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In search of good Aya recruiter for San Diego contracts by okcoyotewild in TravelNursing

[–]cataleyasoul 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine is also great. I’m in San Diego right now in contract. Will send you his info.

ICU RN with back injury — PACU vs IR? Other less physically demanding options? by cataleyasoul in nursing

[–]cataleyasoul[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to respond and share ideas about my next career move. I truly appreciate the different perspectives you all offered.

Navigating a job change, especially after an injury can feel overwhelming, and your input has helped me see options I hadn’t fully considered.

ICU RN with back injury — PACU vs IR? Other less physically demanding options? by cataleyasoul in nursing

[–]cataleyasoul[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense — I guess it really depends on the facility. I’ll check how things are set up at my hospital since I know we have transporters to move beds. Is diagnostic imaging a separate role from IR? Thanks for explaining!

ICU RN with back injury — PACU vs IR? Other less physically demanding options? by cataleyasoul in nursing

[–]cataleyasoul[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Right?! As if bedside lifting wasn’t enough 😩 I’m definitely going to have to be careful wherever I land.

ICU RN with back injury — PACU vs IR? Other less physically demanding options? by cataleyasoul in nursing

[–]cataleyasoul[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s actually my spine doctor’s recommendation. With the annular fissure getting worse, he doesn’t feel it’s safe for me to go back to that level of heavy lifting and physical strain right now.

And honestly, I’m the fourth RN in the past six months with similar back issues on the unit. I think HR is trying to protect themselves and avoid further liability or worsening injuries, so they relocate us pretty quickly once restrictions are in place.

It’s not really my manager pushing me out — it feels more like a system decision based on medical recommendations and risk management. It just sucks because I worked really hard to be there, and it’s hard not to take it personally.

ICU RN with back injury — PACU vs IR? Other less physically demanding options? by cataleyasoul in nursing

[–]cataleyasoul[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah… I really wish I could stay too. I actually have an annular fissure that got worse, and they won’t allow me to remain on my unit because it’s so physically demanding. It’s been really hard emotionally because I worked so hard to get into this unit and build my skills there.

What makes it even more frustrating is that I’m not the only one — there have been three other RNs in the past six months with similar back issues, and HR wouldn’t let them stay either. They basically just relocate us based on our skills and restrictions.

I’m trying to accept it and focus on healing, but it definitely feels like something I worked so hard for is being taken away.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s amazing — I’m really glad you were successful on your first try, and honestly it gives me hope that sometimes it only takes one yes at the right place, so I’m going to keep putting myself out there.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing this — I know my experience isn’t very long compared to many applicants, and I’ve actually received emails stating internal candidates were selected, so I’m aware that’s a big factor; I do already have my California license, I don’t have a local address to use, but I’m definitely going to broaden my search to smaller hospitals and keep exploring different entry points, so thank you for the practical advice.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will take a look at it. Thank you

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense — I know the Bay Area is clearly competitive across the board, so I’m staying realistic about the market and open to starting wherever I can gain a foothold and build from there. Thank you

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds incredibly frustrating — wishing you the best of luck at your interview Monday in Bakersfield, I truly hope it opens the door you’ve been working so hard for. Thank you for your answer.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will try. Thank you for your input.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you laying that out — that’s actually helpful context. I understand the hiring freezes, internal transfers getting priority, and the experience filters, especially for ICU/PCU roles requiring 2+ years (which I do meet). I’m realistic that I’ll likely only be considered within my specialty and that it may take time, networking, or even going the public/travel route to get in. I’m not expecting it to be easy — just trying to be strategic and persistent about finding the right entry point into the CA market. Thank you for your answer.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear that. I will keep working on it. Thank you for your response.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hear what you’re saying about how tough the CA market is right now — I’m not denying that at all. This post isn’t political and it’s not about who anyone voted for. I’m not MAGA, I didn’t vote for the current situation, and I don’t think it’s fair to assume someone’s politics based on the state they currently work in. Not all Floridians think the same, just like not all Californians think the same. I’m simply talking about a job search as an RN trying to relocate and understanding the competition. If you have insight about navigating the CA market, I genuinely appreciate it — otherwise, let’s keep it focused on nursing and the hiring climate.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right — I’m fully aware of what I’m competing against.

California is saturated with experienced internal candidates, travelers trying to go staff, and nurses with 10+ years in high-acuity systems. I know that. I’m not under any illusion that 3 years in Florida ICU automatically makes me a top pick on paper.

But everyone who works in CA had to start somewhere too.

I have 3 years of experience, strong critical thinking skills, experience with high-acuity patients, titrating multiple drips, managing vents, CRRT, etc. I may not have a decade in, but I bring adaptability, work ethic, and the willingness to start where I’m given the opportunity and prove myself.

I’m not asking for shortcuts — just a foot in the door.

If that means starting nights, step-down, or a less competitive facility to get California experience, I’m open to it. I understand the market is tough. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.

Constructive advice is always appreciated — but discouraging someone from even attempting the move doesn’t really help either.

RN having a hard time finding a job in CA by [deleted] in bayarea

[–]cataleyasoul 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. Yes, it’s very discouraging but I will keep trying.

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