Moving to Bay Area, maybe ... nervous about finding work!

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Hi all! I'm a relatively new nurse (1 year MedSurg/Tele experience in a pretty small community hospital in PA) and I'm looking to find a job in or around San Jose/San Francisco. I've applied to 20+ jobs at this point, and so far I've gotten nothing more than a few little nibbles, although to be honest I have only heard back from about 7 of the jobs I applied to. I'm hoping to move in May, but I'm starting to get nervous because I have yet to find a job!

I do not have a CA license, yet - it is processing as I type, hopefully, and should be done in the next 3 weeks or so if their time frame is accurate! Will I have more success (maybe) after I get a bona fide license in Cali?

I also realize the fact that I literally live across the country might be kind of a turn-off for employers, but I'm nervous to move all the way to San Jo without any kind of employment prospects - I've seen some scary threads about hiring on this board! :bag: I am considering signing up with a staffing agency like Maxim, or Fastaff, but I'd really prefer a good, steady job I could stay in for a few years, rather than a short assignment!

Does anybody have any suggestions? Thoughts? Feelings? LOL I am just looking for a little advice - my coworkers out here are coming from all different directions (ranging from 'you're not allowed to leave' to 'just go and figure on finding a job once you're out there') and I'm looking for advice from those in the area, I guess!

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My advice isn't useful cause I'm in a similar situation. I'm in NY and want to get a position in SF after I graduate in may. I wouldn't go unless I had a job lined up, moving across the country without a job or friends seems like too much at once haha but good luck in your search!

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Specializes in ICU, ED, PICC.

With 1 year of experience, you definitely have a leg up on most other applicants. I am one of those poor souls that has no hospital experience and I am trying everywhere. Currently, I am employed by Maxim and they have given me a school nurse job. Maxim has been great so far. I do feel that the best is to get your CA license and move here. There is a surplus of nurses in the bay area and it helps to be present. It is more appealing for a nurse manager to call and interview a person who lives in the bay compared to across the country. It also shows your commitment to actually stay here. Hospitals are having problems with high turnover rates and if it looks like you aren't committed to staying in CA, then you aren't a good candidate for them.

I completely understand the fear of moving somewhere and not having everything lined up. I had to do that when moving to SF, but luckily for me I had a bf that was able to support me for a month.

Good luck to you! And if you have any questions about the bay area (or being employed by Maxim), I may be able to help!

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Hey, thanks for the tips! I think if that's the case I will just sit chilly here in PA until I get my CA license, and then see what's up with the job market - maybe if I can find something per diem or part time at first I will feel more comfortable moving out there! It's a weird position because while I don't like the AREA I'm living in, I don't mind my job at all. So it's hard to consider leaving my current job even though I dislike living here, and moving to somewhere where yeah, I like the area, but I don't have a job!

LOL I keep telling my friends that if I could just take my house and my job with me, everything would be perfect .......

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Specializes in Near Future: ED, Future Future: ACNP!.

@SpikeRN, I'm in the opposite boat. I'm living in CA, trying to find a job in PA! I live in San Diego and I'm a New Grad, so it's tough.

I think it's difficult whenever you have an out of state address. I'm finding some places screen me out automatically even though I am licensed in the state.

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I've had some luck sending my resume directly to the unit managers and then following up with a phone call after a week. Good Luck!

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Hey, thanks for the tips! I think if that's the case I will just sit chilly here in PA until I get my CA license, and then see what's up with the job market - maybe if I can find something per diem or part time at first I will feel more comfortable moving out there! It's a weird position because while I don't like the AREA I'm living in, I don't mind my job at all. So it's hard to consider leaving my current job even though I dislike living here, and moving to somewhere where yeah, I like the area, but I don't have a job!

LOL I keep telling my friends that if I could just take my house and my job with me, everything would be perfect .......

Try looking on USAJobs. Mostly VA jobs. The process can be lengthy, but, great opportunities. They have had a quite a few jobs in the bay area lately. You should also call a VA recruiter, if interested.

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