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.
And when you apply put a California address that your family has. They get tons of out of state applicants. Helped me at least get called for interviews.
Hello, I will be visiting San Juan Capristrano, CA this June. I have 2years+ experience as RN and 1year+ but less than 2 years experience as a NICU nurse. I have ADN but will be starting BSN next month. We have family in that area and we're thinking of relocating there. Would I be able to find a job with my background? I know it's a risk going there without a job but I think it will be easier to be there physically using local address and number. Please let me know if this will be a good idea. Thank you!
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?
In my facility, a lot of the positions will say 1 year required but 2 or more preferred. So it's fair to venture that 2 years of experience would serve you far better than 1 year...especially if you don't have a BSN. BSNs are strongly preferred or even required in many facilities out here. An ADN/diploma can get a job, so it's not impossible, but you're not exactly the preferred candidate...
2) Would California hospitals view my employment in a different state as somehow "inferior" to experience obtained in a Cali hospital?
Shouldn't be a problem: I came out here as a ADN with 2 years' experience obtained elsewhere and had few problems landing a job. I was rejected from one place specifically for not having a BSN though.
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.
Again, shouldn't be a problem--I also went to school out-of-state.
I think where going to school in CA really helps the most is if you are applying to new grad programs/positions, because it's likely you did your clinicals at the facility and/or they know the school's reputation...and of course, if you went to school here you can network a little more easily than if you just moved here and didn't really know anyone anywhere.
Hello, I will be visiting San Juan Capristrano, CA this June. I have 2years+ experience as RN and 1year+ but less than 2 years experience as a NICU nurse. I have ADN but will be starting BSN next month. We have family in that area and we're thinking of relocating there. Would I be able to find a job with my background? I know it's a risk going there without a job but I think it will be easier to be there physically using local address and number. Please let me know if this will be a good idea. Thank you!
I think that if you can afford to live financially for a while without pay, then go for it. Otherwise, it may be risky.
NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN
2,387 Posts
And when you apply put a California address that your family has. They get tons of out of state applicants. Helped me at least get called for interviews.