Help!! New Grad in SoCal

Nurses Career Support

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Hey Guys!

This is my first post, but I am completely desperate and hoping someone can lend some advice.

I am a new grad (graduated in May) who has a license in New Jersey. My husband and I decided to move out west to be with my family this past summer. I am in the process of waiting for my license here in California (endorsement takes about 10-12 weeks) - but started the process as of August 21st. I have been doing endless research on positions and it is very discouraging.

I have been noticing that most places do not take new grads unless they go through a new grad program. Which I would be completely fine with, but I found through my research that these new grad programs only happen once or twice a year - and I missed the cut off for the most up and coming one.

I guess what my question for all you lovely nurses out there is...what should I be doing, and where should I be looking? I live in Ventura County, I have taken BLS, ACLS, PALS, and sat through a pediatric emergencies seminar. I am extremely discouraged that I wont be able to find something, and if I do it wont be possibly until around February. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance!!

Nina =)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Start by looking outside of hospitals. You are way more likely to find a job, earn some money, and get some experience. Also- are you a BSN grad? Because this will also impact your Job Search.

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I do not have my BSN, but will be working toward that shortly. There were just too many changes happening all at once to add that to the mix.

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Specializes in Emergency, Tele, Med Surg, DOU, ICU.

CMH at Ventura County starts their new grad app in November. I used to live in VC and I know for a fact CMH hires new grads even if you don't go thru their new grad program. Tip -> Submit your application directly to the floor managers in person. Go thru each floor and look for the managers office. They are very accommodating except ICU and ER coz those depts need experience, as I was told. My friend got her job at Tele floor doing just that, turning in her app in person. They are building a new hospital and it's almost done and ought to need nurses, as I was told.

Check out St Johns at Oxnard, VCMC at Ventura and other small hospitals.

St John's also stars their new grad program in Nov or Dec. Good luck

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I live in California and help to interview and hire new grads at my facility. Like many, we onboard 2-3 cohorts a year via our residency program. We are interviewing now for the January cohort.

I see so many new grads (and experienced nurses) who do not know how to stand out in this competitive market. From my nurse manager background, I wrote a book targeted to new nurses just like yourself. It includes tips and insider strategies on applications, cover letters, resumes, and interviews. "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"

I hope you will check it out and best wishes.

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Did you happen to find a job in the Ventura County? About to start looking there as well as a new grad.

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Hi meganm1996,

Sad to say - no, I have not found a job yet in Ventura County. I have been applying endlessly everywhere! I have even moved on to LA County and further. I am desperate to find a job.

You just graduated? Are you relocating to California, or did you go to school here? Keep me posted on any leads you get, and I most certainly will do the same!

Good luck!

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I am graduating in May and am relocating in Santa Barbara. Here is my email, [email protected]

I am applying to every nurse residency program out there and am hoping my TX schooling does not effect job opportunities in CA.

I am applying for my CA license when i initially take my NCLEX.

We can talk about job listings!

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