New grad RN in Northern CA

[nursebeth6]

I am looking for some area-specific advice about finding work. I am living in southern Solano county now. I graduated with a BSN and got my RN license in another state, and I am waiting for the CA State Board of Nursing to process the endorsement of my license. I have been job hunting for over a month now. I am hoping to get into a hospital, and I have applied to many healthcare systems. I have tried networking on LinkedIn and with anyone I know out here. I have called several HR departments and nurse managers. A lot of times people just tell me to apply online. When I went to one hospital to try and get face time with a nurse manager and a recruiter, I was turned away and told to apply online. I have had a hard time getting in touch with nurse recruiters via phone or email.

So what is my next step? Do I wait for my license to transfer and see if that gets me an interview? Should I try going to more hospitals? How do new grad nurses get jobs here?

Thank you!

[Sour Lemon]

I am looking for some area-specific advice about finding work. I am living in southern Solano county now. I graduated with a BSN and got my RN license in another state, and I am waiting for the CA State Board of Nursing to process the endorsement of my license. I have been job hunting for over a month now. I am hoping to get into a hospital, and I have applied to many healthcare systems. I have tried networking on LinkedIn and with anyone I know out here. I have called several HR departments and nurse managers. A lot of times people just tell me to apply online. When I went to one hospital to try and get face time with a nurse manager and a recruiter, I was turned away and told to apply online. I have had a hard time getting in touch with nurse recruiters via phone or email.

So what is my next step? Do I wait for my license to transfer and see if that gets me an interview? Should I try going to more hospitals? How do new grad nurses get jobs here?

Thank you!

I'm not familiar with that specific area, but a lot of places in California are "employer's markets" and especially difficult for new grads to break into. The fact that you're not licensed yet may just be icing on the cake. The California BON takes about three months to process, and few employers want to hire someone who won't be able to start for that length of time.

I hope you find something soon. Good luck.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I don't know about anyone else, but I don't consider that Northern California. That's the Bay Area, as far as I'm concerned. The previous poster was correct in this being an employer's market and not being licensed yet. What caused you to move to Solano County? Are you willing to relocate?

[nursebeth6]

My husband accepted a job out here, so no, I'm not willing to relocate. Thanks though.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Well, then there ya go.

I would suggest applying to an agency, but I have really strong feelings about new grads taking agency work, so I won't. Good luck to you!

[RNKPCE]

It 's a tough market not going to lie. Applying for one month is nothing for the Bay area. How many places have you applied to? How far are you willing to commute for that first job. Are you applying at the right time in the cycle for new grad programs. Not having a California license yet makes it even more difficult. Even experienced nurses can have trouble getting jobs in the Bay area. Can you look into flu clinics as a temporary job while continuing to apply to in- hospital positions?