Move To North California

[AC777]

Hey guys, I've been looking into moving to North California for nursing. I understand that it is a very competitive job market, and for that reason I'm planning on moving towards the end of the year or the first quarter of 2018 to gain a bit more experience. Currently I have a year experience within Southern California in Cardiac and Trauma ICU's. I recently got into cardiac this year in January, and remained with my first hospital in their Trauma ICU. Both areas are really quiet interesting to me. Actually, all critical care aspects interest me… Anyway, I have my BSN, and would hope to get my CCRN by October. Then I would start applying, since I feel that I would be more marketable with the CCRN credential and experience. My reason for moving is mainly for the pay. Southern California is nice and all, but the pay does not compensate for the area as much as North California does.

So far I'm considering Sacramento (UC Davis), San Francisco (UCSF or Sutter), or Walnut Creek (John Muir Medical). Yes, I understand that San Francisco's cost of living is extremely high, but with doing calculations with the pay for the area It's actually comparable to Sacramento, if not more. I'm basing the salary data on what I found on the UC system salaries found online with all differentials etc.

I'd like others perspectives with my current course of action. Is it a good plan? And what other hospitals/areas should I look into/consider?