Nursing Jobs in California

[Amy Warner]

My husband got a very enticing offer to move to California. I am almost finished with my ASN. We were super excited and ready to accept the offer and move right after my graduation. I then did some reading on line and became discouraged very quickly. From what I read it seems that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a job anywhere in California with an ASN and NO EXPERIENCE as an RN. I don't mind taking a crappy job with crappy hours. But from what I read even RNs with BSNs and experience are unable to find ANY work. I saw that the unemployment rate for new grads is almost 50% 18 months after graduation. We would have to be within 30 miles from LA. Any advice anyone in the area can give will be greatly appreciated. I am feeling so discouraged and we may need to turn down this great promotion for him. I was planning on going right back to school for my BSN but in the area I'm in (Richmond, VA) most hospitals will pay for your BSN. I don't want to have to take out a loan, especially that if we do move I'll have to pay out of state tuition! DO hospitals there reimburse for BSNs?

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Some do, but you are moving to a saturated market

Best wishes...if no luck with hospitals, check out SNF/LTC...

[Sour Lemon]

It is a tough market for new grads. I waited until I had two solid years of experience before moving to the area. I have an ASN and no immediate plans to further my education. My options are more limited without a BSN, but I've had no difficulty finding work. If you do move out here as a new grad, I'd advise that you apply at smaller, community hospitals. It seems like many of them do hire new grads although they don't have formal new grad programs. You'll also want to work on getting your lisence well in advance. California is known to be very slow, and most places won't want to waste time with someone who won't realistically be able to work for three or more months.