San Diego Job Market/Cost of Living

U.S.A. California

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Hey there! ED nurse here, 3 years Level 1 with a BSN. I'm planning to move to SD as soon as I land a job. I've been thinking this over for the past year and feel like it's time to make the move. I got my CA license in order last year, so that isn't a concern. My questions for all of you is really regarding facilities. I know absolutely no one in SD and as much as I have been trying to research about work environments at Scripps, Sharp, Kaiser, UCSD, I'm finding it easier said than done. I know it's hard to get in at Kaiser and that Kaiser pays the most. What about the other facilities? How's the pay for someone at my experience level and how difficult is it for an experienced nurse to find a job? I know cost of living is more near the coast, but is it reasonable for a one-person household to afford to live comfortably? Think 1 bed bungalow/apt that is updated and in a safe area. Also, how difficult is it for someone out of state to land a job there prior to moving? I don't really feel comfortable with the idea of moving without a job lined up. Are there any Emergency Rooms that I should avoid? I'm open to applying to EDs that are not level 1, I just want to avoid places that are known for negative experiences. I notice that Sharp offers relocation reimbursement. Anyone know if there is a time commitment for that? Any information would be helpful, even if it's something I haven't thought to ask about. Thanks so much! :)

-Exhausted in the Northeast

This is all very solid information. I'm open to Oceanside, but didn't really give much thought about commuting up towards LA. I've heard such intense things about the traffic there and recall a time it took a number of hours to get from Valencia to Oceanside on the 5. How much do you know about North Park? They still get the nice coastal weather, yes? I read somewhere that East County can get a bit warm. NP is considered central, correct?

My daughter rents a modest 2BD 1 BA apartment with tiny single garage in North Park $1,900. Walking distance to the shops and restaurants. Weather stays cool and it has a reasonable commute to her work south of the park and SDSU. She has 2 other roommates to make it affordable as a FT student.

Freeway commute is not a lifestyle for me, I pay the higher where I am as well to avoid it.

Is it possible to relocate to San diego and get a job in a different specialty of nursing and trained for it then what you're in? I'm currently in med/surg but not sure if I like it and it would be a dream to live in California. I was thinking of travel nursing too to start out but I'm not sure.

Just an update: I accepted a job with Scripps and will be relocating to San Diego at the end of July. The interview process was phenomenal and I'm genuinely really excited. The biggest headache is finding housing, but oh well.

Bye bye, snow. Hellllllllllllllo, sunshine (and good Mexican food).

Just an update: I accepted a job with Scripps and will be relocating to San Diego at the end of July. The interview process was phenomenal and I'm genuinely really excited. The biggest headache is finding housing, but oh well.

Bye bye, snow. Hellllllllllllllo, sunshine (and good Mexican food).

are you an experienced RN who is relocating? I really want to do the same but I imagine it's going to take months and months for me to get a Cali license. I'm heading to San Diego the beginning of July for vacation and was going to do my fingerprints there when I go to hopefully help speed up the process ?

oops disregard my last comment haha, I just had to go back and look at your original post

Just an update: I accepted a job with Scripps and will be relocating to San Diego at the end of July. The interview process was phenomenal and I'm genuinely really excited. The biggest headache is finding housing, but oh well.

Bye bye, snow. Hellllllllllllllo, sunshine (and good Mexican food).

That's awesome congrats! I was able to touch base with a recruiter from scripps but she just wants me to reach out once the CA RN comes through :facepalm: How was the interview process/timeline? Did you decide on where you'd like to live? It all sounds so exciting!!

Nice! I was also an ER nurse and relocated with Scripps from out of state. Had 4 interviews within a week of applying and took one with Scripps in a different department. Cost of living is $2000 about for a decent one bedroom. Good luck! you'll love San Diego. This week is my one year anniversary living here and won't ever go anywhere else!

Hi dear, take two days to look n explore the place, you sounds burn out. Ask hr in places where to deside to work then make your next move. Good lunch

I'm not sure if doing fingerprints in CA will speed it up or not. It could? I did mine through the mail and the whole process took 4 months or so. If you do it by mail, be sure to be extra careful to not make any mistakes or accidentally omit information on the application packet. I hear that can slow things down and god forbid you have to call the CA BON for any reason. It's next to impossible to get an actual person on the phone.

Also, the interview process was a breeze. I applied to two jobs with them and had offers for both. Both positions did phone interviews due to my distance and it felt very comfortable and relaxed. Everyone I have spoken with there was incredibly kind and down to earth. I was asked the typical interview-type questions (i.e. tell me about a time when.., how would you handle x, y, and z, strengths/weaknesses, etc). When I researched it a bit more, they had high staff approval ratings and that really solidified my decision to apply to them. It seems like they offer some good opportunities to cross-train from ED to ICU as well. I don't have anything negative to say about the interview process and am really looking forward to being part of the team and giving something back to the community. I'm blown away by the kindness I have experienced from complete strangers there, and I don't just mean in relation to my new employer, I mean in all regards. I have reached out to potential landlords and although I did not end up renting from them due to timeframe conflicts, they continue to send me listings for rentals that they get nothing out of. It blows my mind. If this is the sort of thing that is common there, I may have found my forever home.

Specializes in ICU.

Congratulations. I would try to get a per diem job ASAP.

Why do you say that?

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