lkws5

large teaching hospital in florida, critical care, BSN with no prior experience. 23.00/hr starting and i have yet to find out the differentials.

I'm from out of state (Florida) and looking to apply to the program. Can anyone tell me, are you able to apply prior to graduating/getting your sit pass? (I graduate on Friday and have all my ducks in a row to get my pass.) I didn't plan on submitting my application until my final grades are in (since they ask for your transcripts), but I didn't know if I'd be rejected since I don't currently have the green light to sit for the test. Should I wait till I get the ok from the board of nursing? (I'm also taking the test for Florida and just plan on paying the fee to have it endorsed for NY if need be.) Secondly, does anyone happen to know when they accept people for the program? I know some places only have orientations twice a year. I saw a previous post that mentioned both a December and January orientation, but did that imply that they are constantly accepting people to the program? I just don't know if I should be applying now or wait till I have my license for NY (which may be 2-3 months). If anyone happens to know, I really appreciate the reply!

mclennan - I've done research but I guess I just wanted to ask for myself. Haha, I'm naive because I'm new. Searching for a job in this field is a completely new world for me. (I worked in advertising before this.) I have seen a lot of posts about people having trouble finding jobs, and I know the market is probably saturated in California. I guess, again, I just wanted to actually post the question for myself. Sometimes a new person will respond with information that wasn't on any of the other discussion boards. But thank you for your response, it's helpful to know that it's going to be difficult to find a position if we do end up relocating.

PhilipG - I really appreciate your response! Most of my time and effort right now is going in to preparing for the NCLEX and getting that under my belt, but I also don't want to wait till the last minute to research what places seem to be available for new grads. I figure looking five months ahead is enough time :) I'm sorry that you've been applying for this long! I've heard of some people who are 18 months from passing the NCLEX and are still having trouble finding jobs. Good luck! I hope you get something soon!!

Hey everyone! I just had a quick question. My husband is possibly being offered a position in the SoCal area and we are considering moving. I know at a large teaching hospital (here in Tampa) new grads start around $23/hr. Obviously, cost of living is much cheaper here, but what would be a comparable and manageable starting wage for a new grad RN in the LA county/Orange county areas? I'm seeing it range from anywhere between 25/hr and 32/hr. (I will graduate with my BSN in December, if that makes any difference.) Any help on this topic would be much appreciated. I'd like to know what sort of bargaining I can do if I'm offered a position. (I'm looking at Ronald Reagan, Cedars Sinai, Keck, Hoag, Huntington, UC Irvine, and Memorial Health in Long Beach. Does anyone know if they have new grad programs or are hiring new grads?) Thank you!