Canadian New Grad Looking for work in San Jose CA-HELP

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi Everyone,

I'm a newbie to this website and hope I can find some badly needed hope and encouragement. :o I graduated from nursing school in Canada Feb 2009 and worked for couple of months-got married-then moved out to San Jose, CA where my husband works. I've passed the NCLEX, and just received CGFNS visa screen certifications(this process took FOREVER). So even though I graduated a year ago, my experience as certified RN is limited. I found out that CA board of nursing will not issue me a license (even tho I passed the NCLEX) until I get my social security number, but in order to do that as a Canadian citizen I have to have a job offer...get my TN work visa AND THEN apply for the ssn. So my license is being "held" by the board until i get my ssn....but these days its so hard to find work in San jose...all the hospitals want 2+yrs and a CA license...i am in a "chicken/egg" situation...anyone know who's hiring new grads? or any institution willing to hire canadian nurse? The TN visa doesnt cost anything for the employer who's hiring (its not a sponsorship like H1 visas)...all they need to do is just write a job offer letter...=( anyone know an employer who's well versed in hiring foreing RN's and not afraid of writing a little ol' letter?

I really need to find a job....really!

thanks!!!!!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

I know exactly how you feel. I've been working in NC for 5 years. Got hired after walking in the HR door with RN and a heartbeat. I went through the entire VisaScreen process, obtained my TN and started working...as a new grad in the ED. Perhaps you should try visiting a few hospitals and speak with their recruiters to see what they have to offer. It seems that the internet is not always to way to search for a job. Question: Where did you go to school? (I graduated from York University in Toronto 2004).

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Hi ResumeCPR,

So far I went to ONE hospital's HR, and they said, "you can leave ur resume but its no use--go apply online" And these days, nobody wants to hire new grads unless its way way way out in the suburbs where the closest thing to a mall is wal-mart...i graduated from BCIT, Vancouver. =) I was born in TO. I'll try out more hospitals directly, what should I say?? The last try was soooo unsuccesful...

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

Look for a hospital the offers a program specifically for new grads, like a versant or critical/progressive care program. All I had to do was walk in and ask if they have any nursing jobs. It may help to tell them you're Canadian off the bat too because you will have to sign a contract which = retention for them. Good luck!

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OOOoooooOOOh...i thought the exact opposite! Canadian=hassle for paperwork= too long of process= forget it! haha Thanks for the tip!

How did you decide on NC? Did you move there cuz of a man like me? What is NC like? Are the people nice? Weather? Nature? Any racisim? (i'm asian)

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

I have 5 years of critical care and ED experience! Never could have gotten that as a new grad in Canada. It's been great! Super hot though. Moving out west (Nevada) in a few months to try my luck there. I think a greencard is in the near future.

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Greencard? Luving the USA that much eh? Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Cardiology/Telemetry.

resumecpr,

I am starting my process to move to Texas. I have my NCLEX done and passed and am about to apply for my Visascreen and look for a job in Houston. Just wondering how you are planning the Greencard in the near future?

Are you getting sponsered by an employer and how did you find an employer to do that for you?

Thanks

Laura

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I don't want to shoot down your hopes, but I know lots of new grads in the San Jose area who did their clinicals (i.e., know people and have connections) at South Bay hospitals who are not getting hired. Nurses in the Bay Area are some of the highest paid in the country; therefore, people from all over the states (and the world) are willing to move here for RN jobs. This makes it increasingly difficult for new grads to get hired in hospitals.

If you really want to work, I suggest looking for a job at a Long Term Care facility. In my opinion, this will get you your job offer, and thereby your social security number the fastest. Then, you'll have some experience under your belt and your CA license, and can then start applying on-line.

Best of luck to you!

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Greetings,

Monlee I am sure you are a fantastic person and a great nurse....

If you were an experienced nurse I guess I could understand it, but for a foreign NEW GRAD to be able to get a job when qualified US citizens who are new grads cannot find work, well that is bollocks.

It should never happen in a million years.

Sorry, but its just logic yes?

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I don't want to shoot down your hopes, but I know lots of new grads in the San Jose area who did their clinicals (i.e., know people and have connections) at South Bay hospitals who are not getting hired. Nurses in the Bay Area are some of the highest paid in the country; therefore, people from all over the states (and the world) are willing to move here for RN jobs. This makes it increasingly difficult for new grads to get hired in hospitals.

If you really want to work, I suggest looking for a job at a Long Term Care facility. In my opinion, this will get you your job offer, and thereby your social security number the fastest. Then, you'll have some experience under your belt and your CA license, and can then start applying on-line.

Best of luck to you!

Yeah, its too bad...there was a time (2006-2007) where foreign nurses (even new grads) were "escorted" to the USA...current trying times, its hard on everyone. Makes sense for Bay area RN's to get paid top dollar since the cost of living is SO much higher compared to other states.

Thanks for your tip!

=)

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Specializes in CTICU.

Hate to ask an obvious question, but is your husband american, or just working there?

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