New Grad from New York wanting to move to California

[Katya944]

Hello everyone. I have just graduated from a nursing program in New York in which I have earned my BSN. I graduated May 19, 2017 and took my NCLEX July 11,2017. I checked the quick results and have passed and am now just waiting for my license to come in the mail. I really wanted to move to California and transfer my license as soon as possible. Does anyone have any advice or experience in this area? I have no family in California but have dreamed of moving there after I had graduated nursing school. I'm just not sure if I apply to positions will they consider me if I have a New York address at the moment? Also would it be maybe better to start off as a travel nurse and if so what are some good California agencies to go with? Thank you!

[kaizenart86, BSN, RN]

Hi Katya, did you find job in New York? Like you, were on the same boat. Got my license here in new york but cant find a hospital Job even internship, how can we aquire an experience if they not want us work on them, im IEN and has 8 years of exp overseas eg dubai and philippines , but the sad truth is they wont credit my exp overseas.

[Ahrabia]

On 7/17/2017 at 10:03 AM, NedRN said:

You need two years of specialty experience to travel. So write that off for now!

Ideally, you should have started looking for an internship last year. It will be difficult this time of year. But it may still be possible.

I highly recommend for all new grads to take their first job at a teaching hospital. That will start you on the right path in every possible way no matter what path you take in the future. The most comprehensive training on a diverse patient population will prepare you well for any future challenges.

There is a consortium of teaching hospitals. I graduated pre-internet and they sent me a gorgeous book of all their members with pictures, descriptions, and HR contact numbers. I graduated in California during an economic downturn and there were no jobs. So I called hospitals all across the country and took an interviewing tour of the country, accepting a job offer in Baltimore.

Do a google search, they are probably be online.

Try, but don't get hung up on a first job in California. It is a difficult new grad hiring environment currently. Your first job will be an exciting adventure no matter where you end up. Pay your dues for a couple years and options will open up.

What is a teaching hospital? Can you name some?

[NedRN]

A teaching hospital is one that trains healthcare workers: nurses, medical residents and others. Not sure if I count many community hospitals that have nursing students, I usually think larger city hospitals. If you are in nursing school, you have been in one. Almost all nationally known hospitals are teaching hospitals, but they are found in virtually any city. Some are even found in rural areas.

For new grads, the large teaching hospitals are best. They can be competitive of course, and it is easier to get in if you excelled as a student in one.

[kaizenart86, BSN, RN]

Hi Guys!

Just an update. I get hired in Montefiore Medical Center, Emergency Dept last october 2018. Is a teaching hospital, it needs a lot of nurses, the work is overwhelming but you will learn a lot.