Debating whether to move to CA or to CT.

The are few new grad jobs in Calif. Even in nursing homes. That may change in a few years But love the weather here. I did use my old army educational benefits to go school here. If you hraduate most states accept with papers cali license

We have some of highest standards.

I need help!!! Any advice or POVs from people who actually live and work in these states?! I would very much appreciate it. Would love to move back home (SoCal) but husband wants to take up nursing too. We have family in the east coast and their nursing programs aren't as crazy full as back home :-/ also, how much is the average pay in either states? thank u for the help :)

I wouldn't recommend CT. CT nursing programs ARE 'crazy' full and difficult to get into.

As for work, CT is in a rut. There isn't much out there and what is wants RN experience (between 1-2 yrs). I am also a working LPN in a LTC facility. At the time I became licensed as an LPN, there were jobs out there that were fine with new grads, not so much anymore.

My classmates and I have put out an insane amout of applications, no bites at all, not even a call. Of the handful that do have jobs have them because they worked at the hospital they were hired by.

I wouldn't suggest CT for working in or trying to get into a program.

California pays the best, plus you have better weather, plus there is a nursing ratio.

Both states are VERY difficult as far as nursing jobs go right now.

CT also has a pretty high cost of living, though you can work in northern CT and live in RI a good bit cheaper.

GrnTea--

Work in nothern CT and live in RI? That would be quite a haul.

Maybe you meant work in northern CT and live in MA? Or work in the eastern side of CT in live in RI?

No, I drive from MA through RI to get to northeastern CT all the time. It's another hour-plus up I-95 to get to MA from the RI-CT line. You're right, though, that parts of western MA are cheaper to live in too.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dartmouth.edu/~maps/images/map-newengland.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.dartmouth.edu/~maps/regional/new-england.html&h=631&w=500&sz=26&tbnid=H6LNqv17lwW5dM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=71&zoom=1&usg=__IFwX1blu4Iklb8AQmJvXJkRuopw=&docid=wb96qmSZj21R4M&sa=X&ei=O6L6UaSWC7Wp4APQhoCACw&sqi=2&ved=0CD0Q9QEwBQ&dur=9979

ohh northeastern CT, I was thinking northern CT (very top and center of the state).

BTW, I'm not sure what that link is/was but it only brings me to google images but nothing else :)

ohh northeastern CT, I was thinking northern CT (very top and center of the state).

BTW, I'm not sure what that link is/was but it only brings me to google images but nothing else :)

Dang, sorry about that. It's a map of New England. Well, anyone who wants to see it can find one online easily enough.

Unless you have experience, it will be very hard to find a job in CA

I'm pretty familiar with the map of New England...born and raised here in "Tax you to death CT".

I was just thinking you were saying to live in RI and commute to northern (central) CT. When it would be much easier to live in RI and commute right over the CT/RI border (in northeastern CT) :)

GrnTea--

Work in nothern CT and live in RI? That would be quite a haul.

Maybe you meant work in northern CT and live in MA? Or work in the eastern side of CT in live in RI?

Cost of living is pretty high in MA too. There are parts of Western MA that are cheaper but, well, then you'd have to live in Western MA.