L&D in CA...good and bad?

perfexion, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2015

I am originally from NYC. I came to central valley California earlier this year to do L&D. One of the biggest pros is they have state mandated patient:nurse ratios which is why it's a good market for travelers. Also there's OT after 8 hours of your 12 hour shift, as opposed to NY where OT kicks in after 40 hours. It can be very lucrative depending on your agency. I was bringing in $3k a week. The cons have to do with location. Southern California is obviously the most desired location so it doesn't pay as well as some of the less desirable locations, like central valley where I am. NoCal pays decent and it's a good location so that's a good choice. I love the weather and the people out here. I don't drive so that's a huge adjustment and boy do I miss the food back East! But the actual work is pretty much the same. Good luck!

jodyangel, RN · Aug 17, 2015

Perfextion,

are you there now? Did you find your own housing or use the companies?

perfexion, ASN, RN · Aug 18, 2015

I'm still here. I'm packing for the Bay Area now. I'm leaving in 2 weeks. I had to find my own housing. My company doesn't provide housing but gives an extremely generous housing stipend. I usually look for residence Inns or extended stays because they have kitchenettes. Eating out every night is fun at first but gets really expensive really fast.

jodyangel, RN · Aug 18, 2015

...but that sort of housing is Crazy expensive right?

guest769224 · Aug 18, 2015

My company doesn't provide housing but gives an extremely generous housing stipend.

Can I ask which company you're using?

Fastaff, perhaps?

eager1hasbegun · Aug 18, 2015

Can I ask which company you're using?
Fastaff, perhaps?

Actually Fastaff does provide housing (in extended stays), and the stipend wasn't too generous (with the 2 CA assignments I did). lol

jodyangel, RN · Aug 18, 2015

I would not want to accept housing from the company. You always lose money..

perfexion, ASN, RN · Aug 18, 2015

Can I ask which company you're using?
Fastaff, perhaps?

Not this time. I'm traveling with my other agency, Flexcare.

perfexion, ASN, RN · Aug 18, 2015

...but that sort of housing is Crazy expensive right?

My recruiter helps me find housing. She usually has relationships with local people who rent rooms to travelers.

NYCdreams · Aug 20, 2015

Hey Jody!

I am actually thinking about doing the reverse trip across the US as you. As far as California goes, I would definitely recommend the Northern California area. There are so many great things to explore: San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and you can't beat the Fall weather! Housing in Northern California is also relatively affordable (with the exception being the Bay Area). You can easily find a nice place in Sacramento, Central CA, etc. for under $1200/mo.

Would you mind shining some light on what I can expect in New York City? I have only briefly visited in the past and would love the hear your first-hand take on living and working in NY, too.