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Discussion

Relocation after graduation

Hi everyone! I'll be entering my last year of nursing school this September (BS program) and am due to graduate in May (fingers crossed). I live and go to school in New York but am seriously considering moving to California. I'm wondering if it will be possible to get hired in a new state fresh out of college, or if I will more likely need a year or two experience in my original home state before being hired in Cali. Or if it would make no difference at all? Any advice or information would be appreciated! Thanks!

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    California is experiencing a horrible job market for new grads right now. You'd probably be better off getting some experience first before making your move. For heaven's sake, do not move unless you have a job lined up. The stress of moving far away from your home & support system is bad enough... you don't want to have to cope with prolonged unemployment also.

    Take a look at this article - ranking states based on objective criteria. 2014′s Best & Worst States for Nurses | WalletHub®

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    Southern California's job market is fiercely competitive, even to its resident new grads and experienced nurses as well. On top of that, the state has a high cost-of-living but, since you are from New York, you may not be surprised. I suggest taking a look at the California AllNurses boards for more information.

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    California is the worst market in the US for new grads. I would really encourage you to do your research before making a decision. The major cities are particularly competitive.

    If you're able to get a couple of years' worth of experience, that would help, but it's still a tough market, even for experienced nurses. Most jobs are now obtained through connections.

    Definitely check out the CA nursing forum. Lots of posts about this.

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    • Guides

    You will have better success as a new grad in getting that essential first job if you stay where people know you. New grad nurses are unemployed all over the place. Add in moving somewhere that nobody knows you and where the market is saturated (pretty much every major US city at this point, but ESPECIALLY in California and NYC) and you have probably just wasted your degree. The thing is, if you go an entire year without finding a job, you will be viewed as an "old" new grad and will be even less likely to get hired. Your skills will be seen as too rusty to keep up with the fresh new grads.

    Start networking now and stay put for a while. It would be far more wise.

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    It IS possible to get a job as a new grad outside of your home state... if you're looking for a job somewhere like North Dakota or maybe Nebraska or Iowa. Not somewhere like California where EVERYONE wants to go. Don't move out there without a job.

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    • Experts
    I live and go to school in New York but am seriously considering moving to California.

    The unemployment rate for new grad RNs in California is a whopping 43 percent. In other words, nearly half of all new nurses in CA are unable to secure employment.

    Tread carefully. Without connections to the local job market and/or knowing someone in the inside of healthcare systems, I personally would not relocate without a firm job offer in hand. Good luck to you.

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