Sacramento Nursing

U.S.A. California

Published

Hey guys,

So I'm currently an RN with my BSN working in michigan. I'm considering a move all the way to Sacramento for hopes of higher pay and closer to fun. I already know what you're saying, "Remember the cost of living is higher!" well that may be true, but from my research (and please - correct me if I'm wrong) but the starting pay at UC Davis is $50+/hour and the median home price is the same as where I'm at in Michigan where I make $29/hour. So, by my accounts, yeah groceries may be slightly more pricey, but will that balance out a pay raise of $21/hour?

How is Sacramento? How is UC Davis Hospital? Is any of this even a good idea? I've heard mixed stories about the california nurses union. I'm already in a nurses union so it isn't that unheard of for me. Any insight would be great. Thanks.

Specializes in Admin.

The cost of living is very high here. Yes, the pay is exceptional for RNs, especially if you specialize. You should look at crime-rates and location of homes through Zillow before you make the move. There are a lot of houses that are cheap, but not in the nicer areas.

It's hard to get into UC Davis... but if you're an exceptional candidate with a BSN or higher a couple years experience you have better chances.

Also you can google UC Davis salaries since it's a public hospital.

See, the cost of living isn't that high. The median home price in Sacramento is 270k; whereas, the median price in San Francisco is 1 million. So there'es my question: the RN wages in Sacramento seem to much outweigh the cost of living when compared to nearby cities.

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Most of the houses around 270k aren't in a safe area or they need a ton of updating. There are a few, but you probably aren't going to want to live directly in Sacramento. I'd expect to pay 300 to 450k for a house. There are a few scattered nice neighborhoods, but most of them are not safe. We're talking routine drive-bys, etc. I live in the suburbs. Some nearby parts that are typically safe are Folsom, Rocklin, Roseville. Steer clear of natomas, even new natomas. Shootings are common. Elk grove has some nice neighborhoods and while East Sac is very close to UC Davis, it's very pricey. Check out one of those websites that maps the crime rates in the area and should give you an idea of what's bad and what isn't. Just because a house looks nice and new means nothing. When I first moved here I had no idea and when I drove to check out a house in a new neighborhood there was a guy who pulled out a gun on the street towards another guy. Anything near mack rd or in oak park is very dangerous.

UC Davis quality of work environment ranges by your specialty. I worked in the ER there for two years. If you want more information PM me. Hope this helps :)

Specializes in ER, Med-Surg/Telemetry.

I feel UCD has excellent pay and I would argue that the union is to thank for this. Sacramento is one of the highest nurse paying regions in all of CA, except maybe the bay area however when you adjust for the lower cost of living compared to bay area/ southern CA, you really see your money. Also, the pay goes up with every year of experience and each contract year. I would argue, having grown up in Sacramento and preparing to move back there, that while some areas appear to be "ghetto" some of those areas are actually not bad places to live if you can get used to the diversity. Sacramento is very diverse so depending on your perspective, diverse areas may appear ghetto, again depending on your own perspective and what your used to. Also, there is a pretty good house rental market in case you arent quite ready to buy. Example: 2 bed 2 ba house in nicer neighborhood runs 1200-1500. Hope this helps! Also, is doesn't snow in Sacramento! Here is the union contract that explains nurses pay at UCD (make sure you scroll down to 2015). http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/nx/docs/nx_2013-2017_appendix-a_UCD-january-2014-to-january-2017.pdf

Does anyone have some advice on where to look for housing near UC Davis? I recently got a job there and wanted to move closer to the area. Thank in advance!

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Tahoe park has some cute neighborhoods. If you're young and single midtown is pricey but there's tons of stuff to do. When I worked there I lived over off watt in the lariviera neighborhood, however, it can be a bit sketchy if your near Folsom blvd. rancho Cordova is nice in the newer parts but it'll warrant a 15 minute drive down the 50 fwy. Hope that helps a bit. PM me if you have more questions. :)

Specializes in ICU.

I recently visited Sacramento. I liked it. Very affordable compared to the rest of California.

Specializes in Med Surg/ Pedi, OR.

Every where is dangerous !

Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.
Every where is dangerous !

So is breathing air and driving. There are plenty of safer suburbs near Sacramento. You just have to be careful.

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