RN Grad looking for a RN opportunity in California

[vinnyRN]

Hi, I'm a RN grad and passed my NCLEX in October 2009. I've been searching for a RN position in Houston, but I have been unsuccessful. I've applied for the June 2010 Internships but if I don't make it in June, then I'd have to wait until Jan 2011. I've been applying to all types of facilities and I get the same response, "you have less than a year experiece" or "you need to apply to our intern program." My wife and I are getting frustrated and thinking about relocating to California. We've been talking about moving there for quite some time. We're looking toward the Berkeley, San Fran, or even Oakland area. I am looking for a permanent full-time position. Are there any hospitals in that area that would hire a RN grad? Please point me to the right direction. Thank you

[vinnyRN]

Hey, thank you for the responses. Thanks for the insight on the cost of living up there. It's pretty bad down here in Houston for new grads. I'm getting the replies to try outside cities (which I am doing), but I'm not looking to raise a family in Temple, or Corpus Chrisiti. My goal is to move to CA (especially berkeley). My wife (+5yr RN) and I are pretty much set on that. I've applied at some openings at the correctional facilities and other hospitals in nearby cities (san Leandro, Palo Alto, etc.) Thanks again, and I'll keep you all posted on my endeavor.

P.S. would two experienced RN's be able to make in the San Fran/ Berkeley area with the cost of living and the current RN wage?

[Rabid Response]

Rents are very high in Berkeley, yes. Checking the rental section on Craigslist will give you a pretty good idea. The schools are decent, so you wouldn't have to shell out for private school tuition. If you both had jobs, it would be feasible, but jobs are hard to come by here even for experienced nurses; new grad opportunities are basically nonexistent. Do not move here without both having jobs! Maybe in a year or two things will change. My hospital isn't replacing the nurses who leave, but they also don't want to pay overtime, so eventually they will have to hire. Good luck!