Need Advice - I would like to become a CRNA

[ptreebranch, BSN, RN]

Hi all, I am looking for some advice.

Currently, I am living in Northern California working on a cardiac tele/PCU floor at a level II trauma center. This is my first RN job and I just hit my 1 year mark working here. I am starting to consider other options as I feel pretty comfortable in my current role.

Long term goal is I would like to become a CRNA so I know I will need ICU experience. There are openings at my current hospital for ICU spots (it's a mixed surgical and medical ICU). But our hospital doesn't have things like ECMO, transplants, etc. 

I am also looking at Stanford as they open apps next week for a Critical Care training program to start in March. 

I think what is holding up my decision is my desire to move out of state. I love California and am pretty sure I want to end up back here but I am 24 years old, single, and a lot of my college/high school friends from my hometown are no longer here. I am looking at possibly North Carolina or Chicago. I know pay and ratios will be a drawback to leaving California.

What would you do if you were in my position? Would you stay and get some foundational ICU experience? Take a change and move to a new place and get ICU experience there? Any insight is greatly appreciated! Thank you ?

[Peachpit]

Maybe consider a travel position to one (or both) of the places you are interested in living. That would give you a better idea of the areas and healthcare salaries etc. It would be beneficial, I would think, to have some ICU experience or be working in ICU before going through any type of ICU educational program. 

I will tell you taxes are high in NC and wages for nurses are typically much lower than out west or northern states.