Outlook for experienced ICU nurse in bay area

[wynnemat]

I know this topic is frequently rehashed, interested in up to date opinions/experiences.

I have 3yrs experience in a level 1 CT-SICU, and my wife and I are interested in leaving the Philly area for the west coast. We love SF, and would jump through pretty much any hoops to live there, but I keep reading discouraging things about the job market there. I know things are difficult for new grads all over the country, but how difficult is it for an experienced ICU nurse w/ ccrn, etc. to find full-time work in SF?

We are considering taking a travel position to relocate, and hopefully find full-time employment from there ... any opinions on the current state of things in SF is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time

[TraumaRN21]

I am in the same position. I have 4 years experience working in a Level 1 Trauma / Neurology / Med Surg ICU 34 bed in Florida. I would like to relocate to the SF bay area. Also plan on using travel nursing as an intro then try to find a full time position. Any feed back of pay scale and job outlook would be appreciated. BTY I also do adult and children psych, feedback on psych jobs would be great also.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I work in SF as an NP in the ICU. But I do see staff RN travelers in our ICU's here so I think it's a viable option. I also think it's a great way to test the waters so to speak. See if you really like the area including the unusual weather and high cost of housing. I would say though in speaking to travelers and people who are here from somewhere else (myself included) that many end up really liking working here.