Texas FNP Grad wanting to go to California

ChellyFutureNP · Mar 11, 2015

The job market in San Diego, CA is really GOOD if you have at least 2 years of experience. If not, you will be competing with new grads like me (and my other classmates) who can't find any clinics that will hire any new grad FNP. Most positions require at least 2 years of experience to be considered for any NP position. I've had 8 years of RN experience in acute care/tele/cardiac/pulmo/management/charge nurse/SNF/DOU and yet that is not an advantage for this internal medicine clinic that i really really wanted to be considered as a candidate. The doctor there who is looking for an NP stated that he is looking for someone with experience (like the other clinics). I was actually wondering about moving to Texas because the job market for new grad NPs seems promising according to the posts that I read here last week. Anyway, good luck to you =)

waiaka · Mar 11, 2015

Thank you Chelly, good luck to you as well.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 13, 2015

It's going to be hard to find a primary care position as a new grad along the desirable coastal cities (San Diego, LA, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, SF). However, the Central Valley, an expansive area that is inland/away from the coast which includes cities like Fresno, Stockton, Modesto, Bakersfield, Chico are hiring primary care providers of all types and will likely not hesitate to hire new grads. Once you gain experience, you could consider moving to your desired area.

chouxpastry · Mar 14, 2015

i too am a new FNP grad in CA, and my personal experiences differ from the above posts. there are abundant family practice jobs in both metropolitan areas and non. employers are also more than willing to train new grads. RN experience is of tremendous value, but having little to no experience is by no means a deal breaker. the major caveat is that you have to commit your due diligence to applying and following up with job applications. a CV that portrays a healthy array of NP skills and knowledge demonstrates your future potential as a productive employee (e.g. laceration repair, 12-lead EKG interpretation, etc.). living in TX may further be another barrier, but i have no experience with applying out of state. i would definitely first apply for CA licensure and then consider relocating to CA even prior to finding a job...but again this is just what i imagine.

just wanted to jump in and offer my two cents! please don't give up if your daydream is actually your life dream :) also, us californians are, contrary to hollywood portrayal, not as mean as we look

ChellyFutureNP · Mar 14, 2015

i too am a new FNP grad in CA, and my personal experiences differ from the above posts. there are abundant family practice jobs in both metropolitan areas and non. employers are also more than willing to train new grads. RN experience is of tremendous value, but having little to no experience is by no means a deal breaker. the major caveat is that you have to commit your due diligence to applying and following up with job applications. a CV that portrays a healthy array of NP skills and knowledge demonstrates your future potential as a productive employee (e.g. laceration repair, 12-lead EKG interpretation, etc.). living in TX may further be another barrier, but i have no experience with applying out of state. i would definitely first apply for CA licensure and then consider relocating to CA even prior to finding a job...but again this is just what i imagine.
just wanted to jump in and offer my two cents! please don't give up if your daydream is actually your life dream :) also, us californians are, contrary to hollywood portrayal, not as mean as we look

Would you have any information on primary care clinics who are willing to train new FNP grads? Please, I am dying to know (especially San Diego). Thank you!