Finding a job WITH experience?

amoLucia · Apr 27, 2016

Congratulations!!! I think you selected the winningest area in the country for the toughest nursing job market pool in the country.

Did you have some secret system or were you just randomly lucky? :sarcastic: (am trying to be jokingly sarcastic here - no offense meant!).

Seriously, there are so MANY, MANY numerous postings here about horrendously difficult job seeking experiences in Calif that I wonder why anyone truly hopes to succeed there.

Just to be on LEVEL ground with all the others, your documents need to be top-notch, you'll need experience with all the accompanying credentials possible, excellent performance reviews and your references must be glowing. Having friends in high places helps too. Looking under every rock, nook & cranny is nec. In other words, you'll need to be a candidate for the Intergalactic Nurse of the 21st Century!!!

You posted here about a year ago, and at the time, many cautioned about a difficult job market. From my readings here, I don't think it has changed much.

I wish I could offer you some positive vibes, but I think you're in for a difficult time. Maybe if the Fates are smiling down on you and all the stars in the sky line up appropriately, you might be lucky. I think that does happen. I hope it does for you.

Truly, good luck.

csj50 · Apr 27, 2016

Congratulations!!! I think you selected the winningest area in the country for the toughest nursing job market pool in the country.
Did you have some secret system or were you just randomly lucky? (am trying to be jokingly sarcastic here - no offense meant!).
Seriously, there are so MANY, MANY numerous postings here about horrendously difficult job seeking experiences in Calif that I wonder why anyone truly hopes to succeed there.
Just to be on LEVEL ground with all the others, your documents need to be top-notch, you'll need experience with all the accompanying credentials possible, excellent performance reviews and your references must be glowing. Having friends in high places helps too. Looking under every rock, nook & cranny is nec. In other words, you'll need to be a candidate for the Intergalactic Nurse of the 21st Century!!!
You posted here about a year ago, and at the time, many cautioned about a difficult job market. From my readings here, I don't think it has changed much.
I wish I could offer you some positive vibes, but I think you're in for a difficult time. Maybe if the Fates are smiling down on you and all the stars in the sky line up appropriately, you might be lucky. I think that does happen. I hope it does for you.
Truly, good luck.

...Well, that was heck of an answer lol. If I don't get it, I don't get it. No big deal. I'm not HAVING to move to CA. I've scrolled through the past few pages and can't see anything about job hunting aside from new grads, hence the post.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Apr 27, 2016

There are jobs for those with a BSN and experience. It's just hard to get noticed in a stack of apps.

amoLucia · Apr 28, 2016

There are jobs for those with a BSN and experience. It's just hard to get noticed in a stack of apps.

To OP - this was the answer I was trying to convey. But I was just being silly and seriously surprised that you were choosing Calif as they have the roughest job market opportunities for nurses, experienced or inexperienced.

There have been posts all along where even the experienced nurses have been commiserating. Just toooo many nurses for the supply & demand of the too few positions avail. All the recommendations posted for ALL nurses in general apply.

I really do wish you well in the tough area you're seeking. Sorry I caught you off-guard.

Again, good luck.

DatMurse · Apr 28, 2016

To OP - this was the answer I was trying to convey. But I was just being silly and seriously surprised that you were choosing Calif as they have the roughest job market opportunities for nurses, experienced or inexperienced.
There have been posts all along where even the experienced nurses have been commiserating. Just toooo many nurses for the supply & demand of the too few positions avail. All the recommendations posted for ALL nurses in general apply.
I really do wish you well in the tough area you're seeking. Sorry I caught you off-guard.
Again, good luck.

meh, I dont think the job market is that bad. My friend does ICU here. quit one place, went to the next, and then went to the first. Depends on you to be honest. he had about 1.5 years exp.

mgp6 · May 8, 2016

There are many job openings for RNs in Los Angeles area. It helps a lot to have BSN and at least 1-2 years of acute care experience in the specialty you want to get into. And make sure you have excellent resume and cover letter to get their attention. I recommend making a LinkedIn account and connect with the hospital nurse recruiters as well.

neurofloorrn · May 8, 2016

Hey!

I don't think you will have any problem. I switched from the East Coast to the same specialty over here on the West Coast. I got offered 2 jobs and now work at a major research magnet hospital in the bay area. I know that many hospitals in the area hire ICU travel nurses to fill extra empty positions. Just apply and see how it goes.

Best of Luck!

caliotter3 · May 8, 2016

When there are a multitude of applicants for a finite number of openings, your application can be rejected for any one of a number of criteria.

hotcoffee · May 9, 2016

This is the highest-paying area for nurses, and we have unions so you almost always get to eat lunch (cheers for unions!). It is a hard place to get a job. Lots of new grads move out of town to get experience. If you have teaching hospital experience that will help.

Also, some of the hospitals don't pay as well so its easier to find work there.