Relocation assistance??

Hello,

I have been reading these posts for months, and have learned a tremendous amount. I am finally at a point in my schooling that I can start to look for an RN position.

I will graduate in early Dec 2005; unfortunately there is not a huge nursing shortage where I live (SW Wash), at least not for new grads. So, I am looking to California hospitals due to their good new grad internship programs (I am wanting to do LDRP).

I realize that the cost of living is much higher there as compared to here, and am prepared for that, but my problem is that I am currently not working and living on my financial aid but, that will not be enough to move on.

I have applied on-line to several hospitals--a few in SD area, few in LA area and few in SF area, just to get some options to compare.

I can see from many posts here that a lot have you have relocated. So, here are my questions: how much assistance do the hospitals give you? What about living arrangements when you first arrive? Did you have relatives there, or lined up apt before you moved, or were the hospitals helpful in securing an apt? Did you stay at motel until you had enough money to rent?

I know the first response is to "ask the recruiter", but I wanted to ask here to just get some ideas on what to expect and what help is negotiable.

UCLA offers up to $1500. but it is only to be used for airfare, gas, u-haul, or personal shipping and looks like I will need to pay for all this and then turn in receipts for reimbursement, but what apt living arrangements?

I will appreciate any advice from you all, thank you

Danae