Getting BSN out of California and coming back?

[perfectversec]

Hello Everyone!

Been lurking the forums for a few months now as I have decided to to pursue nursing!

I live in Orange County -- Southern California! I've been here my whole life and my family is here! I am applying to programs, specifically out of state because the competition here is tough and I would like to start soon! [Found some programs that allow you to enter this fall or spring]

Ideally, I want to go out of state to experience something new, but I was worried about if I come back to California how difficult it would to be to find a job!

New grad from out of state program ...vs... New grad from a California program

Little about myself:

Applying to accelerated BSN programs, thinking of MSN programs also...

BA in psychology at UCI

Have majority of prereqs done

Both overall and science GPA ~3.4

Volunteer work only

Programs I have applied so far/plan on applying: Drexel (Philly), Touro (Nevada), Regis (Denver), and a few others.

Some of my friends attend West Coast, and told me to go there but the price is insane, plus I've heard some issues with the accreditation when applying to graduate school.. But if I need to spend that extra [30k] YIKES!! ... I might think about it!

** It's not that I already plan on staying in CA my whole life, but its just a thought of if I can come back...

Please Help!

[buttercupp85]

Hi there!

I am originally from California (Santa Cruz area) and moved to southern Oregon to pursue nursing and am currently finally finishing my senior year.

I have been trying to get back into California but I just hear it's really tough, especially for new grads. However, I really want to work in pediatrics and care about that more than being in an ideal area. So I've been applying all over. I think as a new grad you can either apply all over to any nursing job in your ideal area or apply to your dream speciality anywhere, but not both. Unless you're super lucky! So I guess it's what's the most important to you, if that makes sense.

Also, I'd make sure you're getting into at least a BSN program and that your program is CCNE accredited. I've volunteered some time in my nursing school working with admissions and have found that if your school isn't CCNE accredited, you're stuck in that state after you graduate for at least a year. The nursing program of the community college closest to where I live in Oregon can only get a job in Oregon for at least a year.

Also you can work wherever for 1-2 years and then you'll be much more marketable in your ideal area or hospital. I have to say I have been applying everywhere (at least 20 applications I've put out so far) and so far have been offered 5 interviews and 3/5 interviews are from the same hospital that I have been doing clinicals at. So it does seem like it's much easier to get a job in places you've been at for nursing school, especially your senior year preceptorship. Anyways, hope this helped. :)