Wants to Work in California

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I was recently offered admission to a great BSN program in Oregon, but I really want to work in California after graduation. How difficult is it too get a job right away in one state, when you went to nursing school somewhere else? I'm hoping to work in an acute care environment, but I know those can be really competitive to get into, especially as a new grad. Should I hold out to see if I get into any other programs closer to where I want to live?

Thank you so much.

Dear Wants to Work in California,

If you want to work in California immediately after graduation, you could target nursing schools in CA areas that are new grad friendly, such as central CA. You would have an advantage as a "local" candidate and during school, you could network and as I say in my book below "audition" for a position during your clinical rotations (an insider's pro tip).

Hopefully the out of state tuition would be manageable.

Not to say you couldn't apply as an out of state candidate if you attend school in Oregon (and apply for endorsement to CA), but strategy is important in a competitive market.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!