How's the job market for experienced nurses in Seattle?

U.S.A. Washington

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I know the new grad situation is very tough, but what's the word on the market for experienced nurses? I'm hoping to move to Seattle next year; I'll have two years of acute care experience and I'd probably be looking for a similar job in med-surg or plastics, though I'd be open to anything acute care, and I think my preferred workplace would be Harborview.

I know at two years I'll still be relatively inexperienced, but I'm hoping I'll still be able to find something.

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Specializes in psych nursing.

You might be able to fine something. It frustrating when experience say 3-5 year perferred.

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

I have 32 years experience. I have been out of work for two months. I have placed at least 30 applications. No luck. Only two interviews. Did not get either job. "Not qualified". I believe it was because I am 55, at the high end of the salary scale and have a lot more experience that the hiring manager. I just want a job. I don't want to be the manager. I have had responses from my resume stating that they just don't have anything that fits my experience even though I have outlined my experience that is relevant to the job I am seeking. I am at a total loss as to what to do to find a job.

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Specializes in ER.

I'm curious to know if the last poster has had any luck yet?

I have 25 years exp as a UK RN, and will be moving to Seattle/Tacoma next fall. I have an ER background, also some Home nursing.

Is there anyone on this forum who knows the local job market at present and can give me an honest opinion about the chances of finding work?

Thanks!

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Specializes in psych, ICN.

If you're willing to look outside the box may I suggest correctional nursing in Washington state. We have Prisons sprinkled thoughout the state usually in lower cost of living areas. We mostly hire nurses with experience and aren't concerned with pay scale issues. Keep in mind the state is suffering budget problems but at the same time recently opened a new prison outside Tri cities and need nurses. Take a look at our website.. Washington state Department of Corrections and see what you think. I've worked here for 8 years with a psychiatry back ground and find it much safer than working hospitals. I hope to stay here until retirement. Skifall:nurse:

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

I am still looking for a job. I have had no luck at all. I left my last job in June after ongoing conflicts with the manager over safety related issues. I resigned but the former manager will not provide me with a reference. I worked with her for 5 years. I have a stellar employment record. No terminations, no actions against my license. Have won awards for my nursing skill. But because she will not give me a reference and every single person I interview with insists on speaking with her, they will not hire me. I am currently in the interview process for one job but they require three references from past managers. In the last 10 years, of the managers I worked for, one died, one got fired and one left and I have no idea where she went. The only one available is the one that won't give me a reference. So I have no idea what I am going to do. I do not get unemployment and we are living on one income right now. It has been very hard. I just have no idea what I am going to do.

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If you're not set on working in dowtown Seattle and would consider Kitsap County (West of Seattle), there are several staff RN positions at Harrison Medical Center that only require a minimum of 1 year experience. I hear they pay Seattle level wages, but the housing costs are 40%-60% less than Seattle.

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