Which hospitals to work ICU?

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

Hey everyone,

I am Canadian with 1 year ICU experience, and 1 year surg. experience. I just passed my NCLEX and am now looking at doing a travel assignment in California. Either LA, or Orange County area. I would just like to hear from people who work in the ICU units if they can tell me about their unit or recomend a good hospital with a decent reputation. My experience is a general systems ICU so we get everything from multi-traumas to medical pt's and neuro, including EVD's. I would be looking for a similar unit. I would also like to know what the average pay is for ICU nurses (you can PM me if you dont want to post that info), and what areas have better pay. Although pay is important, I am doing a travel assignment so I can work, but still have a good time, with lots of stuff to do, and I want a coastal area thats nice and warm.

Also what kinds of things are there to do on your days off where you work?