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NickiLaughs, Where specifically are you referring to? I live in San Diego County and have been looking since last Feb. with no action whatsoever. Pretty dismal! I'm thinking further afield from home these days so any information would be welcome. Thanks!

Christina, I would absolutely have a job in hand before moving here--I've been looking for a position in a new grad program for 8 months now with no results. If nothing materializes by the January programs I'll be looking in fields other than nursing unless I'm "lucky" enough to find something in LTC. From what I'm reading on this site there may be more new grad opportunities up in the L.A. area--would that be a possibility for you? Good luck!

So, uscstu4life, where again did you say you were--specifically? I'd be very interested to know since I've been looking for work for 8-plus months in the San Diego area and am getting extremely frustrated! I'm looking for a new grad program and it seems next to impossible in my area. From your name, I might guess L.A. ???

Anyone out there that could share any experiences with the nursing re-entry courses at either Cal State San Marcos or through the UCSD extension courses? I'm considering enrolling in one or the other if I can't get into a new grad program this winter since I've been out of school for a few years now. I figure anything might help-the job market for new grads or those with just a little experience is SO limited!! I'm getting very discouraged! Thanks in advance, I hope there's someone out there with some input!

Thanks for the encouragement, I need every little bit I can get! It's hard to stay positive after so long. I just keep looking and applying and find it comforting to know there's others in my same situation judging from the other posts on this website. Hopefully I'll remember what they taught me in nursing school if and when I eventually get work!

The hospital in Colorado that I started at as a new RN had "re-entry" nurses in with us newbies during our new grad program. I thought it was really great to get their opinion on how things have changed and how they thought they'd fit in after being either out of the work force or working in an office setting. We all learned something during that week together. My issue is that as a new grad but having been out of school for awhile, it's truly tough finding a place to start. I'd be happy to work for less $ while training if that were the issue. But here in California, they're passing up new talent in favor of experience (when they can get it). Where the volume of future experienced nurses is going to come from is a mystery to me.

Thanks Suzanne, Yes, I'm finding it really difficult to get anything in the hospital setting. The sad part is that even long term care facilities want at least 1 year's experience. I'm in the San Diego area, North County and from what I hear from the recruiters there is a new grad glut here but also a shortage of nurses. An oxymoron if you ask me. I can understand that it costs $$ to train but what about long-term? It's just so frustrating and depressing!! So....I keep looking but that job at Home Depot or Starbucks is looking better and better.........

I'm a new nurse (San Diego area) with just a few months experience and moved to California the end of last year, been looking since Jan. and have had very little response to my applications. Any suggestions about what I should be doing besides the obvious?? Seems like everywhere you look they want at least a year's experience and I'm short of that so I'm not experienced and the new grad programs are SO competetive to get into. What are all the new grads out there doing while they look? I feel so let-down, had thought that coming back to my native California I'd be able to find something when all they talk about is how the nursing shortage is getting worse. How are they going to remedy that when they aren't hiring and training new nurses? I guess you can tell I'm frustrated--any words of wisdom would be appreciated!!

Thanks for the opinion-that's the way I'm leaning but it's really good to hear other's thoughts on my options. I'm leaning in the direction of the refresher course, at the very least it's always good to brush up on the skills learned in school. Any experiences out there with the UCSD refresher course? My options are CSUSM or UCSD. For some reason, Cal State is really expensive, more than twice that of UCSD.

I need to get some advice from my peers, please...I've been out of nursing school for 2 plus years with only 4 months work experience due to family needs and moving to another state. I've been job hunting for 6 months now with no success and I'm getting very impatient to say the least! What would you do?? It's been suggested that I go to a RN refresher course--perhaps the exposure in the clinical section would help me get a job but it's quite an expense. On the other hand, should I just keep looking? I'm in a weird position, not really a new grad but not experienced, either. I can't help but feel that time's ticking away! Help!

The Acute Surgical floor--am looking at a job there. I've worked Med/Surg before and it wasn't for me, I'm hoping Surgical will be a bit different. Thanks for any information you might have!

Hello, Please, please would anyone with input or comments on Scripps Memorial Encinitas write in! I've been offered a position there and really don't know much about the hospital. I got a "good feeling" from the atmosphere at the interview--I just hope it carries through to the working environment. ANY sharing of experiences with the hospital would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!