unless you have an ICU patient then it is 2-1 max. Starting wage for new grads is $45/hr and up. You also get a swing and grave differential of between $4-8/hr. The only problem right now is there is an excess of RN's here due to the large number of schools and the current economy which is making all the older RN's not be able to retire. In a few years when it recovers there is going to be a major shortage all at once. To give you an example, I have a friend in HR and for the single position they posted on a Ortho floor they recieved 1500+ applications. It's pretty sad. There are a lot of trained RN's who can't get a job right now.
The registry RN's (travellers) actually get paid less, more like $35/hr but they also get paid a travelling expense which brings them to about $55/hr.
Oh and for the homes, you have to keep in mind you will get a lot more home for a lot less almost everywhere else than CA. Average home costs out here are around 300K in a decent area. And that is for a smaller lot/house.
