job help

suzanne4, RN · Nov 28, 2007

Orientations start for new grads only several times per year, next one will be in February for most facilities that offer this type of program.

Suggest that you check around to see what they have available at this time; know that many have slots already filled by those that are graduating in a couple of weeks.

The new grad programs usually fill up quickly due to the number of nursing programs in the Bay Area as well as the fact that many want to work in this area because of the higher salaries.

Do you have any idea of what area of nursing that you want to work in?

sstars · Nov 28, 2007

thanx for replyin suzanne. Since Im a new grad, im up for anythin...But I would prefer to start off in Medsurge or ICU.

suzanne4, RN · Nov 29, 2007

Specifically in San Francisco, or Bay Area included?

Do you have a car or are planning to rely on public transportation? That is also a factor is places that can be recommended.

Have you written and passed the NCLEX exam yet?

When are you planning to move? Definitely recommend getting the exam done if you have not already done so.

sstars · Dec 1, 2007

sorry for the late reply...to answer ur question..yes, I will have a car. I should have mentioned this earlier that i will be graduating on december 13. Therefore No, i still havent taken the NCLEX-RN exam yet but im planning to take it in January sometime...I just wanted to get started early and start looking for jobs because Im a bit short on $$!!

Oh and also Im looking for a job anywhere in northern california, not specificially in sf or just the bay area, where ever they would pay higher becuase I have student loans to pay!!

thanx for your help!

suzanne4, RN · Dec 3, 2007

If you are going to have a car, then you really do not need to rely on strictly the San Francisco area. Parking is expensive, but the issue that you are going to run into is that the next new grad programs start in two months and most are already full, at least that is what I am hearing in town.

One thing that you need take into consideration is that where the salaries are higher, the cost of living is much higher and you will also be paying out more in taxes, so your actual take home pay can be lower over all. You need to run the numbers to see what you will need to pay your loans and still give you money to live on.

You can try CPMC, Stanford, any of the Kaiser facilities, San Mateo General, General in San Francisco. And there are others as well in the area. Do highly recommend getting the NCLEX exam done before you move, so one less stressor to deal with. And easier to get a job with that exam out of the way.

Best of luck to you. But do not move until you have a job lined up, harder to get up here as a new grad right now.