Visiting WA to see if I want to move there.. Advice needed!

babyNP., APRN · Jun 14, 2008

I know Swedish usually does a moving expenses bonus, but I don't know about any of the other hospitals that you mentioned. I wouldn't work at Overlake since their mission statement/philosophy has patient satisfaction king over patient safety.

Harborview is the public county hospital but they see the worst of the worst cases since they're the only trauma 1 hosp for WA, AK, ID, and MT.

Swedish is right next-door and is a bit more aesthetically pleasing.

Those are the big hospitals in the Washington area, the others are much smaller and less acuity. If you want high acuity and see more interesting cases, go to Swedish or Harborview. Another "big" hospital in the south end of puget sound is Tacoma General, where they see some higher acuities as well, though HMC is the referral center.

Pretty much depends on what your goals are. Good luck!

As far as cities go, Seattle and Tacoma are definitely good-sized cities, but a lot of people commute out of them to more suburban areas.

tamsonfirst · Jun 16, 2008

The previous poster gave very thorough information on the hospitals so I will only add some things for your consideration:

The cost of living in the Puget Sound region is one of the highest in the country.We do not have a state income tax but we have a sales tax that approaches 10%. Gas here is also some of the highest in the nation at almost $4.50 a gallon for regular unleaded. In addition, public transportation isn't as great as many cities of similar size. We are in the process of building light rail; however the first line isn't scheduled to open until 2009 and that is only the first leg.

My advice, suggestion really, is to choose an area where you do not have to drive far to get to most of your amenities (Mall, groceries, your place of employment, etc.). Furthermore, I don't know if you are planning on buying a home, but, if so, Tacoma is much less expensive than Seattle.

I have lived in Seattle all my life and I love it; however, I can't imagine how someone who comes from a lower cost-of-living region could survive here. As it sits, our wages are not adequate for our cost of living....

I'm not trying to be a kill-joy, just want to give you accurate information on which to base your decisions.

I hope this helps!

Tam

seattlenewgrad · Jun 21, 2008

I am about to graduate so I can tell you the info I have found. I work at Harborview as a NT, and love it. It's intense! but it's also a teaching hospital so they do a great job with new grads. My cohort graduates in August and Harborview's start date for us is October 10th. They are expanding so I know they need nurses. Their nurse recruiter is awesome!! Harborview specializes in trauma/burns/high acuity cases.

Harborview and UW medical center are partners. Both great hospitals. UW is known for their high-risk pregnancy care.

Overlake is in beautiful/expensive Bellevue. It is super clean, new and ritzy. I did a Med-Surg rotation there and wasn't too impressed. The nurses are in teams with LPNs or assistants which is nice, but it just didn't seem like they were very pro-new grad or new student. But it is A LOT calmer than Harborview if that is what you are looking for. New nurses start out at $4100/month not including differentials.

Swedish is right next door to Harborview. From what I hear they have the best benefit package and the highest pay in Seattle. They are very big in the labor and delivery area, they deliver the most babies in Washington. I have never been there, but hear it's nice.

If you were to work at Swedish or Harborview those are both on Capitol Hill. If Seattle is where you want to live be very careful about where you choose because 1 block the wrong way can make a difference. Bellevue and Issaquah are VERY nice, a step down would be Edmonds, Lynnwood which are about 20 minutes north of Capitol Hill. A lot of nurses I work with live in Shoreline which is about 15 mins north. You will be able to tell just by driving what areas you should stay away from.... I hope this helps, it's really long! If you have any more questions I will try to answer them!

EDmunki · Aug 5, 2008

Seattlenewgrad,

Thanks for your info! I am graduating in May 2009 and am hopeful of a move to Seattle when I graduate. I contacted the nurse recruiter at Harborview and she replied within 24 hours...impressive! I am thoroughly interested in being hired in the ED - it is my love. Do you know of any new grads from outside Seattle that have been hired into the ED at Harborview? I am an EMT-I and also work as a tech in the ED currently while I finish school. Would any of my experience be helpful?

I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice you have!

Thanks!

EDmunki · Aug 5, 2008

deleted

EDmunki · Aug 5, 2008

deleted

moffist · Aug 5, 2008

Hi Nursedani08

Where in Mi are you? I am in Grand Rapids at the mo but will have moved to Wa by end of Sept.

Now a question to those already in Wa

I have applied to Overlake and Evergreen. My husband will be working in Redmond/Kirkland area and we are looking at a house in Duvall/Carnation area.

I have heard it is very difficult to drive into Seattle so would there be any point in applying to Swedish or Harborview if I live out to the East.

neeni1 · Aug 13, 2008

seattle traffic...it just depends when you are trying to commute...the traffic is outrageous in the morning and late afternoon...the bus system is pretty decent...but i am not sure about the transit system in the carnation area....you can also join a carpool with fellow employees at the hospitals ...some hospitals give incentives for using a carpool...

IU Nurse · Aug 13, 2008

Wow what a great thread!

I just graduated. I am waiting to be able to register to take the NCLEX here in Indiana. My wife and I are going to be moving to WA next summer. I have been looking at UW med ctr. It sounds like harborview would be an option as well. I want to work in critical care, ICU in particular. How easy is it to get Nursing jobs in the Seattle area?

tntrn, ASN, RN · Aug 13, 2008

Personally, I think you should consider your politics too. Washington is a very liberal state, and King County is evenmore so than the state. Our last governor's election was decided by 139 votes after several recounts, and there are some of us who still believe that 3200 votes more than voters signals fraud somewhere.

The City of Seattle will be charging you 20 cents each after the first of the year for any and all plastic or paper bags that you get at the grocery store, and also for take out containers. They love, love, love to take as much of your money as possible, and are very creative in how they pitch it so as to get you to jump on the band wagon.

If possible, live in an adjoining county and commute, although the commuting system here is not good. Even the new light rail isn't going to be going to places people need to go, unless you count the airport as a daily destination.

IU Nurse · Aug 13, 2008

Thanks for the input. I must admit though, politics are not my main concern at this point. Maybe it should be. That is something to consider. Right now, I am looking for the best possible fit for my career. I like the thought of a hospital that is new grad friendly. I have seen a few departments in a local hospital that will eat their young. If there are other hospitals to consider, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. My wife and I are mainly focused on the Northwest, Washington and Oregon. I am leaning towards WA myself. I am open to any and all input.

Thanks!