From Michigan to SanDiego.. HELP!

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Apr 15, 2011

The hard truth is that for the most part that ALL hospitals are only hiring nurses with years of experience as a nurse. You would have to apply for the new graduate program at Scripps, they will not count your tech experience.

As a heads up 100s to 1000s of people are applying for every position, many are experienced. Medicare cutbacks and the uninsured are additionally causing hard times at hospitals. They are shutting down floors in hospitals here and laying nurses off.

I would highly recommend if your area is hiring, get your experience, and wait for the economy to pick up. Not to paint a dismal picture and discourage you, but we've had many on these boards move to California thinking that the job outlook is like it was 5 years ago, and it definitely isn't, and they basically spend all their money on rent and job hunting for months, run out of time/money, and end up returning to their previous state or another place because they were still unemployed.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2011

I definitely would not move to California without a job lined up because the employment market for new grad nurses is dismal. People cling onto hope when they hear stories of lucky new grads from out of the area who landed jobs without any local connections, but the chance is very real that you could end up in this state without a job for months or years. You would be a significantly more appealing candidate if you gained a couple of years of acute care experience in your home state before attempting a move to CA.

SunSurfRN · Apr 16, 2011

Sage advice...you looking at hundreds of applicants for every nurse residency spot at Rady, Sharp, and Scripps. Employment as a new grad in San Diego is very, very challenging in 2011.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2011

The area where Scripps is located is VERY EXPENSIVE! For what they're paying nurses there I don't understand how anybody can afford to live there on that salary. I make more as a LVN up in the Bay Area than a RN does does in San Diego. Isn't that pitiful? Right now moving to CA isn't a hot idea as you would find it easier and less expensive to move somewhere in South Texas where I heard and read that they are hiring new grads. Get your feet wet first before making a huge move to CA as it might be beneficial at this time. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

sdmommie · Apr 17, 2011

It's incredibly difficult for those who live here to get a job. It's not impossible, but here's what I've been told... Scripps isn't hiring New Grads right now unless you are already a Scripps employee. Every hospital is looking at upwards of 400 applicants for every 1 position. Not really good odds. San Diego is an amazing place to live, but getting a job as a new grad here is REALLY difficult.

gemini80 · Apr 17, 2011

EXTREMELY difficult. Even our techs who have been here for years and are now RNs cannot get jobs. Some are still working as techs:crying2:

AMAC8487 · Apr 18, 2011

Wow.. Had no idea it was that difficult!!! There were a few techs i worked with that wanted to move out to LA, and they got a job right out of school in the ICU, so i figured it would be easy...

Good point on the rate of pay. I knew the cost of living was obviously quite a bit higher in SanDiego opposed to Michigan, but always assumed it had to be SOMEWHAT manageable having a distinguishable profession and all....

I guess Ill hold off, because it does make sense to get experience here at home where I am comfortable.. and I thank you all for giving me some insight on the hospitals there!!!

cdsga · Apr 20, 2011

They may have internships for new grads. Ask about available ones for your area of interest.

manager123 · Apr 20, 2011

By all means take the NCLEX for Michigan. You will be able to get reciprocity in California or whatever state you eventually move to. Look for internships and certainly be available for interview with an open eye and mind for why they are offering out of state new grads positions when most hospitals have 50 applicants for every open position (if not hundreds).

I have hired out of state BSN new grads in the past but I have learned to look carefully at local applicants first. Why? The support network needs to be there. After a few months away from "home", folks get lonely, need extra time off or special shift arrangements to fly back frequently for various family or life events. Those that move out without a strong support network are less likely to stay after a year. With today's economy, frequent needs to rehire and orient are a drain on budget resources and affect patient safety.

Yes, San Diego and most of the southern California area has beautiful weather, beaches, mountains, and all kinds of outdoor and other activities. As a few have already commented, our cost of living (especially compared to the midwest) is very high for apartment rentals and such. Those attractive salaries might not seem so attractive when you are looking for that first apartment or such.

Cuezee2 · Apr 20, 2011

Funny, I'm looking to leave CA when I graduate because I know my chances of getting a job here are slim to none. My friend just graduated last Dec at the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA, she has her PALS, ACLS, special training in L&D and NICU, work experience, some other specialized classes, etc...and she can't even get an interview.

Good luck!

HEARTSAVERRN1960 · Apr 20, 2011

" Look for internships and certainly be available for interview with an open eye and mind for why they are offering out of state new grads positions when most hospitals have 50 applicants for every open position (if not hundreds). "

This is absolutely true plus the fact with the ecomony it does not benefit hospitals to hire new grads as it costs more to train them. Continue to look take your boards in Michigan, obtain some more experience and try a travel job. Better chance of making your way to "America's Finest City" Sunny San Diego...

:cool: