MIA9er

To Mrs. Ed: You are right, I can see how cost of living can make a difference in base pay ranges, I guess it just bothered me that it was not the same rate I requested, which wasn't outrageous, just equal to what I was making at the other place. To PMFB-RN: No offense taken- of course experience matters! I do know of people who were rewarded with pay increases after completing a RN-BSN program though. When you take that step to further education it may not seem a big deal to some, but I see it as major accomplishment and should be taken in consideration. Thank you both for feedback.

Okay, I just moved from Oceanside to Murrieta, CA and started the job hunting process. I have been out of practice for about a year, but during that year I went back to school to get a RN to BSN degree. I applied for a job in the area and was a bit surprised () at the offer...it was less than what I was making at my previous job when I only had an ADN and they didn't meet my "minimum salary" request on the application. Just wondering if any hospitals in Riverside offer incentives for BSNs or if they just pay less in Riverside county....I am a little disappointed because the trend now is a preference for BSNs and I spent a LOTof money to get one. I suppose it could be being out of practice too...any thoughts??

I knew a nurse who went through Excelsior for her RN and was actually let go because without clinical experience, she failed to complete orientation. We all knew she would have a difficult time when she had never been on a floor before, but now I can see how the case-by-case basis got to be in place. Since you have experience as a LPN, I think chances in your case would be pretty good. Visit the state's nursing website or call the board directly (it might take a few times) and ask. They should be able to tell you more details.

I know it is a little scary changing careers, but you just have to show confidence in your abilities. If you graduated and passed boards, you are now a registered nurse. You've worked hard for the title and should be proud of yourself! The company/hospital you work for will train you how they want to train you and your schooling is a block to build on. During orientation though, do not be afraid to ask questions. That is what your preceptor/mentor is there for. If you don't get something right away (like first IV insert, for example), don't get discouraged, it'll happen. Mixed emotions are a normal thing to feel, but you'll get past it- just believe in yourself. Nursing is a rewarding career in many more ways than one- you can do it!

Just wondering if anyone had info on how to get a RN job in a Naval Hospital, more specifically, Camp Pendleton?? Anything would be helpful, just thought I'd throw it out there. Thanks!

I live in Southern California, more specifically around Oceanside. I had a chance to observe the OR and follow a pt. through the whole surgery process. The nurses, docs, and anesthesiologist were all pretty cool and answered all my questions- they thought I was going to work with them, but I told them I got hired on another floor. One of the OR nurses actually brought up the OR program and said I should do it if I was interested. That got me excited and at the same time bummed because I felt like I was locked into the other position. The hospital has a pretty good rep and all of the nurses are really helpful and willing to help me learn and do procedures to increase my skills/experiences. A lot of them have been working there about 2-3 years, some up to 15-20years+. My mentor and I get along great, but I feel like she wants whats in the best interest for her floor (understandably). She kind of shot down my idea of even considering transferring depts. I really want to work in the OR, but who can I talk to about this early transfer thing? An educator? Will my current manager throw a fit? I know they are expecting a lot out of me with this whole float nurse thing. I feel stuck already and have only been there 2 weeks...yuck.

Hello everyone, HERE'S THE CURRENT SITUATION-I am a new RN and have landed a job working Med-Surg, eventually requiring me to work with PEDS patients and floating to god knows how many floors throughout the hospital-ortho, neuro, tele, etc..... I was desperate at the time to get a job, because I passed boards and got married in July, moved to the west coast in August, and was just content being a housewife until after the holidays. After the holidays, I was ready to job hunt (plus pressure from the hubby,ha). This hospital had the most opportunities at the time as well as FT positions, which I needed. I applied thinking that I was just going to be on Med-Surg, but nope. Okay, so I took the position anyway, just to get my foot in the door and start my career. I've been orientating for 2 weeks. HERE'S THE DILEMMA- A program came out just after I got hired to train for peri-op nursing. Six months training with a 1-yr. internship and a 2-yr. contract. I feel I was made to work as a scrub nurse and I am fascinated with surgery! I told my current mentor about this and she said to stay with my current position for at least a year before going to a specialty! I don't want to eventually work with kids! :(I feel if I pass this opportunity up, it won't come around again, (and it's in the best interest of the company). But, I just got hired as a new RN with no experience, I feel like this will go against me. What should I do? Thanks to anyone who can provide insight.

thanks for the tips and encouraging words... the reason why i haven't worked since july is because i got married in july and moved to cali in august to be with my husband- he is in the marines. i think employers may hold that against me somehow? it took me 3 months to get my license transferred, plus i wanted to enjoy being a newlywed/housewife for awhile (i'd been a student all my life until then), plus, i had a huge family reunion at christmastime (in las vegas). i've had enough of that domesticated wife stuff, for now:rolleyes: . how can i explain all this to the interviewer? i don't want to go into personal details in the interview.

After two weeks of waiting for a reply, I have an interview scheduled for next week! I am so nervous because I've been on an "extended vacation" since about July (when I passed RN boards). I am originally from a small town where everyone knows about everbody, but since I've passed boards I've moved to a whole different state and city that is waay bigger. Someone please give me encouragement that I can do this! I start getting butterflies when I think about walking in to meet the Med/Surg manager! I believe the saying is true- the boss will know within the first seven seconds if they will hire you or not. That makes me so nervous! But on the other hand, I am soo excited to get out there and start my career!

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for all that info, goinmimi! I turned in my application to Tri-City this week, and I put in for a position for 2P, 3P, and lastly hospice. I am so excited to hear good things about the hospital, I've researched their website and it looks like an awesome place to start my career- I would love to work there! I hope I get a phone call soon! Again, thank you so much!

I am job-hunting and was wondering about Tri-City hospital, Fallbrook hospital, and Palomar hospital (I'm in North County). Also, I've recently moved here from Michigan after passing the NCLEX, so I was wondering how much RNs make in SD, CA. Any input would be graciously appreciated, thanks!:)