new grad relocating to LA county

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Hi everyone,

I am a new grad from MD relocating to the South Bay area of LA county in the next few weeks. I have my MD license and have submitted my application for CA endorsement over a month ago, so hopefully I will have it soon. I tried applying for various residency programs for the Spring, but was told I would not be considered until I have my CA license number.

Here is my question,

do any hospitals out there hire new grads outside of the residency programs? or is my only option to wait until the next round of hiring into residency programs in the Summer or Fall happens?

Just wondering if anyone has experience moving there as a new grad with no work experience.

Thanks for any insight or help! It's appreciated!

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Specializes in ICU.

If you plan to work outside of CA as a travel nurse. Make sure to get the other licenses you are interested in NOW.

https://allnurses.com/travel-nursing/travel-nurse-licensing-1090206.html

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

New grads in LA have a tough time. I think it can take a couple months if not longer to get your state license. California BRN is short staffed.

I'd apply at rural small facilities that don't necessarily have a dedicated program as the bigger programs typically get 100s of applications. Most only have programs 2 to 3 times a year. Either way though, none will likely consider you until you have that state license. Had you graduated in California you could have got your IP and maybe got consideration sooner.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Family medicine, Cardiology, Spinal Cord Injury.

Hi sbonve1,

You can't practice medicine until you match with a residency program. Good luck in matching.

By the way, this is a nursing forum. Not many nurses would probably know the answer to this question.

I've been reading stories recently about new grad MDs from south pacific and carribean medical schools who have their licenses but are unable to match into a residency program. Some have gone back to school to be RNs.

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Hi,

when I say MD I mean Maryland, so I currently reside in and have my RN license in Maryland and am waiting for my license through endorsement in CA.

Sorry for the confusion!

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There are hospitals that hire new grads outside of residency programs.Residency programs are the most competitive, to be honest, because so many people apply for them. It's the obvious "new grad route" but don't rule out other options. There are many community hospitals that are willing to hire new grads. I've even heard / seen some bigger hospitals hiring new grads. Have your resume ready and speak to HR or find a way to meet the director or department manager. Be persistent and take the initiative. As a new grad, you need to get your foot in the door and gain your experience. Then, you can take that experience and be more marketable to bigger hospitals, if you choose to.

Just start applying everywhere you desire to work and don't wait around for another cycle of residency programs. Just get in there and start applying and getting your feet wet with interviews. You never know where great opportunities lie. Then after a couple of years.. you can write your own ticket.

My advice, have your resume ready and head over to some of the hospitals around South Bay / LA. Meet with HR, request a tour, get information, and introduce yourself. It shows you're motivated, dedicated, and willing to take the initiative. Plus, it can help you get a better understanding on where you want to work and doesn't hurt to network and put yourself out there.

I got my first RN job as a new grad with no experience by signing up for a job fair to learn more about the hospital. The day before the event, HR director calls me to see if i'm interested in scheduling an interview with some directors. Completely unexpected! I said YES, i would love the opportunity but like to inform her that I am a new grad. She said one department / director is willing to train new grads.. got my interview.. and the rest was history.

You never know where great opportunities lie =) Yes, try the common route.. the route where everyone goes.. but also try the road less travelled.. less competition and you'll stand out more. You just need to get your foot in the door and seize the opportunity.

I always tell myself.. Knock on 100 doors.. all you need is for ONE to answer =) good luck!

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Hi,

PositiveVibesRN, thank you for the positive feedback. I'm in FL working at ORMC. I applied for my endorsement license on Dec27, 2016. I just received my # on 3/24/2017. I applied foe UCLA OR position. I am moving to LA area around July. Maybe looking in Santa Monica area. At this point is very overwhelming and I am looking, but unfortunately I have a year experience as a nurse. But I really want to get into OR area. I missed some deadline for certain hospitals. Just keeping positive and praying that UCLA give me a chance.

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Hi positivevibesRN! Thanks so much for your feedback. I officially have my California license and have been sending out emails to some community hospitals trying to get my info out there. Fingers crossed!

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