What experience level is competitive?

Are you talking about outside agencies? If so, I think hospitals will accept you. Warm body. But the agency will know. Whether you can work full time or not depends on your local market. If your market can staff you full time, you will probably want to be put on the schedule at a hospital that likes you to avoid being woken up to go to work or to be cancelled. If I'm not projecting my own wishes.

I'm not sure I understand why you would want to do agency full time? Poor to no benefits, no overtime, constant schedule flux not necessarily to your liking, no job security, and hassles of dealing with several employers. If you need scheduling flexibility due to family or school demands, I would look for a staff job with self scheduling, or in-house per diem.

Thanks for the info Ned. I actually want to/need to move back to CA and the market is crazy for staff positions. I've had some interest from MGA, but I've heard that even if an agency takes an RN with less than 2 years experience; doesn't mean you'll actually get a job because most hospitals want 2+ years experience (since the orientation will be very minimal). Maybe I'm not understanding things though.

My hopes would be to get a staff position by working through an agency if I can't get a staff position right away. Of course I'd prefer a staff position.

Keep in mind that a lot of agencies have non-compete clauses. That means you might not be able to take a staff position somewhere you've worked through the agency for a set period of time.

Have you considered travel assignments? For those, two years is generally what you need but not always. Med surg? Anyway, travel can be a foot in the door for staff positions, but do not compete clauses may impede moving to staff. For straight to staff position, you certainly have an edge over a new grad, and not so much experience that you are expensive.

I can do med surg; but I work on a tele/step down floor now. I'd prefer to work in a similar setting. I would feel more comfortable traveling with a solid 2 years under my belt. I am still asking other nurses at this point. I guess it's okay to ask questions at any experience level though. Maybe if I apply to every hospital in CA, I might get something.