job searching in SD... my hopeless journey!

U.S.A. California

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Every since I can remember my husband has had the wild idea of moving to California. After visiting San Diego, we both fell in love with the surroundings and made the crazy decision to start planning the 11 hour move. I am a 2 year RN in the great state of New Mexico and never figured it would have been this difficult to find a job in CA. My job search started in March when we agreed 100% this was what we wanted. So now 3 months and a gazillion applications later, I'm still at ground zero. I just given my 30 day notice and am about to give my 2wk resignation at work. I think its crazy, but my husband seems to believe it will all work out. This move needs to happen before I my kids go back to school. But I'm at a total loss. Any suggestions, tips, advise, will be of great help... :(

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Research regarding the job market in CA is super essential, especially since you are out of state. SD and SF bay area are San Diego are especially tough markets and with 2 years under your belt, you're not not an especially strong candidate in a market super saturated with RNs. Since you do have experience, maybe start with per diem positions or a hiring agency if you haven't already tried. A LOT of staff start as travelers and then get hired with a career position. What kind of experience do you have by the way?

There are plenty of hospitals in the area, you may just have to mind commuting a bit if you're only down for acute care. Hopefully your husband already has a job lined up? If not, moving is not a wise decision.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Try agency/registry nursing--with two years' experience, most agencies will take you on.

The downside is that most agencies don't offer benefits, the hours are not guaranteed, and agency pay isn't as good as you'd think. But still, it's a paycheck and a chance to get your foot in the door at a lot of facilities.

And I agree with the prior poster: if both of you are moving out here because you got a wild hair to come to CA, one of you better have a job in hand, or you may find yourselves really struggling. Not only is the job market lousy, but the cost of living here is far higher than it is in NM.

Best of luck.

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