New Grad Relocating to SD from East Coast; is it Possible?

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Reading through some of the older threads on this topic have discouraged me. Is the market really that bad in San Diego for new nurse hires?

I currently live in Pittsburgh and am completing the 2nd degree ABSN at Duquesne and am set to graduate this summer. I have a previous bachelor's & associate's degree, am an Air Force Reservist of 7 years/veteran planning to commission as a flight or clinical nurse after I get the required year of experience as an RN in, and currently work as a PCT on a transplant oncology unit. I'm hoping these things along with my other experiences can help set me apart.

I fell in love with San Diego after visiting twice last year; after compromising many of my interests/happiness throughout much of my 20's in order to be successful (e.g. moving from the southeast to gloomy Pittsburgh for an ABSN program) I will stop at nothing to make it work there....

Opinions/advice/experiences welcome!!!!!

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Specializes in Family medicine, Cardiology, Spinal Cord Injury.

if you are a veteran, apply to the VA Hospital in San Diego. They give preference to Veterans over civilian applicants. Also, if you are currently a reservist, think about the Navy Nurse Corp. Also look into the Naval Medical Center as well. I have co workers who are reservists work there during their military time. The VA does pay for military time, and you get paid for your reservist time as well - double dipping.

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

Yes, San Diego is over saturated with new grads. Tougher for ADN's and out of state grads. Yes, it can be done if you are willing to be persistent for that acute care job experience. Definitely apply to VA when they have new grad programs.

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If you would have asked me this question 3 years ago I would have told you to run far away from SD. Thankfully, it is nowhere near as bad today, although it's not easy to get a new grad job. I say go for it, I'm sure you'll get something!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Your background sets you apart. As the others suggested, I agree. Also if you have any friends or family with a San Diego address put that on your resume. I noticed when I put a local address on apps for a Four hundred mile move, that's when I got calls.

Keep in mind cost of living in relation to salary kinda sucks.

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