#MakeItRain

SoCal nurse over here contemplating getting a per diem in the Bay Area. Yup, I'll totally commute depending on a few factors. I'm in need of some info on UCSF. Does anyone have a connection there? I'm trying to figure out what the minimum time requirement is for per diem and if it's reasonable to work all hours over several days (i.e. working two 16s back to back each month or three 12s and nothing more)? What's the deal up that way? Are they cool with OT?

That's solid advice. Do you have any recommendations on other good facilities for that?

Why do you say that?

Also, the interview process was a breeze. I applied to two jobs with them and had offers for both. Both positions did phone interviews due to my distance and it felt very comfortable and relaxed. Everyone I have spoken with there was incredibly kind and down to earth. I was asked the typical interview-type questions (i.e. tell me about a time when.., how would you handle x, y, and z, strengths/weaknesses, etc). When I researched it a bit more, they had high staff approval ratings and that really solidified my decision to apply to them. It seems like they offer some good opportunities to cross-train from ED to ICU as well. I don't have anything negative to say about the interview process and am really looking forward to being part of the team and giving something back to the community. I'm blown away by the kindness I have experienced from complete strangers there, and I don't just mean in relation to my new employer, I mean in all regards. I have reached out to potential landlords and although I did not end up renting from them due to timeframe conflicts, they continue to send me listings for rentals that they get nothing out of. It blows my mind. If this is the sort of thing that is common there, I may have found my forever home.

I'm not sure if doing fingerprints in CA will speed it up or not. It could? I did mine through the mail and the whole process took 4 months or so. If you do it by mail, be sure to be extra careful to not make any mistakes or accidentally omit information on the application packet. I hear that can slow things down and god forbid you have to call the CA BON for any reason. It's next to impossible to get an actual person on the phone.

Just an update: I accepted a job with Scripps and will be relocating to San Diego at the end of July. The interview process was phenomenal and I'm genuinely really excited. The biggest headache is finding housing, but oh well. Bye bye, snow. Hellllllllllllllo, sunshine (and good Mexican food).

That's what I've read! I'm trying to figure out how NP fits in with that. I contemplated Little Italy as well, perhaps Hillcrest. OB would be chill, but I read somewhere that there is only one main road in and out and traffic can be a pain... that farmer's market though! SD is such a great place. I'm sure I'll find a neighborhood that feels right in due time. :)

I might be able to make it out to the one in May depending on cost of flights/travel (I'm 2500+ miles away) I look at the job listings for Scripps, Sharp, and Kaiser daily. Hopefully I already have a job offer by then though. Is the market pretty competitive for experienced nurses?

This is all very solid information. I'm open to Oceanside, but didn't really give much thought about commuting up towards LA. I've heard such intense things about the traffic there and recall a time it took a number of hours to get from Valencia to Oceanside on the 5. How much do you know about North Park? They still get the nice coastal weather, yes? I read somewhere that East County can get a bit warm. NP is considered central, correct?

Thank you so much for your response!

Hey there! ED nurse here, 3 years Level 1 with a BSN. I'm planning to move to SD as soon as I land a job. I've been thinking this over for the past year and feel like it's time to make the move. I got my CA license in order last year, so that isn't a concern. My questions for all of you is really regarding facilities. I know absolutely no one in SD and as much as I have been trying to research about work environments at Scripps, Sharp, Kaiser, UCSD, I'm finding it easier said than done. I know it's hard to get in at Kaiser and that Kaiser pays the most. What about the other facilities? How's the pay for someone at my experience level and how difficult is it for an experienced nurse to find a job? I know cost of living is more near the coast, but is it reasonable for a one-person household to afford to live comfortably? Think 1 bed bungalow/apt that is updated and in a safe area. Also, how difficult is it for someone out of state to land a job there prior to moving? I don't really feel comfortable with the idea of moving without a job lined up. Are there any Emergency Rooms that I should avoid? I'm open to applying to EDs that are not level 1, I just want to avoid places that are known for negative experiences. I notice that Sharp offers relocation reimbursement. Anyone know if there is a time commitment for that? Any information would be helpful, even if it's something I haven't thought to ask about. Thanks so much! :) -Exhausted in the Northeast

I didn't see one of these posted for 2018, so I thought I'd get this party started. Feel free to contribute whatever info you like. Let's compare some stats! Location: Massachusetts Experience: Just about 3 years; BSN Specialty: ED Facility: Large urban hospital Base Pay: $33 and some coin Differentials: Evening, night & weekend = $3, $2 and $3/hr, respectively. OT: Anything over my regularly scheduled shift is time and a half.