Move out here or get 1 year experience first ?!?

Hi all,

So I am well aware of the current SoCal new grad hiring situation aka 10,000 new grads fighting over 1 position, etc. but is it worth it to move out when I graduate this December and take the NCLEX in California and just give it a shot?

I have a girlfiend who is from LA (I am from WI) and wants me to move out post-graduation but everywhere I call seems flooded with the same story. Is it better to just get the golden 1 yr. minimum experience here (I have 3 offers, all from level 1 trauma center ICU/ERs) instead of being unemployed for possibly > 6 months out there, or does anyone have any experience with getting luck out there? I'll have an ADN, decent grades, nurse-intern experience AND starting my RN-BSN completion this Spring and was hoping to finally start my life out west for good. Thanks!

TAKE THE JOB. TAKE THE JOB. TAKE THE JOB.

You say you're aware of the hiring situation, but you don't seem to grasp the full reality of it. "Possibly >6 months"? There are plenty of BSN-trained new grads with stellar grades who've been searching for more than a year. You're 26. There's no rush. Count your blessings (people would kill for one of your offers, let alone three) and please, please get at least a year's experience before moving.

It's definitely not worth it. I understand the desire to jump in and go for it, I mean this is an exciting time of your life, you're ready for the hard work to pay off! But it's just unrealistic. I would say only if you had the most amazing stats/credential would you have a chance... & even that isn't the best chance because the few people who are getting lucky in SoCal often have an "in" or connection at these hospitals.

3 ICU/ER offers at level 1 trauma centers? Count your blessings and take one of those positions for a year, at least.

This will probably make some people mad, but

Never say Never. I moved to CA from Atlanta in June 2010. I graduated in May. Got a job in ICU June 25th. I had NO connections, and I knew no one. I have an ADN and a high GPA and know how to sell myself. Where there is a will, there is a way.

This will probably make some people mad, but

Never say Never. I moved to CA from Atlanta in June 2010. I graduated in May. Got a job in ICU June 25th. I had NO connections, and I knew no one. I have an ADN and a high GPA and know how to sell myself. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Which hospital/system are you employed with, just out of curiousity? I just sent a resume/app package to a new grad RN programs in Bakersfield and San Bernadino. I am male, weight trainer, and former USAF/Air Guard for 6 years, so maybe this helps in some odd way. Its insane how in WI I was able to recieve offers at Froedert SICU and Trauma/Surgical and St Luke's Milwaukee ER, but people are scrapping for anything out there. I suppose if nothing else, I can fly to see my gf like every other week or something :)