Virginia to California; New Grad; Moving advice?!

caliotter3 · Feb 8, 2015

You can take the NCLEX in CA if you want, as a matter of fact, that would make sense, as you know you will be moving there. Nothing you can do about the school you attended. When you submit your application for licensure with the state, they will accept/not accept your program. There should not be a problem. When you apply for work, do not make a big deal about your education and the accreditation of your school. Employers are going to be interested in that fact that you have a clear license and they will be more interested in your nursing work history, than where you went to school. Few positions are dependent upon education specifics.

As you can see from the many threads and posts on the subject, finding a job in SoCal as a new grad will not be easy. You might want to find another 'reason' for your move to CA. Sometimes there is discrimination against military spouses in the hiring process. Do not develop unrealistic expectations. Good luck.

SaraBethCannon · Feb 8, 2015

You can take the NCLEX in CA if you want, as a matter of fact, that would make sense, as you know you will be moving there. Nothing you can do about the school you attended. When you submit your application for licensure with the state, they will accept/not accept your program. There should not be a problem. When you apply for work, do not make a big deal about your education and the accreditation of your school. Employers are going to be interested in that fact that you have a clear license and they will be more interested in your nursing work history, than where you went to school. Few positions are dependent upon education specifics.
As you can see from the many threads and posts on the subject, finding a job in SoCal as a new grad will not be easy. You might want to find another 'reason' for your move to CA. Sometimes there is discrimination against military spouses in the hiring process. Do not develop unrealistic expectations. Good luck.

Thank you so much! I just hope and pray this will all work out!

caliotter3 · Feb 8, 2015

Well, you will be with your hubby! So, yes it will work out!

umad · Feb 8, 2015

Hello all! I am currently enrolled in an associate degree program at E.C.P.I. University in Richmond Virginia. My estimated graduation date is on February/March of 2016.
Ar this time, my school is fully accredited by the Virginia State Board of nursing. But we are not accredited by ACEN.
My significant other is joining the military, and will be in San Diego California for a few years. Our goal is for me to follow him out upon my graduation. I just have some questions I need answered.
(1) Does anyone know if my school is accepted in California? (I have tried for 3 weeks to contact the California Board of Nursing with absolutely no luck)
(2) Could I register to take the NCLEX in California rather than Virginia? Is that even allowed?
(3) I have three years of MedSurg experience as a CNA. I am also hoping to complete many certifications by the time I graduate (I.e. ACLS) to show I am motivated and possible make my resume more appealing. How difficult is it for new grads out in Southern California?
(4) has anyone ever transferred a Virginia license to California? What did you have to do? How long did it take?
Thanks in advanced!

1) With the CA BRN you just have to keep calling them until you get a hold of someone. It can get frustrating, but keep calling. I have had luck with just emailing them my questions.

2) You can register to take the NCLEX in CA. I heard it's easier to do that because the process of endorsement for CA takes a very long time.

3) Southern CA is super saturated with new grads so it is difficult for them to get a position in an acute care setting. Your CNA experience may help you. You may also want to look into RN-BSN programs.

4) I'm doing the opposite. It only took a week for VA to process my paperwork but it has taken over 3 weeks (and counting) for CA to verify my license.

Good luck! I love San Diego.

SaraBethCannon · Feb 9, 2015

1) With the CA BRN you just have to keep calling them until you get a hold of someone. It can get frustrating, but keep calling. I have had luck with just emailing them my questions.
2) You can register to take the NCLEX in CA. I heard it's easier to do that because the process of endorsement for CA takes a very long time.
3) Southern CA is super saturated with new grads so it is difficult for them to get a position in an acute care setting. Your CNA experience may help you. You may also want to look into RN-BSN programs.
4) I'm doing the opposite. It only took a week for VA to process my paperwork but it has taken over 3 weeks (and counting) for CA to verify my license.
Good luck! I love San Diego.

I love VA!! It's a fantastic place to live! I just want to be with my guy. :)

do you have any suggestions as to where I should look for a job/how soon I should start looking? I know someone said the VA. Is it appropriate to start applying a month or two before I graduate?

umad · Feb 9, 2015

I love VA!! It's a fantastic place to live! I just want to be with my guy. :)
do you have any suggestions as to where I should look for a job/how soon I should start looking? I know someone said the VA. Is it appropriate to start applying a month or two before I graduate?

The spring new grad programs open anywhere from October to December with start dates in February/March. A summer program might be better for you since you will still need to take the NCLEX. Applications will open around March with start dates in July/August.

I would check the hospital's website frequently to see when they will post applications. The hospitals are Sharp, Scripps, Kaiser, UCSD, Tri City, and Alvarado.