New grad job southern california

CocoaLoverFNP · Jul 21, 2015

New grad RN positions around here are highly competitive. Some RNs work as a CNA at the desired facility first even when they already have their RN. The CNA job may last for a year. San Diego is very saturated with new grads and most end up working anywhere else but acute care.

My suggestion is to get at least 1-2 years of RN experience wherever you are or in whatever type of facility. Experienced nurses have better chances of getting hired around here. Living expenses are also high so you will have to make sure you have a back up source of income if you are not hired yet as an RN. The LA area may be different but in my experience, southern CA cities are almost comparable when it comes to RN job hunting.

Good luck!!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2015

If you lack any inside connections to people who could get your applications moved to the top of the stack, it may take a year or longer for you to land your first RN job.

You are in one of the most glutted nursing job markets in the entire US. My advice is to start networking now, or be willing to relocate out of state.

Good luck to you.

crista02 · Jul 21, 2015

Ugh, okay thank you for your reply!

umad · Jul 21, 2015

Just saying, I'm from Southern California. Graduated in May 2014 and got one or two interviews down there within 6 months. Applied out of state and started getting calls daily. I started a job on the east coast 8 months after graduation.

13grad71 · Jul 22, 2015

I'm from SoCal too. My advice is don't be picky. It is the employers ranging from hospitals to SNF who are picky. I took the first job I got - at the county jail. It's by no means glamorous. Well actually a lot of my classmates looked down on me or rolled their eyes. Most of them wanted the perfect hospital with top notch new grad programs. They were really picky. 1.5 years later they are still looking for that perfect job and still jobless.

Dgabrielt · Jul 22, 2015

There are many places that are hiring but they don't really advertise. You need to know someone that works there so go into the hospitals and meet someone. Don't wait for an interview, walk in and make one.

tattooednurse26 · Jul 22, 2015

My advice to you is to find out where all of the SNF's near you are located. Write down the addresses along with a resume tailored made to that facility. Also make sure you have your cover letter ready along with letters of recommendations from your instructors. Go to the facilities and apply in person. Attach your cover letter and letter of recommendations even if they don't ask for it. If you can ask to speak with someone from HR briefly, if not don't get discouraged just follow up with a phone call a week later. And remember to dress in business casual when you go fill out an application, first impressions are so important. Be very polite, and smile! You want to have a very warm and compassionate aura about yourself. If you give the receptionist your application, ask them for their name and how's it going? You know just put yourself out there a bit but don't over do it. Just be personable. Its hard work but just from doing that I received calls from everywhere I applied :) It's all about how you present yourself, your resume, your cover letter which are all extensions of yourself! Good luck!

gemmi999 · Jul 28, 2015

I lived in San Diego and I know your pain! I got my license at the end of May and knowing how saturated the market is down here, I decided to look inland--San Bernardino and Kern County! I got three offers within the month (all small, community hospitals or SNFs). If you're willing to move out of state, I'd suggest looking inland because that way you're still in-state but have a job!