Pay for New Grads in Norther/Central CA

Postpartum RN · Aug 30, 2015

I don't know about the hospitals you listed, but the major hospital systems in sacramento (kaiser,Sutter, mercy or dignity health) start at around $50 give or take.

It's extremely competitive, as a new grad it will be very very tough, and I'm not exaggerating. I would highly recommend getting 6-12months acute care experience if you can somewhere else, and then start applying in northern ca...good luck, network if you can because that seems to be the only way people get in

slmitchell · Aug 31, 2015

Thank you!

I have been told Sacramento is very saturated with nurses and that it would be tough to get a job there as a new grad :). I am planning on applying to the outskirts of Sac (Stockton, Lodi..etc)... and then in Central CA (Modesto, Fresno..etc).

As a new grad in Reno the pay is $28... really easy to get a job, but I feel I've work SO hard for an awesome Resume and experience that I would be competitive elsewhere (CA).

Any information on hospitals outside of the direct Sac area?

Thanks so much :)

Postpartum RN · Aug 31, 2015

I know that because sacramento is so saturated with RNs, they do go and get jobs in Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, SF and etc so it's pretty competitive on the outskirts as well unfortunately.

I'm surprised Reno hospitals pay so low!

You can always try to get a job on the outskirts, doesn't hurt to try :) but if your moving I recommend having a job lined up before you move. That way if you do not get a job in northern CA, you can still get your experience in Reno and THEN move out here.

I'm just speaking from experience! I lived in sac all my life, graduated in Dec 2008 when the job market for RNs became terrible, got my first job at a snf in 2010 (which was fairly easy for me to get, just as soon as I gave up on applying to hospitals and thought let me try for a snf, I got a job pretty quickly at the snf) worked there for a few years then worked for a clinic and also home health. Got my first acute care job early this year, over 5 years later!! That whole time I was applying to all the hospitals around here, and not once was I called for an interview. Very very depressing. I was in contact with HR and stil that didn't help me get even one interview! So that was my experience, very very tough. If you want more Info feel free to PM me :)

So to get an acute care job here, 99% of the time you have to know someone on the inside who can help you get an interview.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2015

Three years ago I applied for a position at a small community hospital in Porterville (central CA). Back then, the starting pay for new grads was $30 per hour. As an out-of-state applicant I actually received an interview, but did not get the job. I do not perform very well when being interviewed.

fresnovet · Aug 16, 2017

Community:

Base Hourly Rate: $28.75

Â· Overtime Rate: $43.13

Â· NIGHT Shift Differential (7pm-7am): M-F $4.50/hr, Sat & Sun $7.37/hr

Â· Weekend Day Shift Differential (7am-7pm) Sat. & Sun. $2.87 hr.

In a year, if you have good reviews, you are bumped up to Clinical Nurse II and get an extra $4

St. Agnes: I don't have as much detailed information (obviously I am working at community) my friends say they make $31/hr

Valley Childrens: not sure, I'm waiting for a friend to respond.

Sour Lemon · Aug 16, 2017

Community:
Base Hourly Rate: $28.75
Â· Overtime Rate: $43.13
Â· NIGHT Shift Differential (7pm-7am): M-F $4.50/hr, Sat & Sun $7.37/hr
Â· Weekend Day Shift Differential (7am-7pm) Sat. & Sun. $2.87 hr.
In a year, if you have good reviews, you are bumped up to Clinical Nurse II and get an extra $4
St. Agnes: I don't have as much detailed information (obviously I am working at community) my friends say they make $31/hr
Valley Childrens: not sure, I'm waiting for a friend to respond.

This thread is a few years old and the OP has probably figured things out by now.