new grad maybe moving to CA

perioddrama · Feb 24, 2012

My husband is looking to relocate and he is looking in CA. Don't know yet if it would be Northern or Southern (I know, not very specific!). I will graduate with my RN in May. We currently live in AZ and the job outlook is terrible for new grads, so I wondered how it was in CA? I've heard different things, so was just curious as to the real scoop! I also have a Bachelors in Health Information Management and of course will go back for my BSN, but I want a job first!
Thanks!
Maria

Unfortunately, the job market for new grads in CA is also horrendous. I've been out 15 months, and still nothing. Others are around 12 months to 16 months as well.

My friend in the Bay Area says it is just as bad up there as down here in Southern CA.

My advice: Get a job lined up first before you move.

Good luck job hunting with the rest of us.

illsince83 · Feb 24, 2012

Its pretty tough out here in California. We attract many out of state nurses because of the high salaries for nurses, especially in the bay area. It may be in your best interest to perhaps finish your BSN, before looking for a RN job as well since many hospitals now are looking to BSNs as the minimum requirement for employees because of the high amount of applicants per open positions. Southern California has more new grad opportunities than Nor-Cal if you do have a choice in what area you move to.

Good Luck

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 24, 2012

It is tough for new grads, and even tougher if you lack the BSN. Of the crop of new grads that came into my facility, almost all had a BSN: the very few that didn't have it were either internal employees or were already enrolled in a RN-BSN program. The BA you already have will not help you very much either, as you'd still be a non-BSN applicant.

It's not impossible to get hired, just very difficult. Prepare to look outside the box for employment opportunities.