Moving to CA...Open to Anywhere

U.S.A. California

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Hi all,

I grew up in CA and am moving back from FL. I know nursing in saturated in areas like SF and Sacramento. How about Los Angeles? Central CA? San Diego? North of Bay Area? I am very open but don't want to get stuck in a SNF. I am aiming for Emergency/Critical Care but definitely willing to work my way in there if need be. Any ideas?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

How much hands-on nursing experience do you have? The state is currently flooded with new grads at the present time, and things have been this way since 2008. Nursing programs in CA are producing many more new nurses than the local job markets can handle. I was born and raised in CA and would love to return, but I must remain in the state where I currently live if I wish to maintain employment.

SF Bay area = saturated

Los Angeles area = saturated

San Diego = saturated

North of the Bay area = you might stumble upon a job in a lower-paying, rural location

Central Valley = saturated, although places such as Fresno and Coalinga do have some opportunities.

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In addition to my clinical experience, I have been working as a Nurse Extern since April. I have a non-nursing B.A. and am looking to do an RN-MSN program somewhere - I'm hoping that might make me look a bit better to hospitals with a long term vision. I have opportunities here but I'm trying all I can to get back.

How about Orange County or the Inland Empire?

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Both suck. I think almost every hospital in ie stopped new grad programs. Orange county has a few but they usually hire their techs who finished school. So you are a new grad? Nurse extern wont count towards one year experience. Honestly don't move until you have found a job. Most positions in the entire state have 100 applicants per position. This includes experienced nurses.

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I'm graduating in August and will be taking the NCLEX by the end of the month (I hope).

Thanks for the info.

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I live in the central valley, Merced. The hospital website, mercymercedcares.org, has lots of RN positions listed. Just to caution you, it is the only hospital in Merced but it has a horrible reputation. I don't know if this is a place you are wanting to live, but according to the website they are hiring.

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Do you guys know of any places in southern ca that still do summer nursing externships? I'm looking for one for next summer - 2012- I'll be going into my senior year in a BSN program. I currently live and go to school in Florida, but am interested in relocating to California upon graduation...if I can find a job :)

Thanks!

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