Moving to WA from Texas

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in LTC, SCI/TBI Rehab,RX Research, Psych.

I originally posted this message in the forum for nurses in WA--& it was growing dust. I'd sure appreciate it if someone...anyone...in WA would respond. Thank you, in advance, if you take the time to!:icon_hug:

Here's my original, (now relocated to THIS forum) message:

Hey!

We're relocating in less than 2 weeks (from Kyle,Tx, which is sandwiched between Austin & San Marcos) to Bellevue,WA with my husband's job.

I'm trying to prepare myself 'mentally' for the culture-shock I know is waiting for me. Unlike my husband, I've never up & moved so far away before, into such 'unknown territory'. (my use of the word "UP" in this context definitely indicates I've got a long way to go in my de-Texan-ification process)

I've been trying to retrain myself by limitting my use of "Ya'll" and other Texan-ism's so I don't stick out like a 10-foot tall armadillo.

I'm trying to eliminate some of the transition-stressors, though.. and wonder if you guys would mind sharing a bit of WA nurse-to-nurse insider information with me.

:w00t: I didn't say "ya'll"

Not knowing one area from another, and not having anyone to go to for an opinion puts me at a bit of a disadvantage. My question is this:

Are there any places you long-time WA nurses would highly recommend/suggest a newcomer look for employment? Places where you've had good/positive work experiences?

Are there any facilities that you'd 'forewarn' newcomers of? Places where a negative experience tends to be the norm? I realize that a lot of this is strictly opinion, but not always--and every bit of information helps.

One more question: Do most people rely on public transportation in the Seattle/Bellevue area, or do they drive their own cars?

Please feel free to respond privately.

Thanks in advance to anyone & everyone that offers any helpful bits of information. I appreciate it!

Yadda,

I noticed your post before but didn't answer simply because I'm a nursing student in Texas so I cannot address your specific questions. However, I can tell you that I've been in your position.

Though I am currently located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, my husband and I were transferred to Bellevue, WA in August of 1999. It was definitely quite a change. What a wonderful place! We loved every minute of our time there. We were transferred back after two years and although we're both native Texans and love our home state, we'd go back to the Seattle area in a heart beat. Enjoy it!

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I moved from OK to WA 7 years ago. Culture shock??? YOU BET. Esp in Bellevue, be prepared for traffic jams like you have probably never seen in most places.....

But be prepared for for some of the most beautiful scenery you have EVER seen, from mountains to ocean to Puget Sound, I just LOVE it. If I could remove the traffic nightmares, it would be Heaven.

Be sure to check out the WA Nursing Forum, there is a sticky there that discusses nursing in WA State, and living here. I love it. PM me if you have specifics you want to ask, glad to help.

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I originally posted this message in the forum for nurses in WA--& it was growing dust. I'd sure appreciate it if someone...anyone...in WA would respond. Thank you, in advance, if you take the time to!:icon_hug:

Here's my original, (now relocated to THIS forum) message:

Hey!

We're relocating in less than 2 weeks (from Kyle,Tx, which is sandwiched between Austin & San Marcos) to Bellevue,WA with my husband's job.

I'm trying to prepare myself 'mentally' for the culture-shock I know is waiting for me. Unlike my husband, I've never up & moved so far away before, into such 'unknown territory'. (my use of the word "UP" in this context definitely indicates I've got a long way to go in my de-Texan-ification process)

I've been trying to retrain myself by limitting my use of "Ya'll" and other Texan-ism's so I don't stick out like a 10-foot tall armadillo.

I'm trying to eliminate some of the transition-stressors, though.. and wonder if you guys would mind sharing a bit of WA nurse-to-nurse insider information with me.

:w00t: I didn't say "ya'll"

Not knowing one area from another, and not having anyone to go to for an opinion puts me at a bit of a disadvantage. My question is this:

Are there any places you long-time WA nurses would highly recommend/suggest a newcomer look for employment? Places where you've had good/positive work experiences?

Are there any facilities that you'd 'forewarn' newcomers of? Places where a negative experience tends to be the norm? I realize that a lot of this is strictly opinion, but not always--and every bit of information helps.

One more question: Do most people rely on public transportation in the Seattle/Bellevue area, or do they drive their own cars?

Please feel free to respond privately.

Thanks in advance to anyone & everyone that offers any helpful bits of information. I appreciate it!

My previous reply...

Specializes in Postpartum.

Hi there and welcome to Washington!!! I live way up North, but have lived in Olympia too. Seattle area is a whole new world. I find the people here open and friendly. We have some awesome state of the art medical facilities here. However, I do NOT have experience working for them. I have heard the University of Washington related hospitals are great to work for. Swedish is very large and employs a lot of people. Harborview is the major NW trauma center, very respected. It is an older facility. I suggest you contact the various recruiters, ask for a tour of places and interview staff members. Seriously. Seattle area is much more "marketable" in terms of choices than smaller areas with only one hospital in the outlying communities.

There are TOO MANY cars in Seattle, I don't know why transit isn't used more, but yes most people drive. Parking is a premium and expensive at the hospitals but if you are willing to walk a few blocks, you may be able to park free. Many Seattle hospitals are in neighborhood areas.

The scenery, the weather, the people, the shopping, I lOVE the PNW and will remain here a long long time. Oh, and I hope you like coffee. Its a staple. LOL

Specializes in Urgent Care.
I originally posted this message in the forum for nurses in WA--& it was growing dust. I'd sure appreciate it if someone...anyone...in WA would respond. Thank you, in advance, if you take the time to!:icon_hug:

Here's my original, (now relocated to THIS forum) message:

Hey!

We're relocating in less than 2 weeks (from Kyle,Tx, which is sandwiched between Austin & San Marcos) to Bellevue,WA with my husband's job.

I'm trying to prepare myself 'mentally' for the culture-shock I know is waiting for me. Unlike my husband, I've never up & moved so far away before, into such 'unknown territory'. (my use of the word "UP" in this context definitely indicates I've got a long way to go in my de-Texan-ification process)

I've been trying to retrain myself by limitting my use of "Ya'll" and other Texan-ism's so I don't stick out like a 10-foot tall armadillo.

I'm trying to eliminate some of the transition-stressors, though.. and wonder if you guys would mind sharing a bit of WA nurse-to-nurse insider information with me.

:w00t: I didn't say "ya'll"

Not knowing one area from another, and not having anyone to go to for an opinion puts me at a bit of a disadvantage. My question is this:

Are there any places you long-time WA nurses would highly recommend/suggest a newcomer look for employment? Places where you've had good/positive work experiences?

Are there any facilities that you'd 'forewarn' newcomers of? Places where a negative experience tends to be the norm? I realize that a lot of this is strictly opinion, but not always--and every bit of information helps.

One more question: Do most people rely on public transportation in the Seattle/Bellevue area, or do they drive their own cars?

Please feel free to respond privately.

Thanks in advance to anyone & everyone that offers any helpful bits of information. I appreciate it!

I cant answer all those questions. But I can address parts of your issue. I grew up in the PNW (thats Pacific Northwest for you Southeners out there) and have lived in Georgia, NC, and served in the Army also. You will have a bit of culture shock, but it is not all that great, in general people are just as friendly here in comparison with most places I have been in the south. Most people drive cars but the public transportation system is well used by all. That was a big difference with the south, when I have ridden on public transportation in raleigh and dallas, I seemed to be the only white person on the bus, having ridden the busses in seattle this really struck me as different. You will find people here to overall be more integrated than "down" south. You will also find less prejudice against minorities here than in the south (generally speaking).

The biggest thing to get used to for you will be the rain. While it isnt "normal" dont forget that most cities in the PNW had a solid 30 day stretch where it rained every day about january, not all day everyday, but at least some each day. the flip side is that 80 percent of our rain is oct-april. so summer is actually beeeeutiful! and mild for your, we whine at 80 and people really complain at 90. We had a day this spring where several of my friends couldnt decide if we should go sailing on our friends new boat or go catch the tail end of the snow skiing season, for someone really motivated you could do both in one day. Where else do you have those choices?

Have fun and enjoy the PNW!

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

Hey Yadda,

Its been almost 2 months. How did the trip up here go, good I hope?

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