Psych nurse moving to LA area

[cache77]

I have worked in psych for about five years, as a social worker in an outpatient clinic and as a tech in a psych hospital. I recently became an LPN, then an RN last month. I have about a year of experience working as an LPN in an adolescent psych inpatient treatment center. I am now an RN for the same facility. My husband just got a job in the LA area (Torrance) and I would like to be able to move with him, however, due to lack of experience I'm afraid of not being able to find a job. Does anyone know of any specific hospitals or treatment centers that are hiring and that would hire someone with with little or no RN experience. Any places that are open to hiring someone with experience in the field? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[CaPsychLVN, LPN, LVN]

Check out College Hospital, Cerritos Ca. We hire new grads.

[cache77]

Thanks for the suggestion! I appreciate your help.

[Guest717236]

With your social work background, you should have many opportunities...

Good luck and keep us posted..

[cache77]

Yes I'm just intimidated by all the postings that are saying it has been so difficult to get jobs even for experienced nurses in California. I don't have any connections in LA like I do here in Phoenix so I'm worried... but trying to stay positive. Thanks for the encouragement. I will keep you posted.

[gnursjr2]

How is the Psych RN market in Phoenix area? I am thinking of moving out of CA d/t excessive, and every increasing cost of living. I appreciate your help. Thank you.

[cache77]

The market is great here...lots of positions both in hospitals and outpatient. If you have a specific idea of what kind of job you want I could make suggestions.

[CaPsychLVN, LPN, LVN]

How is it for Psych LVN's in Phoenix?

[cache77]

To be perfectly honest, Phoenix is not LVN friendly (LPNs here). Most of the hospitals have laid off their LPNs and won't hire anymore. At the place I work, I was the last LPN to be hired. Only LTC jobs here. LPNs are not respected here; in fact people frequently call them "low pay nurses." Sorry to have to tell you that, but I would consider another state where you would get the respect and jobs you deserve.

[CaPsychLVN, LPN, LVN]

Thanks for the info.

[cache77]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would have an idea of how long hospitals typically take to call applicants. Specifically, do you know how the hiring process is at College hospitals? How long should I wait, or do you think I should try to start contacting people?

[Wabi Sabi, BSN, RN]

It can take awhile. I have heard they had tons of application. There is actually only ONE person who handles the submitted applications. Plus, they have just recently hired a whole bunch of RNs (like 7-10). I would suggest that you apply to other places as well while you are waiting.