Canada to California: Advice needed.

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Hi, I am a Canadian RN and I would like to move to california (predominantly because of the weather) within a year (and the more I think about it the more GLEEFUL I get! and I haven't even started the first step yet!)... However, I am confused... I just started a new job in the PACU and my employer sent me for the ICU course because she wants everyone to be ICU trained. Which is great except now after having put so much effort in learning so much I will not be using all the ICU acquired skills in the PACU setting. So I am not sure what is the best skill-set to move to California with? As in... say I stay in PACU...does that mean I will not be able to apply for a critical care position in california and thus waste my certification? Is there a descent enough market for PACU nurses in california?... I am just so confused...

So, I guess my question is that if you were in my shoes, would you rather transfer to the ICU after the course completion and gain experience there before applying to california or would you just stay in the PACU? Also, not related to my course but to my wish to move to California... Does anyone know if it is better to do the agency way or if I should just apply directly? It all seems so complicated...and sometimes agency seems like they'll tell you all the steps but then I am not too sure if I can deal with the 3month travel assignments...Oh and also I have heard many many times California being really expensive...How do nurses live there if the average cost of a 1br rental is $2000???...I mean what's the point of living in a gorgeous place when you'll spend every day working overtime just to pay the rent? Or are those just horror stories?...(oh and that was not meant to be offensive!! PLEASE PLEASE dont take that as offensive! I will admit I am totally ignorant to this entire thing...except for this feeling that I will TOTALLY LOVE it there! - I still need to figure out which city...oh sorry I am side-tracking again!)

Shheeesh! I know I just unleashed my ramblings upon all of you...however, if you read through it I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO greatful! Any advice would be ginormously appreciated!!

THanks so much!!

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Specializes in intensive care, recovery, anesthetics.

I wouldn't go to California at all right now, because of the unlikelyhood of finding a job there. It seems it's one of the hardest hit States.

bad timing

5cats

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

There is a bit more to the process than getting a job. You need to meet requirements with BRN and pass NCLEX then need to find a employer willing for the TN and then meet TN requirements. I would also suggest a read in the California state forum California forum

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Aww I am sad re CA being badly hit and the bad timing... but thanks for letting me know! Yes, I know it is a long and complicated process; I am at the information gathering phase... Thanks for that website, I did look at it and it is helpful. I need to check it out more thoroughly again...and maybe ten other times to understand the entire step-wise process :) ...

I know it will take me about atleast a year for the entire process and I am hoping by then things are better. Right after I am done with this course I plan to get in gear for the nclex exam.

Anyhow, I need to get back to my books but I wanted to drop a quick thankyou to both of you for taking the time to respond! :)

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