Oregon ICU Nurses?

Can anyone from OR tell me about what type of new grad atmosphere there is for ICU prospects--MICU, SICU, CVICU...whatever.

i live in denver and will get my bsn at the end of 2008 and am considering portland. it looks like i would have at least one opportunity to work in an icu as a new grad rn here, but i think a lot of that is owed to the relationships i've made here.

is portland, or orgeon in general, friendly to new grads in their icus? are the positions contigent upon completing an internship with them, or prior rn experience? i am working a paid nurse extern position in a step down unit now, and am confident i can do my academic practicum in a level one icu...but all in denver. any ideas about my chances, or the best ways to proceed?

thank you so much for any input! i've noticed that the city you live in can be quite transparent about the nursing profession, but trying to research another city is like walking around a room feeling for a light switch.