Looking to Relocate

Hello all!

My name is Makayla. I graduated from an ADN program in May of 2016. I have worked as an RN on a Bariatric/Med-Surg/Tele floor since July of 2016. I have lived in Oklahoma for my entire life and am looking to relocate to Los Angeles, CA. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on the best way to make this transition?

I have been job hunting online but it seems very difficult to pick where to apply when I have absolutely no idea about the hospitals in that area. Are there sites with hospital/job reviews?

I am unsure where to start with all of this and as I am planning on visiting the area mid April of this year (to hopefully interview) and then moving in June... any advice would be extremely helpful.

Thanks ahead of time

First, it would be best if you could stay at your current job for a full year at the barest minimum. Is there some reason you HAVE to move in June? New employers are going to look askance at a resume with less than one year of experience for a new grad; in some cases less than two years looks bad. Of course if you have to relocate because your husband has been transferred to LA, that's different.

Second, you might try posting on the California nursing forum and asking about specific hospitals in which you're interested in the LA area. Peruse the hospitals' websites and find out as much as you can. Also look at a rental website or app and get an idea of how much it will cost to live in the area. Housing may give you a better idea of where to look for jobs (and vice versa). I wouldn't go to LA without a solid idea of where you'd like to work and where to look for housing.

Third, have you checked into licensing in California?

Good luck. I got a wild hair to live in Boston, and after two full years in my first job, I went and did it. It didn't last long -- only two years -- but I've never regretted the experience.