CA native wanting to move back to the Bay Area...

[StarrySkies]

I am in Texas now, but miss California terribly! I just finished nursing school (BSN) and am working in L&D at a great county hospital where I am learning tons, but I need to start planning on moving back. I want to get a year under my belt and move back next summer. Will a year of experience in L&D be enough to ensure a job when I move back? I have a 2 year contract, but there is a small buyout to leave early. Heck, if I thought that I could get a job I would put my house on the market today and move back as soon as it sells, but I am pretty sure that a year of experience will be necessary if I want a job.

I know that nurses in CA make quite a bit more than we do here in TX, so I think that I should be okay financially as long as I can get a job! I am a single mom and my kiddos are 7 and 4, I want to make the move back home before they are too old and it is really traumatic. All of my support systems are there and I need the support!

Is there work in CA now? All of the hospitals web sites look barren of jobs and I am worried. I can always do agency work for a while if needed.

[Mike A. Fungin RN]

There is not a lot of work in California right now. It is nearly impossible for new grads to find work, and difficult for nurses with not much experience.

That said... if you wait until you have a year, or even two (avoid the buyout) under your belt, and work the applications/phones, I don't think you'll have much difficulty finding a job in the Bay Area. It might take a little longer if you're picky about which hospital or unit.

Bottom line... you've got to do what's best for you and the little ones, and if that's moving back here to be near your support system, you can and will make it happen.