RNs in Vermont

I am an ICU RN in Northern California considering moving back to Vermont to be closer to family in New England.

I am an ADN prepared RN with a liberal arts bachelor's. I have worked in a small community teaching hospital (200 beds, but ICU has 16) for the 3 years since I graduated. I am studying for CCRN & hope to become an ANP sometime in the future.

In CA we have a very strong union & strict 2:1 pt:rn ratio in ICU. We are well paid (started at $42/hr out of school on nights) with free or nearly free health benefits. There are also a ton of nearby educational opportunities. These are difficult things to contemplate leaving (and let's not start about weather!).

Despite all that, it is still a stretch to buy a house here & still be able to get the car fixed or go on a vacation. Cost-of-living is quite high.

If you are an RN in Vermont, can you please tell me where you work & then about general conditions, pay rate, ratios, benefits, educational opportunies, things that need to change, etc. I am particularly interested in hearing from critical care area RNs (ICU, ED, PACU, Cath Lab), but any perspective is welcome. Also if you are working out of state, NH, MA, NY, can you tell me about those places & why you chose them?

We are looking mostly in the Brattleboro area, where I lived for many years, but are considering other areas as well.

Thanks in advance!
Laura