New grad relocating to Olympia area from Texas

anichka · Oct 2, 2013

Oly is a great area to live in, but be prepared for rain! There aren't really too many sketchy areas (though maybe someone who has lived here longer would disagree) - as long as you are in Olympia, Lacey, or Tumwater.

As far as places to work, St Pete's (level III) is the big one, but it is can be difficult to get on there. Capital Medical Center (level IV) is also here in town, much smaller though. Most people who work at St Pete's seem pretty happy there. I only know one person at CMC and she likes it too.

If you're willing to commute, you might want to also look at Providence Centralia (about 20 miles away). Closer to Tacoma you'll find more, and in Tacoma there's St Joe's and Tacoma General (both level II). I don't know anything about those places as far as whether they are "good" to work for, but it's a bigger city so you'll have more options. There are DEFINITELY bad areas in Tacoma to live, so seek more advice if you consider moving somewhere closer to Tacoma.

anichka · Oct 2, 2013

I forgot to mention MAMC (Madigan) too. I have heard mixed things about working there, but that's kinda expected since many people I know who work there are in the service (which has it's own set of challenges). Definitely some place to look though if you're moving here.

amazingkelsey · Oct 2, 2013

If you're willing to commute, you might want to also look at Providence Centralia (about 20 miles away). Closer to Tacoma you'll find more, and in Tacoma there's St Joe's and Tacoma General (both level II). I don't know anything about those places as far as whether they are "good" to work for, but it's a bigger city so you'll have more options. There are DEFINITELY bad areas in Tacoma to live, so seek more advice if you consider moving somewhere closer to Tacoma.

20 mile commute is nothing for me. Here in Texas it forever to get ANYWHERE. I live outside of San Antonio and it's at least 30 miles to the bigger hospitals I currently do my clinicals at.

I have heard some pretty shady things about Tacoma, so we are definitely steering clear of living there, but I don't think I would mind commuting/working there if I could avoid the bad areas on the way. We are definitely living in the Oly/Lacey/Tumwater area.

I will look at those hospitals that you mentioned! Thanks for your help :)

Dranger · Oct 2, 2013

Remember jobs for new grads are hard to come by. There are quite a few BSN programs up here churning out new grads and they will all be looking for the same jobs as you while already being established networking wise here.

conscientiousnurse · Oct 3, 2013

I would ditto what Dranger said. I am an experienced R.N. with a BSN (albeit, no hospital experience) and am having difficulty finding work. The "Thurston-Mason-Lewis" county area, and the Pierce county area, both are officially "balanced" for R.N.s regarding job openings: R.N.s are officially not on the "in demand" list here. However, King County is still in demand. So, you may have to either look further away, such as Federal Way, Renton, Bellevue, and Seattle, or else realize that you may have to start out in something less than your "dream" job. If you can get your foot in the door in any of the hospitals in this area, do it! Especially without having your BSN, it will more difficult than usual. Don't wait for an opening in NICU if you want it closer to home.

amazingkelsey · Oct 6, 2013

Between graduation and moving to Washington, I am going to hopefully work in San Antonio. The school that I am attending is through a major hospital system in the area, so that gives us (students) a little leg up in the hiring process. Hopefully looking for a job in WA with some experience will help. I have already been networking a little bit, as much as possible so far away, so hopefully that will be beneficial as well.

I don't mind looking out of the area we think we will move, and I really don't mind commuting if necessary. Thanks for the advice! Keep it coming :)