Giving up on California

U.S.A. California

Published

I've been out of school now for over 8 months and have sent out, at the very least, over 175 applications; have had 4 interviews and more rejections than I can count.

I just don't believe California wants us newly graduated nurses. I have started sending applications out of this state and with in 1 day have already set up an interview... it took me more than 3 months to get my very first interview here in California and they didn't even bother to call me back to let me know I didn't get the position...

I love California and will forever be a Cali girl... but in order to be a nurse I need to go... :(. Some day I hope to return with over a year experience under my belt... then they'll be knocking down my door ;)

Hey Commuter... Is it really bad in California in terms of the job outlook? Even at nursing homes, convalescent hospitals or rehab centers?

It sure is! It used to be that SNFs/LTCs were quite easy to get in to, especially for new grads. Now, they prefer experienced nurses.

And let's not even start on the hospitals. :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
It sure is! It used to be that SNFs/LTCs were quite easy to get in to, especially for new grads. Now, they prefer experienced nurses.

And let's not even start on the hospitals. :(

What do you think abt me? I have like 4 years of sub/post-acute nursing experience. And that's the kind that's almost like a med surg unit in a hospital (terrible!). You think I have a chance? I've practiced in Colorado and Florida...Thanks mate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I got lucky: I'm a certified psych nurse, and we're always in demand :) But yeah, the market is pretty bad for a lot of the specialties, and even more so for the new grads. The more experience you have, the better your chances are, but still...

If it wasn't for the fact that we had to come to California for the other half's job, I probably would not have considered moving out here given the job outlook.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Hey Commuter... Is it really bad in California in terms of the job outlook? Even at nursing homes, convalescent hospitals or rehab centers?
According to recent statistics, 43 percent of all California new grads have been unable to land their very first nursing jobs within 18 months after graduation.

Central Valley Business Times

Nursing homes and rehabs are now demanding anywhere from 1 to 3 years of experience before they will even accept one's job application.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
According to recent statistics, 43 percent of all California new grads have been unable to land their very first nursing jobs within 18 months after graduation.

Central Valley Business Times

Nursing homes and rehabs are now demanding anywhere from 1 to 3 years of experience before they will even accept one's job application.

Wow... That is depressing. You think I have a chance with my 4 years experience in post-acute and rehab centers? Like my previous post, I've already seen all the craziness that a post-hospital care center could offer.

Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Wow... That is depressing. You think I have a chance with my 4 years experience in post-acute and rehab centers? Like my previous post, I've already seen all the craziness that a post-hospital care center could offer.

Thanks.

You might not land a rehab center job immediately, but it is possible, especially with your experience. It also helps if you are willing to commute.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you just trying to get a job in a hospital? I suggest that you make sure that you apply to work at Skilled Nursing Facilities. Patients are being discharged from the hospital with higher level of medical care needs so RNs are needed to provide for that care. You should be able to not only develop your nursing skills but also will get experience. I can imagine a problem could be that they do not provide an adequate orientation. Rethinking the orientation for nurses entering the profession through SNFs needs to be evaluated. You are needed and will continue to be needed as baby boomers are now starting to retire. Acute care hospital is not the only place where nurses are needed. Dig deeper.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

I too am a California native and am now living and working in Texas. I had about three years of experience, but that still didn't help me land a hospital job in my area of California. OP, did you get the position in Missouri? If not, Parkland hospital in Dallas just posted TONS of positions, and most don't require experience. Parkland has issues (you can read all about it here on AN), but if you are desperate, it might be worth a shot. I have heard good things about the training there, and many nurses move from out of state.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Good luck to you!

California is my home state and I moved away nearly 7 years ago. Although I now have more than 6 years of nursing experience in another state, I have been unable to return to CA due to no firm job offers there.

With 6 years of experience you should have no problems getting a job here in CA. Have you tried a travel assignment first? Plenty of hospitals are actually hiring their travel nurses after their first assignment since they want to see if you are a fit for their department. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
With 6 years of experience you should have no problems getting a job here in CA. Have you tried a travel assignment first? Plenty of hospitals are actually hiring their travel nurses after their first assignment since they want to see if you are a fit for their department. Good luck.
I do not have any acute care experience because I have never worked at a hospital, so I do not qualify for any travel nursing positions. My experience is in LTC, SNF, subacute rehab, and acute rehab.

Not all nursing experience is equal. Those of us who have the 'wrong mix' of experience are only slightly better off than the new grads with no experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you try and ask your school for any help? They might know a few places that are hiring that may not be leaked to the general public. Try that before you move.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well Missouri fell through. It was for the NICU the managers loved me and wanted me, but the nurse educator decided i didn't have enough experience... I just did an interview with Duke in north Carolina and am now waiting for their reply.... I really hope they have good need for me...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment