Is there hope for new grads in California?

[ItsDaisyDear]

I always hear many nurses talk about how it's hard to get a job as a nurse in California especially in the Bay Area. My question is, is it really that hard, even if you're looking for a job in the nursing home? Are there opportunities at small clinics and nursing homes for NEW grad LVN and RN's at least??? I'll take what ever I can get, I'm not picky. I'm trying to move out to the Bay Area and if I can't find a job there then I'm going to Sacramento. I need answers for the RN route and the LVN route.

[Salsacat]

I could write a book to answer this... but suffice it to say, yes, it's that hard for new grads anywhere coastal. I'm bilingual, have two master's degrees, a 4.0 GPA, and every certification under the sun, and it's been insanely hard. Unless you have a very strong advocate in the hospital system you're applying to, it takes a literal miracle (miracles happen, but they are rare by definition). But, if you are willing to apply at a SNF that will be MUCH easier. If you are willing to live in the central valley, it will also be doable. If I were you (I have kids in school so I can't move), I would start in a "less desirable" location than the coast to get two years acute care experience, then you can move where you like.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Look at the small towns on the outskirts of any metro area. Increases your chance dramatically. When I was a new grad I literally googled all the health facilities in my region and out applications in at all of them as an RN. I got an RN job fairly quickly because they viewed me as previous health experience because of my LVN.

When I was an LVN I also applied everywhere. I wish I had known though as an LVN there are other jobs you are qualified for, ER tech, etc. I wish I had known that. I think I might have had even more opportunity if I had done a job like that. You just have to be willing to work where others aren't.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

The San Joaquin Valley is desperate for healthcare providers. As a new grad, go where there is a good job that provides good training. After you have some experience, then apply for work in SF if you still want to go there. Good luck.

[outriton]

My Sacramento ICU recently expanded from 12 beds to 16 beds and ended up hiring about 25 more RNs to cover the extra patients. About a quarter of the hires were new grads. Most of them had done their preceptorship/leadership on our unit or worked on our unit as nurse externs. A handful were just random new grad applicants though.

I think it can be pretty hit or miss and just depends on your luck. We needed to hire so many people that even though the preferred was experienced ICU nurses, there weren't 25 that fit the bill for whatever reason and some tele, floor, and new nurses were hired as well.

[SuburbsGirl]

It's tough in all the big cities. Overload of nurses. Chicago is brutal too.