AC777

Hey guys, I've been looking into moving to North California for nursing. I understand that it is a very competitive job market, and for that reason I'm planning on moving towards the end of the year or the first quarter of 2018 to gain a bit more experience. Currently I have a year experience within Southern California in Cardiac and Trauma ICU's. I recently got into cardiac this year in January, and remained with my first hospital in their Trauma ICU. Both areas are really quiet interesting to me. Actually, all critical care aspects interest me… Anyway, I have my BSN, and would hope to get my CCRN by October. Then I would start applying, since I feel that I would be more marketable with the CCRN credential and experience. My reason for moving is mainly for the pay. Southern California is nice and all, but the pay does not compensate for the area as much as North California does. So far I'm considering Sacramento (UC Davis), San Francisco (UCSF or Sutter), or Walnut Creek (John Muir Medical). Yes, I understand that San Francisco's cost of living is extremely high, but with doing calculations with the pay for the area It's actually comparable to Sacramento, if not more. I'm basing the salary data on what I found on the UC system salaries found online with all differentials etc. I'd like others perspectives with my current course of action. Is it a good plan? And what other hospitals/areas should I look into/consider?

INN_777, BSN, RN, you make a really good point. Thank you, I really appreciate it

Meluvsquki and DeLanaHarvickWannabe, BSN, RN, thanks so much. Three months does sound a bit intimidating to be trained in ICU as a new grad, but I definitely am up for it. As of right now, I feel comfortable with being in ICU. During my Advanced Rotation and Preceptorship, I was able to gain almost 200 hours of ICU experience. The nurses I was with were really a great help. They taught me a lot, and were willing to take me under their wing to help mend me into the critical care nurse I strive to be. Either the three-month or the 22-week training, I'll make the best of any opportunity.

RBlis, Thank you. That's awesome that my story was able to impact you in a positive way. Best of luck in nursing school

With me being in my final weeks of nursing school, I definitely needed to start looking into and applying to new graduate programs. I started applying last month, and applied to five facilities with new graduate programs. I've interviewed with three so far, and have been offered two positions. Interview 1: Department of Public Health – Interviewed with a three panel and was offered the job a week after. I declined the position because I didn't think it would be the best thing to start my nursing career here. Interview 2: Teaching and Trauma Hospital – Interviewed with a seven panel for ICU, ED, and Tele, and a week later was offered a spot in their ICU New Grad Residency to start in June. Interview 3: Dignity Health Affiliated Hospital – Interviewed two days ago with a six panel for ICU, ED, and Tele. No job offer yet, but I'm feeling pretty good about how the interview went. I would really like to get into the Dignity Health Affiliated hospital because they have their Versant Residency, which would be 22 weeks of training for ICU. I honestly think that would be really beneficial for me, but then again I'm happy that I got offered an ICU New Grad position already. The one I was offered includes a three-month training process. I have two more interviews set up for the first week of April for critical care units as well, but I'm still debating if I should just cancel considering what I have already. Not sure yet. I honestly cannot express how blessed I feel to be in this position. A lot of hard work and determination was definitely involved in these processes. My advice to anyone in nursing school or pre nursing is it's never too early to start making yourself marketable aka working on your resume. I feel like my experiences and certifications helped a lot. A little summary – Took a CNA elective class in high school. Got my certification and started working while doing my pre reqs. Before my Advanced Medical Surgical rotation I got a bunch of certs (ACLS, NIHSS Stroke, ECG/Pharm, IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal, etc.) because I thought it would be beneficial for that rotation, and it definitely was! I knew I wanted to go into critical care, so I also got an emergency department internship get experience and fluff up my resume. Also I chose to do my Preceptorship in ICU/SICU/CICU. If you know what specialty you want in the future, you should start making your resume look like it in a way. Another big thing for New Graduate positions is to practice for your interviews! I honestly looked up a lot of questions, and was pretty much talking to myself for hours preparing lol