oh wow...I am making $41.50 night shift with $5,000 completion bonus. I am doing contracts now. I work in the ICU.Florida is where I am and it is not that expensive to live here. I know about Cali i used to live there when I was a kid and I visit family there and yes its overcrowded and expensive.

I still think you are making great money. I think RNs shouldn't make less than $35/hr. That's my rule. What unit do you work in?? I am thinking of traveling nursing, but not Cali right now. I have a BAD feeling about your state. I sense a big earthquake soon and lots of damage....Plus the state is bankrupt. I am looking towards Hawaii....But I LOVE Cali--great people there!! :O)

Keep me posted!!

Actually that was my orientation rate..I was making $46.97 as a new grad at Alta Bates Summit in Oakland, CA(it was originally $45.97 but because it is union we were granted $1.00 raise in October 2008, only a month after I started). The cost of living here is pretty high though. Housing is pretty expensive (though it has gone down a bit with all the foreclosures). If you wanted to rent a one bedroom one bath apartment it's about $1200 per month.

Hi - Do I know you? I haven't been very active on a board for some time - too busy with life and things