Coming back to california?

Published

I have recently started a new grad program in another state (Arizona) because I was unable to find a job in Cali. However, my end goal is still to try to find employment in California. I will probably have about a year of experience (in med/surg) before I start applying for employment as a RN-II in Cali.

I am specifically looking for work in the Santa Clara/Bay Area. I am from Campbell I'd rather not look to areas such as Bakersfield because I may as well just stay in Arizona if I'm not going to be near home in the first place. I may consider Southern California but I really would prefer not.

Can anyone answer the following:

1) Is this a feasible amount of time or do you think I should give it a bit more time before applying back. Obviously the more experience the better, but do most hospitals draw a huge difference between 1 year vs 1.5 year vs 2 years? Overall, how difficult would it be to come back to Cali after a year elsewhere?

2) Would California hospitals view my employment in a different state as somehow "inferior" to experience obtained in a Cali hospital?

3) I actually went to nursing school in Arizona as well. Would this hurt my application even if I am not applying for a New Grad position? And of course I have my CA license as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi I'm considering attending out of state school but may stay in,CA for networking purposes. Did you attend nursing school out of state? Also how's the job market for new grads in bakersfield or San Fernando?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Op, the answer is going to be no, you're not getting a job if you don't apply regardless. Besides, there is no one answer which satisfies all facilities so what's there to lose? 1 year you're open to jobs, 2 you'll be more competitive a bit. Chances are competition is against you- there's probably hundreds of others with a buffer resume than you. My buddy moved back home with an er position (sj) with only a year experience so it's always worth the effort.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

As long as you have a year of experience I don't see the harm in applying. My new grad program was out in Texas and as soon as we hit the one year mark, everyone started applying for jobs. We all found jobs pretty fast. Most hospitals don't care where you got your education or experience, as long as you have experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Charming - It literally took me a week and a half to find a job outside of california, LOL

Littlepiggy - Should I wait till the 1 year mark, or should I start applying after 6 months and what not. I want to apply as early as possible, but at the same time I want to maximize my chances (ie, i dont want recuiters/managers to see I have only 7 months exp and then just ignore my app forever even when I do get 12 months)

It's very reassuring to hear that you found jobs pretty fast! If you dont mind me probing- how fast is fast :)?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@dpn088 thanks! I'll be entering an accelerated program so I'm hoping to plan out everything asap. Btw did you feel like it would have been a little easier to find a job as a new grad in CA if you had went to nursing school in.CA?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

charming - Cant say for certain, seeing as how I didn't get one! But a lot of my classmates actually did end up getting a job in california within 6 months, although they all had a few connections. I did end up getting a few interviews in california that I actually declined since they were in undesirable locations with bad traffic and low pay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@dp0n88, "undesirable", would it be possible for you to PM me the places which gave you an interview and the facilities which hired ur classmates? I might apply to those. It's brutal out there.... Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

I would say wait until about the 10 month mark, by then you'd be close enough to a year that depending on the hospital they might not care. It took me about three months to find a job, but I was really picky - I wanted a night shift oncology position and there weren't many of those available.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Charm - one of my classmates got hired at kaiser sd, another at kaiser la, another at some random ER in LA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I'd say to start applying when you're rounding the year mark, and see what happens. Don't move up here until you have something in writing, but be clear on your cover letter that you have ties to the area and are itching to get back. Continuously brush up your resume. Edit and edit and edit again. Read other peoples' resumes and edit more.

Do you have any connections up here? That can be a great start. Going to school in the area can be nice, because you have the opportunity to make connections and to have nurse managers see you in action and potentially hire you. But that's not the only way to get a job. All you can do is apply. You'll never get the jobs you don't apply for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Postpartum, Med Surg, Home Health.

In my experience, many of the hospitals in northern cali want atleast 6 months experience. If I were you I would start applying at the 6 month mark. Most 'screening' questions on the application ask if you have 6 or more months of acute care experience. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion