How hard are the California boards?

[Dred Pirate]

So I got an email about a job in Cali that perked my interest I have taken four states licensure and passed relatively easily but I know Cali is a whole different animal. I have been out of school for 17 years. So how hard are the boards for someone with real world Experience? And number two. They are offering 270k For 4 x 10 hour shifts at the ED which seems ridiculous but I know Cost of living is much higher. Is this number just a ploy to get interest or is it likely legit without OT?

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[lord999]

Aren't you BCPS? It's not that hard.

 

[PharmtoCS]

Is it in one of the COVID hotspots? Do you have good ED experience?

270k sounds a bit too good to be true.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Is it in one of the COVID hotspots? Do you have good ED experience?

270k sounds a bit too good to be true.

Yes. Bcps. And ya. Have 14 years of Ed experience building a program from scratch. And ya. Seems too good to be true even in a HCOL. Gonna respond and see what’s up. They say “sun and fun and wine” which makes me think wine country but that isn’t necessarily where I think of fun and sun (SoCal)

 

[lord999]

Yes. Bcps. And ya. Have 14 years of Ed experience building a program from scratch. And ya. Seems too good to be true even in a HCOL. Gonna respond and see what’s up. They say “sun and fun and wine” which makes me think wine country but that isn’t necessarily where I think of fun and sun (SoCal)

The standard multiple choice exam was fair which is now more confined to the CPJE now. It's all multiple choice now, and if you are in reasonable practice, it's easier than the BCPS for sure. NABP has been on CA's case about their abuse of the exam on non-law topics and the exam is less clinical than in previous years.

They no longer ask the essay questions which were quite arbitrary. The Morris-Cody scandal put a stop to the ridiculous ones (my year was the totally unfair ACLS one that was not part of the required curriculum).

If they are paying that kind of money, you know there's a catch. Ask yourself if it's that's worth the risk given your comfortable situation. And think of the children (because you were thinking about IA some time earlier and would you care for your children to grow up Californian?).

 

[grizzlesgrizzlies]

Yes. Bcps. And ya. Have 14 years of Ed experience building a program from scratch. And ya. Seems too good to be true even in a HCOL. Gonna respond and see what’s up. They say “sun and fun and wine” which makes me think wine country but that isn’t necessarily where I think of fun and sun (SoCal)

lol you should be fine

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Impossible to pass- best to send me the application link so I can apply and let you know if it's true...

 

[Dred Pirate]

The standard multiple choice exam was fair which is now more confined to the CPJE now. It's all multiple choice now, and if you are in reasonable practice, it's easier than the BCPS for sure. NABP has been on CA's case about their abuse of the exam on non-law topics and the exam is less clinical than in previous years.

They no longer ask the essay questions which were quite arbitrary. The Morris-Cody scandal put a stop to the ridiculous ones (my year was the totally unfair ACLS one that was not part of the required curriculum).

If they are paying that kind of money, you know there's a catch. Ask yourself if it's that's worth the risk given your comfortable situation. And think of the children (because you were thinking about IA some time earlier and would you care for your children to grow up Californian?).

At this point I would much rather raise my daughter as a Californian than the mess that is iowa which is trying to become the Alabama of the Midwest. But ya. I completely get it that something probably isn’t quite right. I have always said it would have to be the perfect job for me to move. Will let y’all know!

 

[Dred Pirate]

Impossible to pass- best to send me the application link so I can apply and let you know if it's true...

Comphealth.com

 

[alpha12]

So I got an email about a job in Cali that perked my interest I have taken four states licensure and passed relatively easily but I know Cali is a whole different animal. I have been out of school for 17 years. So how hard are the boards for someone with real world Experience? And number two. They are offering 270k For 4 x 10 hour shifts at the ED which seems ridiculous but I know Cost of living is much higher. Is this number just a ploy to get interest or is it likely legit without OT?

Doesn't sound legit to me.

 

[PharmtoCS]

At this point I would much rather raise my daughter as a Californian than the mess that is iowa which is trying to become the Alabama of the Midwest. But ya. I completely get it that something probably isn’t quite right. I have always said it would have to be the perfect job for me to move. Will let y’all know!

It's suspicious that they don't tell you even the approximate location. For all you know, you could end up in one of the pockets of California that may as well be Alabama. The good thing in that case is that your COL will be still be relatively low.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Comphealth.com

Some of the other salaries they advertise aren't that outlandish for the bay area. I agree though that $270k sounds either too good to be true or is quite the dumpster fire of a place

 

[Sine Cura]

Yes. Bcps. And ya. Have 14 years of Ed experience building a program from scratch. And ya. Seems too good to be true even in a HCOL. Gonna respond and see what’s up. They say “sun and fun and wine” which makes me think wine country but that isn’t necessarily where I think of fun and sun (SoCal)

"sun and fun and wine" is Lodi (40 mi south of Sacramento) but where's the fun

 

[njac]

So I got an email about a job in Cali that perked my interest I have taken four states licensure and passed relatively easily but I know Cali is a whole different animal. I have been out of school for 17 years. So how hard are the boards for someone with real world Experience? And number two. They are offering 270k For 4 x 10 hour shifts at the ED which seems ridiculous but I know Cost of living is much higher. Is this number just a ploy to get interest or is it likely legit without OT?

If you’ve worked as a hospital phatmacist they’re super easy. Hands down my best state-specific score by 10 points. Almost zero law questions.

Curious where in CA - I was making $100K less than that as an EM specialist with the same schedule in Los Angeles.

 

[njac]

"sun and fun and wine" is Lodi (40 mi south of Sacramento) but where's the fun

The posting does say wine country but that unfortunately doesn’t narrow it down at all.

Monthly trips to Santa ynez are one of the few things I miss about living in CA.

 

[confettiflyer]

$270k seems high, but not outlandish. I’m suspicious that they’re including ancillary/fringe benefits and that $270k is the total compensation package. Like njac, I was making just south of $200k for same schedule/onc specialty several years ago, but in a different part of the state/higher cost area from her site.

Also, there are three to four areas that lay claim to “wine country” — actual wine country (Napa), Temecula, Lodi, and Paso Robles. Actually, there are more, but nyeh.

 

[confettiflyer]

As for California boards, I haven’t taken them since they were revised after the cheating scandal, but they weren’t terrible. I did it on a single review book (RxPrep), I just made sure to focus on areas that I did not really see inpatient — like HIV treatment/brand names.

 

[Dred Pirate]

If you’ve worked as a hospital phatmacist they’re super easy. Hands down my best state-specific score by 10 points. Almost zero law questions.

Curious where in CA - I was making $100K less than that as an EM specialist with the same schedule in Los Angeles.

I just shot them an email- based on what I know about "being too good to be true" I am guessing not in a desirable place.

 

[Dred Pirate]

It's suspicious that they don't tell you even the approximate location. For all you know, you could end up in one of the pockets of California that may as well be Alabama. The good thing in that case is that your COL will be still be relatively low.

that is normal for recruiters - they make a cut if they place you - so if they give you too much info you will find the job on your own,

 

[CaliPCCSM]

At this point I would much rather raise my daughter as a Californian than the mess that is iowa which is trying to become the Alabama of the Midwest. But ya. I completely get it that something probably isn’t quite right. I have always said it would have to be the perfect job for me to move. Will let y’all know!

Amen to that.
Diversity, inclusive environment, the best food and the world’s fifth largest economy.
I would not consider living anywhere else at this point of my life.

 

[notspecial(ty)]

I took it in May. I read the thin rxprep cpje book twice. And then read only the hiv, onco, iv incompatibilities, rare/random sections I didn’t know on rxprep. Looked at past cpje bulletins with sample questions. I passed.

 

[confettiflyer]

Amen to that.
Diversity, inclusive environment, the best food and the world’s fifth largest economy.
I would not consider living anywhere else at this point of my life.

100% A-to-the-men.

BUT…as a native Californian, I must say, we don’t have a monopoly on all of that (5th largest world economy excepted). Enough of us have migrated to NV, OR, WA, that you can raise kids in that environment if you find the right areas. AZ, ID coming around slowly.

I mean, yeah there are neo-nazis, racists, and antivaxxers out there…but we have them, too.

But it’s nice knowing we control 2/3 of the US supply of fruit and nuts, and 13% of agriculture cash receipts.

 

[lord999]

100% A-to-the-men.

BUT…as a native Californian, I must say, we don’t have a monopoly on all of that (5th largest world economy excepted). Enough of us have migrated to NV, OR, WA, that you can raise kids in that environment if you find the right areas. AZ, ID coming around slowly.

I mean, yeah there are neo-nazis, racists, and antivaxxers out there…but we have them, too.

But it’s nice knowing we control 2/3 of the US supply of fruit and nuts, and 13% of agriculture cash receipts.

Sigh on AZ, I really dislike the Californication of the state. I think we got more of the losers from CA than decent people.

Sine Cura got a permanent ban, sigh, what is this board coming to?

 

[owlegrad]

Sine Cura got a permanent ban, sigh, what is this board coming to?

Yeah what is the world coming to when you can’t even be racist anymore?

 

[Dred Pirate]

update - the recruiting company responded and said since I don't have a PGY-2 they won't consider me - lol. 15 years experience, building an ED service from scratch and being told my a AHSP PGY reviewer that we have the most comprehensive ED services she has ever seen, isn't enough...

 

[Rockinacoustic]

update - the recruiting company responded and said since I don't have a PGY-2 they won't consider me - lol. 15 years experience, building an ED service from scratch and being told my a AHSP PGY reviewer that we have the most comprehensive ED services she has ever seen, isn't enough...

This is the barrier to entry CA can afford when PGY-1 residency training has been the standard for hospital entry and you have PGY-2 trained residents working evenings and graveyards until they can get that cush daytime position at the top medical centers.

If you ever found out the location of this place maybe an email to the hiring manager would get a foot in the door.

 

[Dred Pirate]

funny thing - they are still posting this position, and I have followed up (mainly out of pride/ego at this time) - they just send me alternative postings that don't require a PGY-2. I have asked twice if they would just send on my CV to see if they would change their mind - nope. I have asked if they mind sending me the city it is located in - and they just ignore me. I get that a bit because they would lose the finders fee, but seams silly that they won't tell me if they assume they won't hire me anyway....

 

[Dred Pirate]

Amen to that.
Diversity, inclusive environment, the best food and the world’s fifth largest economy.
I would not consider living anywhere else at this point of my life.

the only thing is the water is too damn cold in cali! I love scuba diving, and the beach - but that is one thing the southeast (one of few) that the southeast beats the west cost in.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Sigh on AZ, I really dislike the Californication of the state. I think we got more of the losers from CA than decent people.

Sine Cura got a permanent ban, sigh, what is this board coming to?

so I finally figured out where this job was after they posted more open positions- Santa Rosa Providence hospital in Sonoma County - not if that is an actual salary (I am sure there are a million strings to it) that is actually a pretty decent place near the Bay - not specifically familiar with Santa Rosa thou - thoughts?

 

[lord999]

so I finally figured out where this job was after they posted more open positions- Santa Rosa Providence hospital in Sonoma County - not if that is an actual salary (I am sure there are a million strings to it) that is actually a pretty decent place near the Bay - not specifically familiar with Santa Rosa thou - thoughts?

Honestly, I'd be happy to live and work there. It's a decent community to bring up kids too, liberal but not lunatic like SF can be. Management is probably the problem if there are that many spots in CA though.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Honestly, I'd be happy to live and work there. It's a decent community to bring up kids too, liberal but not lunatic like SF can be. Management is probably the problem if there are that many spots in CA though.

well- I might fit in then- I consider myself a moderate liberal - how far from a real beach is it? Although the cold water is a turn off - it does seem like there are a good number of openings - but hell, our mgmt is less than ideal lately - maybe the powerball numbers will hit tonight and it will be a moot point.

 

[sunnyandseventytwo]

well- I might fit in then- I consider myself a moderate liberal - how far from a real beach is it? Although the cold water is a turn off - it does seem like there are a good number of openings - but hell, our mgmt is less than ideal lately - maybe the powerball numbers will hit tonight and it will be a moot point.

I've lived in the area in the past. You'll be pretty disappointed in NoCal beaches if you don't own a thick wetsuit. Stinson is probably your best bet. It's about an hour away. Maybe 40 minutes to Dillon Beach. Maybe there's something passable in Bodega Bay; that would be a few minutes closer. Honestly, every time I made the drive it was so cold and foggy we had fish and chips and couldn't even tell we were at the beach (that's how thick north coast fog is) and then drove home. It's a beautiful area if you like wine. In the past I would have recommended living in Healdsburg, but it's so touristy now and the area seems to catch on fire every couple of years.

RE wages: no way they're paying more than Kaiser. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but Kaiser is just over $180 a year right now (for new hires). Kaiser does allow you to waive all your benefits (including PTO), at which point your gross would be a little over $225. That would be on a 40 hour week, California and the pharmacist unions have very friendly OT laws, so you could get that up to $270 without too much trouble. Anyway, I'd guess they're talking the entire benefit package (including the employer's, SS payments, workman's comp, and unemployment payments) and then adding on all the holidays you'll have to work. And then adding on another 50 grand to get you to apply for the job so they'll have your info to spam you with other jobs.

Update: Found the posting. Shows it pays a $30,000 bonus + relocation. I'm a little surprised they're having that much trouble filling it. I'm a little tempted...

 

[gwarm01]

well- I might fit in then- I consider myself a moderate liberal - how far from a real beach is it? Although the cold water is a turn off - it does seem like there are a good number of openings - but hell, our mgmt is less than ideal lately - maybe the powerball numbers will hit tonight and it will be a moot point.

Having been in the water from San Diego to Seattle, I can guarantee you the Pacific will not be as pleasant as the Atlantic or Gulf. I wouldn't let that stop you but plan trips home to enjoy the water every now and then.

 

[Dred Pirate]

I've lived in the area in the past. You'll be pretty disappointed in NoCal beaches if you don't own a thick wetsuit. Stinson is probably your best bet. It's about an hour away. Maybe 40 minutes to Dillon Beach. Maybe there's something passable in Bodega Bay; that would be a few minutes closer. Honestly, every time I made the drive it was so cold and foggy we had fish and chips and couldn't even tell we were at the beach (that's how thick north coast fog is) and then drove home. It's a beautiful area if you like wine. In the past I would have recommended living in Healdsburg, but it's so touristy now and the area seems to catch on fire every couple of years.

RE wages: no way they're paying more than Kaiser. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but Kaiser is just over $180 a year right now (for new hires). Kaiser does allow you to waive all your benefits (including PTO), at which point your gross would be a little over $225. That would be on a 40 hour week, California and the pharmacist unions have very friendly OT laws, so you could get that up to $270 without too much trouble. Anyway, I'd guess they're talking the entire benefit package (including the employer's, SS payments, workman's comp, and unemployment payments) and then adding on all the holidays you'll have to work. And then adding on another 50 grand to get you to apply for the job so they'll have your info to spam you with other jobs.

Update: Found the posting. Shows it pays a $30,000 bonus + relocation. I'm a little surprised they're having that much trouble filling it. I'm a little tempted...

the recruiter told me they would consider me if I had started the cali licensing process - I told him (after asking three times) that I couldn't commit to the process unless I at least knew what area - so he told me Sonoma county- and based on a quick google search, pretty sure it is this hospital.

I might through my hat in, just to see what they say, heck, maybe they will fly me out for an interview. Honestly, I have a good deal now, so can really afford to negotiate, so with COL, it would be hard to compete, but sometimes I am up for an adventure.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Having been in the water from San Diego to Seattle, I can guarantee you the Pacific will not be as pleasant as the Atlantic or Gulf. I wouldn't let that stop you but plan trips home to enjoy the water every now and then.

well "home" is Iowa, so the water there is not nice (or existant) - but ya - home is now the southeast - that is the problem, they need to heat up the pacific

 

[gyngyn]

so I finally figured out where this job was after they posted more open positions- Santa Rosa Providence hospital in Sonoma County - not if that is an actual salary (I am sure there are a million strings to it) that is actually a pretty decent place near the Bay - not specifically familiar with Santa Rosa thou - thoughts?

It's beautiful.

 

[confettiflyer]

Beautiful area, a stones throw to wine country, and quintessential Northern California (nothing like it’s southern counterpart).

As for the hospital, this might be why there was some turnover and issues:

https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/enforcement/accusations/ac207137.pdf