LPN moving to Seattle need info / advice

U.S.A. Washington

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I am moving to Seattle and would appreciate hearing from LPNs who have moved there from out of state. Specifically, how difficult is it to get on at a hospital? What is the salary range (I have 4 years exp)? Also, I have done a distance learning program completing all of the program for an ASN except clinicals - does anyone have any experience with transferring into an associate degree program there? Any info appreciated. Thanks.

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

Hi, I'm an LPN who came back to Washington from Texas about 2 years ago. Are you planning on moving to the Seattle area? WA is a big state and things vary from region to region. I live in the Seattle area and work in an eastside hospital. It's harder for LPNs to find hospital jobs just because they are not as abundant. However it is defininetly not impossible. If you already have hospital experience you have a much better chance. Also, not every hospital in the area regulary hires LPNs.

Be prepared for a high cost of living without wages matching up. You can actually read several posts on the WA forum about how most nurses think we are underpaid here. With your experience you would make about $18-20/hr in a hospital. When you factor in the high cost of living, it's not very much. I'm actually moving back to Texas this month because my husband and I can't stand the weather and the cost to live here. Good luck with your move. Feel free to PM with questions.

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Do you know what the average hourly rate is for LPNs in LTC?

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

2 years ago with less than 6 months experience, I made $19.80/hr after evening shift differential in a LTCF in Everett. I was also offered a job in Seattle for $22/hr.

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Has anything changed? I see this thread is two years old..

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At the LTC I work at LPNs make around $19/hr. We do not offer a differential except night shift ($2.00/hr extra). Hospitals will hardly look at LPNs, I'm afraid. Especially a new grad.

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

It's about the same I think. It's difficult to get hired at a hospital as an LPN but not impossible. You will find the most job openings in LTC and Doctor's Offices and Clinics. There are still some hospitals that hire LPNs occasionally you just have to always be looking, applying and patient! I left my hospital job in September making about $19.50/hr plus shift and weekend differentials.

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