Take a job in New Mexico or hold out for job in CA?

jdcri · Mar 29, 2012

I would personally take the job - you can move when a job/opportunity arises in CA

heathert_kc · Mar 29, 2012

I think this partially depends on your situation in life and your priorities. If your family is not able to support you or you have a lot of student loan or other debt without savings, I would have to go where there is a job offer. I would assume if moving to CA was your plan then you have already been applying there with no luck?? Having children and/or spouse can change things too. Kids need some sense of consistency and your husband being unemployed too would be very tough.

I understand it is a tough choice to make, but if you do have to move somewhere else just keep in mind it is not forever, get a CA license and apply, apply, apply as you are working elsewhere. So what if it takes a year + at least it is not a year of applying while sleeping in your aunt's spare room without a job. The day you start that job you get to add it to your resume. Just my opinion.

Just weigh your options and look at it realistically, I know you want to stay positive, but what if crossing your fingers and hoping does not work and it take more than 8 months, then you are no longer a new grad and the search gets tougher especially if you are in one of the larger metro areas. Look at it from every prospective. Is the pay in NM ok? Cost of living there is fairly low, plus it is close to CA so you could visit your family during the time you are working in NM. Ultimately it is up to you, but I have heard of CA grads jumping ship and going to places like the Dakotas for work, so many would not pass up a shot like the offers you have.

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2012

Like you said, the job market in CA is tight. They don't have to shell out money to train new grads when there are so many experienced applicants. After you have a year's experience under your belt, your job outlook in CA should be much better. My Brother-in-Law's wife graduated from SFSU but ended up getting a job in South Dakota to get experience before returning to California - she found the job search much easier once she was trained.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2012

Unless circumstances are forcing you to move back to CA, take the NM job. The market out here is very bad for new graduates...also, a lot of places just closed the application period for their new grad programs, so if you moved you'd be stuck waiting on the next opening. Come out here with 1-2 years' experience and you'll have better luck.

RxOnly · Mar 29, 2012

Unless circumstances are forcing you to move back to CA, take the NM job. The market out here is very bad for new graduates...also, a lot of places just closed the application period for their new grad programs, so if you moved you'd be stuck waiting on the next opening. Come out here with 1-2 years' experience and you'll have better luck.

Love your sig! We literally DO keep our psych/detox patients full with a steady supply of cookies!

Anyway, do you live in NM already? If it's at all feasible for you to be in NM, take the job!! Stick it out as long as you can and save some money for the move back to CA!! You might even find that NM is where you want to stay!! You'll get some great experience in this tough market. Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2012

Love your sig! We literally DO keep our psych/detox patients full with a steady supply of cookies!

Tell me about it...between the cookies and crackers and ginger ale and Gatorade, I'm surprised they can actually eat anything at mealtime. But they clear their plates like hurdlers :)

caliotter3 · Mar 29, 2012

I would take one of the job offers in New Mexico and continue to seek work in CA. Working and gaining experience is a good use of your time while you wait to get that offer you really want.

Finna22 · Mar 30, 2012

Thank you guys so much for all of your advice! This was super helpful. After talking with some of my friends in CA who are also New Grads, the choice was pretty clear- don't move to CA without experience!!! One girl graduated 13 months ago and STILL NO JOB. She was thinking about moving to New Mexico or Colorado haha. Anyways, thanks for your advice- looks like I'll be moving to New Mexico!

A second question.... about how long is it expectable to transfer to another hospital? I have heard as early as 6 months, but it seems like a year is about the norm. Is six months even doable? Thoughts?

RxOnly · Mar 30, 2012

Thank you guys so much for all of your advice! This was super helpful. After talking with some of my friends in CA who are also New Grads, the choice was pretty clear- don't move to CA without experience!!! One girl graduated 13 months ago and STILL NO JOB. She was thinking about moving to New Mexico or Colorado haha. Anyways, thanks for your advice- looks like I'll be moving to New Mexico!
A second question.... about how long is it expectable to transfer to another hospital? I have heard as early as 6 months, but it seems like a year is about the norm. Is six months even doable? Thoughts?

I think it depends on the region/hospital/floor/day of the week/which way the hiring managers rolled out of bed in the morning... all kidding aside, I think about a year is to be expected...I live in the northeast and everyone wants "a year of experience" ..BUT, a year will FLY by.

Finna22 · Mar 30, 2012

hahahaha, all kidding aside, but I think there is some truth in that! It seems to be all about luck of the draw :) Thanks for your advice!

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2012

A second question.... about how long is it expectable to transfer to another hospital? I have heard as early as 6 months, but it seems like a year is about the norm. Is six months even doable? Thoughts?

I'd would say at least 1 year. You want to be able to show that you're a nurse with experience that does not require further training in your specialty area. Also, it will show your new employer that you could hold down a job for a year.

When I relocated from Nevada, my new employer categorizes anyone without a full year of experience as a new grad as far as pay goes. So having a year under my belt allowed me to be hired on at the next pay grade above a new grad.