7 months of RN experience

Published

Specializes in Oncology/medical.

I am a BSN RN from Montana looking to move to Los Angeles in June due to my husband getting an internship (6 months) at UCLA. I was wondering if anyone had any advice/tips on job hunting. I only have 7 months of experience on a medical/oncology floor and have already been hearing that I would still be considered a new graduate due to graduating in May 2010. With this, I have missed the new grad deadline application. I wouldnt mind applying for per diem jobs or temp jobs so that I can have time to try and get into an area of nursing which I really would enjoy ( L & D, postpartum, psych, or family practice). Any advice for job hunting in the LA area would be greatly appreciated! Has it gotten any easier for you guys? We are hoping to rent near UCLA. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Reading these posts about the job market has been very depressing!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're almost there for that one years experience. IMO, you shouldn't give up your job just yet. You would be basically starting all over because most places want you to have at least 1 years experience. Having 7 months experience and moving out to the LA area isn't going to do you any good. It's like 7 months down the drain. You may want to continue to stay in Montana for the remainder of the 5 months so you can gain your RN II status and then it would be easier to look for employment with that status and the minimum of 1 years experience. Also even if you would find a new grad position to apply for, they most likely wouldn't take you because of your 7 months experience. They usually want new grads with zero experience. Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.

I agree. I would not move to Los Angeles unless you have at least 1 year experience. There are very few jobs here and even experienced nurses are having a hard time. I am a new grad and I've been looking for months but there's no hope for me here. I was actually thinking about moving and I looked into Montana. I want to be a nurse so I'll move anywhere to start my career. Do you know of any hospital hiring new grads over there?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/medical.

This is all depressing. I am hoping that if I am very flexible (not limiting myself to acute care hospitals) I can get lucky and find a job. It is confusing for 7 months to count for nothing in California.

Many hospitals here don't necessarily have "new graduate programs" but will hire new grads depending on the nurse managers preference and then put them through orientation of 3 months and new grad classes. Billings MT has 2 hospitals Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare that hire new grads and most likely the rest of the cities in the state do as well just dependent on the position and the manager. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, Peds ICU.

Why don't you stay where you are until you have a year's experience, then come join him?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

u can try home care agency...they accept atleast 6months RN experience...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/ Tele/ DOU.

You need to get that 1 yr experience before you move to Los Angeles. Its very difficult to get a job as a new grad but almost worst if your not a new grad a have less than 1 year experience. If you don't believe us look up all the postings out there or call the local hospital recruiters.

My coworker in the versant program is in a similar situation. She moved here because she landed a new grad program and her husband is in school out of state. Its hard to be away from your loved one, but this is your career and you livelihood.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I agree: if you can, stay to get the one year's experience before moving. That puts you on stronger footing than someone who would still be considered a new grad, especially since you're moving to a job market flooded with new grads looking for work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am a BSN RN from Montana looking to move to Los Angeles in June due to my husband getting an internship (6 months) at UCLA. I was wondering if anyone had any advice/tips on job hunting. I only have 7 months of experience on a medical/oncology floor and have already been hearing that I would still be considered a new graduate due to graduating in May 2010i. With this, I have missed the new grad deadline application. I wouldnt mind applying for per diem jobs or temp jobs so that I can have time to try and get into an area of nursing which I really would enjoy ( L & D, postpartum, psych, or family practice). Any advice for job hunting in the LA area would be greatly appreciated! Has it gotten any easier for you guys? We are hoping to rent near UCLA. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! (Reading these posts about the job market has been very depressing!)
I know that this post was a while back but I was curious if you were able to find work in CA with less then a year experience or if you stayed behind to finish out your year. I'm originally from CA but moved to get into a new grad program out of state to get experience but I ultimately want to move back and potentially before I've been here for a year. I know UCSD in San Diego considers you a CNII after 6 mos as well as UCI in Irvine, but I'm just curious how hard it might have been to get hired? Thank you for any advice!
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion