I've been a UK registered nurse for 7 years now and I'm ready for a change. After a short holiday to LA earlier this year I feel I'd like to make this move and have started to prepare for my NCLEX exams. I do still have a huge worry, though and I hope some of you can give me helpful information.
What's the standard of living like for nurses in LA? (I currently have my own 2 bedroom apartment in a safe, clean neighbourhood) Which areas would I be able to afford to live in on a single person's salary? I really liked the Santa Monica area - how realistic would it be to live there?
I am actually down in San Diego, so in my case, it is not such a huge move. But still, job, apt...all have to be found. Whole CA is tough, and I can see that. NYC on the other hand seems to be easier. I did my nursing there and got a job right away. But then moved back to CA. So if you're thinking about NYC, definately try it. And hopefully, the situation changes soon .
Depending on what you liked about LA there are plenty of other areas in Southern California to live and work that have a lot to offer and where you can find a huge variation in affordability. Orange County has gorgeous beaches, Disneyland, and a diversity of its own. San Diego is also a gorgeous city with perfect weather, more beautiful beaches, and plenty to do. Up the coast Ventura and Santa Barbara each have their own unique qualities.
California has a high cost of living and a car is a definite must. Preferably a newer car that you will feel safe and comfortable in because you'll be spending plenty of time in it. Stuff here is SPREAD OUT but not only that, there is so much to do in Southern CA that you'll want to see it all.
I wouldn't limit yourself to one area when looking for an apartment. Santa Monica is gorgeous but can be through-the-roof expensive for what you get so you really need to think about what is important for you to spend your money on. And do NOT rent anything before you've been there in person.
Also the hospitals here vary quite in bit in terms of quality and whether it's a place you'd want to work. So I'd do my research on that as well.
Specializes in Adolescent haematology, oncology and BMT.
Really? The hospitals vary in quality? I had made the assumption that because it's all private healthcare in America then all the hospitals would be state of the art excellent. As for Orange County, I thought that was an expensive area also - my only frame of reference is "The OC", of course!
All hospitals here in the UK provide some accommodation for staff to rent if they don't want to spend lots of money renting privately. Do US hospitals do the same? It would be nice to move over and start a new job without having to stress about finding a place to live...
tapioca
7 Posts
I am actually down in San Diego, so in my case, it is not such a huge move. But still, job, apt...all have to be found. Whole CA is tough, and I can see that. NYC on the other hand seems to be easier. I did my nursing there and got a job right away. But then moved back to CA. So if you're thinking about NYC, definately try it. And hopefully, the situation changes soon
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