mreznik1

That was very helpful, they are definitely at the top of my list for RN-BSN for the moment！ Clinicals at Cedars Sinai alone is very impressive！

How is WGU received in CA in general? Do most employers feel it's legitimate? Do most state schools consider it legitimate/accredited? Thanks!

Yes, I am. Correct, I cannot function in the capacity of an RN. My question rather is one of networking, specifically with nurse managers/recruiters. If I want to network with these supervisors via volunteering , would a smaller community hospital be better or a large city hospital?

I've talked to an HR rep about volunteering in a hospital order to pursue being hired there. She told me it was a great way to meet nursing/hiring managers. Now, my specific question is for the purposes of interacting with and meeting these managers, is a smaller community hospital better or a big city hospital?

so helpful, thank you! I'm going to save all this info and continue my research. Right after I read your post, I looked at a map of rural areas immediately surrounding SF and LA and called a few hospitals. Most didn't comment on whether it's easier to get into there hospitals vs urban areas, except for 1 who told me it was still difficult in rural, however I can't imagine they would have anywhere near the applicants of urban areas.

The BSN may be on hold for now, but I expect to work long and hard for my first job, I knew before starting nursing school that no job was going to fall into my lap.

To flyers fan 88, I'm going to find a job in CA period. Moving out of state is by no means an option. To Spidey's Mom, That's incredibly helpful thank you! Are there any rural areas within 2 hours of SF or LA that you would recommend? Lower pay, especially in the first year, is by no means a deterrent as long as I can get acute care experience.

That was more helpful, thank you for answering my questions

I asked a few very specific questions in the bottom of my post and your basic response was to tell me something that I already clearly know -- "it doesn't mix well." (I stated there are hundreds of applicants and it's not likely to find a job)

Seriously, I'm having a tough time and that's your response?

Hi everyone, My background: I graduated July,2014 with my ADN. I am trilingual -- Russian, Chinese, English, (a male if that matters), have several years of long-term caregiver/CNA experience, have a bachelor's in finance, and attended/graduated EMT school. I moved back to CA from FL (already licensed there) mid September 2014 and immediately put in my license for transfer to CA. I have been on the hunt for an acute care position for 3 weeks both in the Bay Area and LA -- I have sent out applications, spoke in person and over the phone to nurse managers/recruiters (most of whom shoo me away and tell me to apply online). I was told by the CA board I would receive my license no earlier than December 2014. I am hearing that there are hundred of applicants per position, and I don't feel it's likely to find a job within 6 months. My question(s): -Is there a point in applying without my CA license on hand, as I am competing with hundreds of new grads? -Will a volunteer position in a hospital likely lead to a job there? -How soon should I consider applying to a SNF (my personal nightmare) or correctional facility if I don't find an acute care position? -Is there anything else considered acute care I could realistically land outside of a hospital?