Finding work: SAN JOSE vs. SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO vs. LOS ANGELES

U.S.A. California

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing / CV/STICU.

I just got my permanent nursing license from Illinois to California. Where is the best place to look for work with consideration of income / cost of living?

My Qualifications:

BSN

4 years ER experience

1 year ICU experience

CCRN, TNCC, ACLS, PALS, BLS certified

Im planning on moving there in California. Any advice?

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There are many threads on this forum regarding working in California but most say don't move until you have secured a job. I sensed that job opportunities are increasing but slowly.

Pay is less in Los Angles and San Diego than SF and SJ. Considerably so like $20 +/- an hour more. Also most Northern California hospitals are union and Southern California are not.

Housing whether renting or buying a big factor in all these places. Traffic worse in Southern California

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Also be aware of the difference in weather. SD, LA, and SJ are warmer places to live. SJ, though, it's in Northern California is warm because it's in a valley away from the ocean. SF (the city) is cold and gets foggy in the summer, rainy in the winter. As you move away from SF (East Bay and North Bay) the weather gets warmer. The Peninsula (area just south of SF) can still get foggy until you move further south in SJ (or Santa Clara Valley). While SF is cold, it has it's unique charm and beauty. Pick the area in CA that fits with your priorities with the caveat that jobs won't come as easy as you think.

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