Please help! How do I get a job in CA?

Published

Specializes in Telemetry, PCU, Private Duty, Hospice.

Hello CA nurses,

I am originally from northern CA, but have lived in Pennsylvania for the past 16 years. I graduated from nursing school in May 2011 with my ADN. I have ambition to get my BSN someday, but right now I'm just trying to focus on being a nurse.

I worked on a progressive cardiac unit for 11 months and hated it, but I went through the critical care orientation and Essentials of Critical Care Orientation course on AACN. I am also ACLS certified. I felt on edge and nervous every shift the entire time which I think is not normal...not for 11 months. Now I am eagerly looking for a job in med/surg. My patient interaction is good and I am a very compassionate person, but I need to work on my nursing skills and overall exposure to different medical conditions which I think will help raise my confidence level. I am hoping that I will be more marketable after a year of med/surg. I am also scared and nervous of med/surg...I know it's going to be hard to juggle more patients, but I'm hoping that if they are more stable than in progressive care that it will help me relax a bit.

Anyway, I have already applied and received my CA RN license. Can anyone give me some advice on how to go about getting a job in CA? I am open to working in any location from Northern to Central CA. How would a hospital go about hiring me from out of state though? Would I have to show up in person for an interview or would they be able to do a phone/skype interview?

Any advice or information on getting a job in CA would be so much appreciated!!

Thank you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Search hospitals and go to their websites to see if there are any openings.

I've heard that most hospitals do Skype or phone interviews.

Good luck! At least you have some experience. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in a similar boat. I have been a nurse since 2010....PCU/Telemetry and with a little experience in ambulatory care for the Army. I am going through a separation with my husband and desperately trying to get a job in CA so I can move back home. I have 2 children, so I would be very happy to get there before the beginning of the upcoming school year. I do have my CA license. I have my BSN, BLS, ACLS, Coronary Care Course....and over 50 applications from northern to central ca! It has been months. I have been denied or heard nothing. I am even open to full time, part time or per diem just to get my foot in the door. It is becoming very frustrating.

I am now going to try through travel nursing. At least to get out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion