Networking/Connections

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Hi folks!

My first post here - hope its up to par! My girlfriend and I are currently completing BSN's in Maine. We are keeping an open mind about life after graduation and are contemplating a move to California among other options.

I know this site is inundated with threads about salaries, where to live, etc etc. so I'll try to be quick. I am more interested in using allnurses.com as a networking tool rather than a blog. If anyone is interested in networking about possibilities in California it would be great. As an out-of-stater with no connections I am open to any advice - names of recruiters, programs, managers...anything you might be able to share to get us on the way. Blogging is great but I'd rather get specific details from people on the ground as it were. We want to know what (and who!) you know!

If you feel like you may want to help us out we can perhaps use this thread as a 'meet and greet' and go from there. Of course we are doing our own research regarding cities, hospitals and so forth but a little guiding light is always appreciated.

Thanks everyone and take care.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

Hi Murray--welcome! I live in Orange County in Southern California. I would be glad to give you pointers. My biggest piece of advice would be to come out here and look around before you make any big committments. California is a huge and very diverse and different place depending on where you land. Give us an idea of what you are looking for: urban? suburban? rural? desert? forest or mountains? beach? We have it all.

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Hi Murray--welcome! I live in Orange County in Southern California. I would be glad to give you pointers. My biggest piece of advice would be to come out here and look around before you make any big committments. California is a huge and very diverse and different place depending on where you land. Give us an idea of what you are looking for: urban? suburban? rural? desert? forest or mountains? beach? We have it all.

Hi JaneyW!

Thanks for your kind reply! My girlfriend and I have had several animated discussions about location. I suppose the considerations must be balanced between practicality and preference. We will both have substantial loans so salary, cost of living, etc. must be accounted for. We do not have our heart set on urban living but certainly access to culture, dining etc would be nice. We were also both born into scenic, natural environments so if we could maintain some of that it would be great. If I could be close to both the mountains and the ocean it would be just right! We have many more thoughts but those are some of the salient points. Hope to speak with you more and thanks again!

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

My first thought is the Lake Tahoe area. It isn't "the beach", but it is "a beach" and also a beautiful area. One shore of the lake is in Nevada so you can gamble!. You may also look at other northern California coastal areas--Arcata, Humboldt, Eureka. The Bay area is expensive and I am seeing here that they aren't hiring much. Sacramento is more affordable, but I have also heard rumblings about no jobs. Maybe San Diego or inland down there. Not as scenic and natural as what you are used to, but the beaches are spectacular!

California is expensive. More expensive in some areas than others. The less expensive places tend to be the less scenic, but not necessarily bad places to live (thinking Merced area). Do your research on pricing. Where I live, one bedroom apts are 1300-2000 a month. Homes are $700,000 and up. It is more affordable in other areas.

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Warning about Sacramento, it gets really hot, as does the entire valley area. Best areas for temperate weather can usually be found on the coast.

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Thanks guys! I appreciate the advice. Strange that you should mention the north Janey. We have been researching Redding for the past day or so. Close to the mountains and seemingly a nice lake region. Parkland seems to be plentiful and some of the natural/rural elements that we enjoy here may be available minus the harsh climate. Housing seems reasonable and the city seems big enough for our purposes. Any thoughts?

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