diego for ~ 50 years, and love it. I'd prefer living in Hawaii, but, I have a 'Special Needs' adult son who lives w/me, and resources are way better in CA than HI. I worked for UCSD; retirement benefits are awesome. That may not be of interest, but, it worked great for me. Rady is a level IV, I don't know what UCD is.

Yes, COL is high, it's called a 'paradise tax'. I guess it depends on what you want long term. If you're just coming to CA short term, I'd still come here. Sacramento is hot. San Diego has a lot of beaches.

No, I'm not biased in the least!!!! :)

Best wishes.

prmenrs, RN · Apr 13, 2017

UCSD just opened a brand new hospital, including a Level III NICU, w/private rooms. Since you're in the neighborhood, you might want to take a look:

Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health

tallynurse · May 19, 2017

Where did you end up? I'm moving to Sacramento in the Fall (fiancÃ© has a post doctorate at UC Davis) and curious how UC Davis NICU is. What was your interview like?

Marina.h · Aug 7, 2017

Interested to see what you chose! Also, if you wouldn't mind sharing what the pay was for either location. We are looking to possibly relocate to Sac or Southern California and I'm NICU as well!

crmathew · Jan 2, 2018

I am planning a similar move from NY to Cali by july! I saw that Sutter, UC Davis and Kaiser Roseville had

NICUs. I am coming from a level IV NICU and want to go to a high-acuity unit so I won't be bored! Just wondering where you ended up and if you like it?