Single mom seeking advice

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Hi,

Please I am looking for some information. I am currently in an ADN program in Maryland. I graduate December 2011.

I have been thinking/considering moving to California when I graduate; I am thinking close to Sun Valley or Sun Valley because there is a church I would like to attend there and a christian school for my kids. I am a single mom, my kids will be 5 and 2 when I graduate.

Will I be able to afford a decent life on my income alone? Which area/suburbs is near Sun Valley or can anyone tell me about Sun Valley? Which hospitals are close so I can research them.

I know the economy is really bad now but keeping my fingers crossed that things would have improved by the time I graduate.

I also intend to complete my BSN within two years of working.

Just to say I don't have any family in California;I actually don't have any family here in the US.

Thanks for your time and advice.

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From the information you provided... I would suggest staying in Maryland for a while after graduating and work. California RN jobs are hard to come by. I would think jobs in Maryland or other surrounding states would be more plentiful in available RN jobs.

I think it is unwise to relocate to an unfamiliar, poor economy state, and with lack of support (family/friends). It might be advisable to find another comparable Christian church/school that you and your kids might like that is relatively close to where you currently live. I find relocating for a church/school in these existing conditions... is really unrealistic.

No job = No income

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Sun Valley is a working-class, downscale community in the eastern portion of the San Fernando Valley. The majority of its inhabitants are Mexican and Mexican-American. Some of the streets do not have sidewalks. It is common to see graffiti on peoples' fences because there is a gang presence in the area, and gang members do mark their territories with spray paints.

The San Fernando Valley has not had many offerings regarding employment for new grad RNs. I suggest that you attain at least one year of acute care experience before moving to any part of California.

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Specializes in Tele Step Down, Oncology, ICU, Med/Surg.

I would highly recommend staying in your state--it is a difficult job market for seasoned nurses, and an near impossible market for new grad RN's.

Maybe in a couple years. Long term goals and dreams are good to have. Good luck to you Mammas. You are obviously an amazing lady.

Many blessings on your journey.

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Hi,

Thanks for the replies.I have since changed my mind about California. I have decided that Texas would fit our needs better but even then I promise not to relocate without a job offer. I plan to visit Texas early next year just to check it out and get a feel for the place.

I know the economy is bad every where especially for new grads but we can only hope and pray and keep trying.

I appreciate the sound advice.

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Glad to hear you re-thought the California idea. There are more unemployed new grads here than you can shake a stick at. Its very hard to find a job here without experience, and sometimes challenging for the experienced to get to the areas they prefer.

I cant say that Texas is any better, but i have heard of a couple of new grads from here finding jobs there. One even got a relocation allowance in these times. Glad to hear you plan to have the job before relocating.

Good luck

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