How is the San Diego Job Market?

U.S.A. California

Published

Hi, I'm researching a possible career change into nursing (from landscape architecture) and have a few questions:

1. It looks like the job market isn't so great right now. Are nurses (with BSN's) having a hard time finding jobs in the San Diego, CA area right now?

2. I've heard that the job market for nurses fluctuates a lot. Is it likely to be better in 2-3 years when I graduate? If it's bad right now, how long has it been bad for?

3. If i have a hard time finding a job in San Diego when I graduate is it an option to keep working in my original career rather than move out of town for a job? I've heard it's the kiss of death, career wise, to not start working right away after graduating. We have two little kids and I don't feel like we have the flexibility to move at this time in our life.

4. Right now I'm looking at National and CSUSM BSN programs...night classes are appealing because of child-care, but are there any other good programs in the area? Thoughts on the Entry level Masters at Azusa or USD?

Thanks so much to all of your for your input!! SO glad I found this forum!!

Do you have some experience as an RN? Have you thought about going through an agency? American mobile is based out of sandiego.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I appreciate your honesty! So do you have any suggestions for nurses that have moved in the area looking for jobs. I have moved up in the ranks of nursing from CNA, LVN, and now RN. I'm a military spouse so we just moved to the San Diego area. We will be here for the rest of my husbands career (10yrs). So finding work is very important not only for my household, but because I love being a nurse. I know sometimes it's about who you know, not what you know. So your post was a true eye opener. At the end of the day I'm a woman with strong FAITH, and changing careers is not a option. Any tips, or any helpful suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thank you for your time! Have a great day! GOD BLESS!

You could apply to military facilities and would have hiring preference. However, all that means is you'd have the advantage compared to other candidates with comparable experience. It doesn't guarantee you a job in any way, shape or form.

Of your 6 years' experience, how many are RN? If you have at least 2, you'd have a pretty good chance of finding a job. If you have 2 plus a BSN, you'd be an even stronger candidate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi murseman83. In a desperate need for a RN job, I found this post. I graduated May 2013 and since then I have applied to numerous places. I do not understand why you mentioned that Scripps hires 4-5 new grads a week. I don't see how that is true!! Scripps have new grad positions available 2 times a year. Their last one was in Oct and now I have to wait until March-April to apply again. I really want to work for Scripps. I did most of my clinical rotations there, including my senior preceptorship. The staff that I worked with was great. But the last time I applied the HR told me that I was not selected because I do not have PAID healthcare experience. But I am a new grad. And seriously, I don't see how working as a CNA prior to my RN license would make me a better candidate for a RN residency position.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
And seriously, I don't see how working as a CNA prior to my RN license would make me a better candidate for a RN residency position.

It would make you an internal candidate...which nowadays doesn't do as much for your application as it used to :/

My facility has been pimping its new grad residency program to internal hires as of late. Even so, my facility has far too many internal candidates fighting for too few residency spots, so most leave empty-handed anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Time to consider relocating, possibly out of state... I hope you realized graduating nearly 9months ago that you are seeking opportunities in one of the top 3 markets in California. Honestly, browse the California forum more, doesn't matter which part, all the answers are gonna be the same- it's tough as a new grad everywhere. Better start putting applications outside of San Diego, and California soon. Scripps specifically, hires a significant amount internally for the new grad programs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Unfortunately relocating is not an option for me. My husband's work is here and there is no way he can transfer. I will keep in trying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
Unfortunately relocating is not an option for me. My husband's work is here and there is no way he can transfer. I will keep in trying.

Good luck to you gikg. I think I've seen you on a number of the same forums as myself. I was at my wits end with this job market after a year of searching. Is there any way you could "geo-bachelor" it.. Meaning you live apart for a year while you get that coveted year of experience?

My fiancé is stationed here in the San Diego area and we decided that it would be best (for my sanity, really) to start applying outside of California. Luckily I landed an internship about 2.5-3 hours away from our house in a different state, so seeing each other on days off won't be wildly difficult. It will stink being away from each other, but after I gain my experience hopefully I will have more options for employment in CA... One can do anything for a year, right? ?

(I understand this may not be even close to an option if you have kids!) Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way.. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Unfortunately relocating is not an option for me. My husband's work is here and there is no way he can transfer. I will keep in trying.

He may not, but you can.. There are always options.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Unit, Tele, Med/Surg, Oncology,.

bad choice San Diego is nice im from there but no opening unless ur experienced nurse. My advice get in as a Cna then u got a chance

Up Vote Up Vote ×

not.done.yet - what do you mean the degree ages? like it will be more difficult to find a job if you spent a year or 2 unemployed?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
not.done.yet - what do you mean the degree ages? like it will be more difficult to find a job if you spent a year or 2 unemployed?

Yes. The longer you are unemployed, the less desirable you appear to prospective employers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yes. The longer you are unemployed, the less desirable you appear to prospective employers.

Thats really a bummer, I am getting this feeling that this nursing profession is a lot more demanding of you than what I have previously thought requiring lots of ones energy, time, and commitment. I have plenty of friends in construction unions who work for a few months then go unemployed for a few months. I went into nursing thinking for this can be possible. Like just work for 1 -2 years, save up 100k and take a year off from work and travel, etc. But it seems this lifestyle alternative is somewhat laughable for an RN, would you second that?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment