I have 10 mo. tele/step-down experience, want to get an ICU job in Northern CA

[BlueEyedGuy]

I moved out-of-state for the past 10 months to get a new grad job on a Telemetry unit(we're also the step-down unit) at a regional level 2 trauma center in the northern midwest.

I'm looking to find a hospital that hires into their ICU(s) with my one year-ish experience (it'll be a year by the time I get hired somewhere, I imagine). And I'd prefer within commute distance from either SF or Sacramento.

I have experience with some drips, but not really vents, swans or art lines.

Any suggestion on hospitals?

Do I need more experience?

Should I expect to take a step-down/tele job in CA and transfer to ICU when allowed?

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

You might have luck at a year, but with competition in the california job market, 2 years is more likely to get you a job. Its hard to change specialties. Id strive for icu, but also apply to all the stepdown jobs. Its not uncommon to float between icu and stepdown. Getting the "easier" icu assignments when you float there. Itd also be a good connection and more likely to transfer to icu.

[RunBabyRN]

I agree that you'll want to get 2 years or more of experience in order to be competitive. Start applying, by all means, but the market is tough, and even with one year of experience, it can be tough. I'd apply anywhere that appeals to you and see what happens.