New nurse moving to CA

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Hello all! So I know the "new grad desperately seeking job" thread has been done before, but I want some feedback on my specific situation. And truthfully, I want to vent a little bit.

I am a newly licensed RN in Texas. I graduated from a BSN program in December 2010, took some time off to get married, and just started an awesome job as a float pool RN at a good hospital.

A couple months ago, my husband applied randomly for a job in California. He has a nice job here in Texas, but was interested in this other CA company. He has a second face-to-face interview, so it is possible he might get this job. This leaves me in kind of a career bind...

I won't be able to apply for new grad jobs until the December 2011 batch graduates, so that means I will have been out of school for a year without experience. I'm afraid this will make me unhirable. The other option is that I could stay here in Texas for a year to get experience while he moves to CA to start his new job. However, I don't enjoy the idea of spending our first year of marriage together in a long distance relationship. I'm just a bit annoyed with him for messing with my career plans, but I don't want him to feel trapped in his job either.

What do I do?! :confused:

How is the job market in Southern California for new grads? Are my fears unwarranted? Will I find a job with no networking ties in California? Will any hospital want me with my license sitting unused for a year? Help!

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I would say keep your job! They are hard to come by. And, what surprises me a lot, is that there are so many people who have been working for like 5 months, and they score interview after interview because they have SOME experience. So stick it out for a few months, and then if your husband gets the job in California, you can apply out there and I bet you'll have a lot more luck than having no experience at all! :)

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Specializes in Ambulatory (Urgent care) & Home Health.

Don't come to CA without experience, It's brutal out here for a new grad. CA has turned nursing into and entertainment career meaning its NOT what you know it's who you know. If you know someone in HR you're ok if not it's gonna be a struggle.

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To be honest, California is the worst place for a new grad and coming from out of state is only going to be more difficult to find another job. I agree with the previous post. Stay in your current job for a 6months and then get a job here in California. It will be a lot more easier for you to get a job then

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Specializes in Med./Surg., Diabetes, Med. ICU, home hea.

California's nursing jobs are TOUGH to come by for just about everyone, especially new grads. With the entire world of nurses wanting to come work here, full time positions are rare, even for those with tons of experience, in many places.

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Southern California is especially horrible. For example, UCSD (one of the major medical centers in San Diego) posted for 14 new graduate positions and received over 2600 applications. Many of those people graduated back in 2009. It doesn't hurt to try, but I'd be prepared to be unemployed for a while (unless you're super lucky/rockstar)

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Keep your job as long as ou can, if you guys can wait til you hit theyear mark to move together or move to be together do it. Also getting an agency job ora job before you quit the job you have now is the best thing to do. Craigslist is a great place to look also. where you are moving to in ca will also play a role.

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Specializes in OR.

I graduated in December 2010, and I agree with your statement 100%. My classmates who had connections in HR departments found a job the rest of us are still praying and actively searching.

So frustrating :(

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Specializes in Emergency Dept.

I agree with the previous posters. Keep your job as long as possible. I'm in Los Angeles and the job market is horrible for new grads (trust me, I know - I have connections and still can't get a job). Don't quit your current job until you have at least 6 months experience. It'll be rough being away from your husband, but it may only be for a few months.

I also suggest not stressing too much until you know for sure he has the job. And even if he gets it, he may not start for a couple months, giving you more time to get experience. :)

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Yea it is like war out here!! Stick to your job for now!!! You guys should talk things out first because sacrificing your job now will probably jeopardize your future. Get some experience first while you can still apply at the same time. I know that it's a very tough decision, but you should know that finding new grad jobs here is very difficult if you don't have the experience.

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