The CA New Grad Crisis?

[MikeyBSN]

This is just an observation, but I have seen a large number of posts from new grads in California. I have never been to that state, but I do know three important things about nursing in CA: 1. They have the strongest nurses union in the country; 2. They have mandatory nurse-patient ratios; 3. The state is broke. I was wondering which of these factors, if any, would create the new grad crisis. True, new grads are having trouble finding jobs all over the country but CA seems to be the worst. I think one unique thing about CA is their ratios. Have the experienced nurses come into CA for better job quality and forced out new grads? Could we expect this from other states that implement ratios? Any ideas?

[KimICURN]

I graduated in May of 2010 and didn't even attempted to get a job as an RN in the Bay Area. I applied out of state and am currently working in a Cardio Vascular ICU as a new grad in Texas. It would have been years before I would have had an opprotunity like this in California. So many of the people, nearly 2/3, I attended school with are still looking for jobs and the others are either working in clinics or LTC. California is suffering financially and although they pay very well, it is difficult to get a job there as a new grad. I say if you can move do it, and then go back if you want in a few years with some experience.

[DesertRN2, MSN, APRN]

I am a new grad in CA. I have been licensed since last June. I have been offered jobs in LTC but I have NO interest in doing so. I have a full time job that is not in nursing making more money. So for now I will wait for the economy to turn around then I hope to get a hospital job. I am not going to leave a 6 figure a year job for LTC, or a SNF!

I would not leave any six figure job to go work as a floor nurse in a hospital either......

[Malefocker, BSN, RN]

I would leave the job if I could still provide for my family with being a staff nurse... Obviously you did not chose nursing for the money because you would have just stayed at your 6 figure a year job and presumably not be in the debt you are in from nursing school. So if i could afford it why not take a 50% pay cut and do what you really want. I also had a high salary paying job and was miserable... I know wait tables while going to school make less than 30K a year and am sooooo much happier. One day I will gain experience in nursing and make a 6 figure a year job doing what I really love. All you have to do is gain the 1 or 2 years experience and then you can pretty much do whatever you want in nursing. Now I am obviously not familiar with your financial situation and if you need the 6 figure a year job in order to pay the bills and put food on the table as I said earlier than disregard my post! :)