9 more months of TN and then...

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I'm going perm somewhere to get a new specialty under my belt.

I'm thinking California would be a great place to get new experience, but I have no idea where I want to live in Cali or even work. San Fran is ideal, but I doubt if I can afford to live there and I don't do roomates. Also, what can I expect to make as a staff nurse with full bennies in the San Fran area? Also, I used to read a lot about California tanking financially, but now it's always about Illinois going bankrupt in the near future and I never hear much about California. Im curious because there is a chance of me staying in California if I love it as much as I think I will.

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California is doing fine financially. Pay in SF depends almost entirely on years of experience as they are union. New grads may start around $50 an hour if that gives you a clue. Even at that pay, housing may be too expensive without a roommate. You may be looking at $2,500 a month for a studio. Just guessing. Craigslist should show you what market rates are currently.

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

What about Sacramento? I never traveled there and have moved to permanent in LA this year, so I can't comment too much on it. But their pay is very high and the cost of living is low for CA. Something to think about. There is a salary survey in the general nursing section of this website that is interesting to read, will give you an idea.

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Thanks guys. I will check out Sacramento, I do remember hearing about low cost of living there. Wanderlust, what made you decide to move to LA? Did you buy a place or are you renting? I'm also curious as to what hospital you guys would recommend for best working conditions, pay and bennies? Any hospital, location doesn't matter.

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