Questions about relocating

[thatme20]

I am looking to relocate to California in just over a year. After reading this forum off and on for a month, I am not sure if I can secure a RN position if I was to move out there. I am newer nurse with just over two years experience. I work primarily charge nurse and take a team of patients on third shift as well as teach the computer charting program for the hospital part time as well. I have BLS, ALCS, and roughly 1/3 of my MSN completed. I know that most of the postings say how difficult it is for everyone to find a job (especially with the recent recession). However, I can move anywhere in the state and take any position (within reason). I would like to stay in the hospital setting ideally. Is it worth the money to apply for a license or should a look at other locations? Please let me know and thanks in advance for the help.

[jaja77809]

I am currently working in San Francisco, and I can tell you that there are NO jobs here, alot of new grads are moving out of the area to find jobs... It seems that the situation is better in Southern California, as I have had a few friends relocate there for jobs..... Hope this helps!

[thatme20]

Jaja,

Thanks for the response. I will look more at Sothern California. I was also looking at taking a traveling position to at least get my foot in the door. Hopefully I will find something to get started.

-Andrew

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

You have two years experience, and 1/3 of your MSN completed, that's a very attractive resume with your education alone. Honestly, I think you will be fine because most positions are for RN II, and nothing for RN I or anything less that 1 yr experience. Bay Area is going to be a little bit tough. You might want to try in the San Joaquin Valley because they have quite a few positions open for nurses with more than a year experience. It's a least desirable place of California due to weather. It gets pretty hot there, other than that it's not a bad place to live. Good Luck

[thatme20]

NurseCubanitaRN2b,

Thanks for the info. I have been contacting some recruiters and explaining my position. I have been getting a little interest, nothing too significant. Most are saying that it is hard to predict that far into the future the need for nurses. I’ll start looking more north of the Bay Area. Thanks again.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

No problem. Good Luck

[JoblessRN]

I agree with Cubanita.....working on your MSN right now will look great to employers. It is a little easier to get a job here where I am (Northern CA) when you have experience. The market for new grads here is terrible right now, but as far as I know experienced nurses have it a little better. Hopefully by the time you're ready to move out here, things should pick up a little bit! CA is a great place to live...I think you'll like it!

[romie]

I'm a BSN to MSN prepared RN working on my MSN. I already have a Master Degree in another field and have over 2 years experience working as a manager in a SNF, overseeing nursing staff and managing patient care. I have 15 months of acute care experienc, most of it in Tele, ACLS certified, got a scholarship to the #3 nursing school in the nation. I'm willing to work as a staff nurse in SNF, but prefer acute care. I have three agencies in the bay area working on my case. Any chance at all for me? I'm not completely green but I have alot to learn. Perhaps my last name "Montoya" will give me some advantage, given the need for spanish speaking RNs....

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Having a Spanish surname doesn't really work for you because there are a lot of people with Spanish surnames who don't speak a lick of Spanish. If you do indeed speak the language include it in your job application and resume. But it looks like you have experience, so that you have going for you. Good Luck

[romie]

Thanks for the advice and for the reassurance about my experience. I am excited about making this big move in less than a week!