Alaska Nurses

[123student]

Are there any nurses here from Alaska? I am really leaning towards moving to Alaska, but I'd like to hear from nurses already there.

God bless

[Mbshil]

You really need to know what you are getting into. I have lived in Juneau, Alaska for 15 years. The land, nature and wildlife is wonderful.Juneau especially is isolated. You cannot get out only with boat or plane. You have one side with glaciers or the other side with ocean.It certainly is a special experience. Also if you have family make sure to consider them too.

Pay is great in some of the outlying bush communities, because of the lack of activities or other ways to spend your money.

Also are you up to spend a good amount of money on expensive winter clothing?

Nevertheless - if you want to see black bears marching across the street in the middle of the day, observe bold eagles flying above and love to eat fresh ssalmon and halibut - Go For IT.

[123student]

Family is the hardest part. We are all located in a small town in WV and it would kill them to loose there grandchild. I want to live in a cold, mountainous place away from the routine.

[sharlynn]

Try posting under Local instead of Forums. Each state is listed.

[prmenrs, RN]

Moving to the Alaska Forum.

[JMBM]

Alaskans get alot of questions on how it is to live up here. The problem with answering that question is that Alaska is as large as the western third of the contiguous United States. Its kind of like asking what its like to live west of the Rockies. Yes, the north/central part of the state is cold, but much of the midwest is colder than Anchorage and certainly colder than Juneau or Sitka. Anchorage is a small city with malls, theaters, pollution and traffic jams, but its a 30 minute drive to wilderness unlike anything in the lower 48. Yep, its expensive to live here, but less than San Francisco or Washington DC. To get a feel for prices/cost of living, I'd check out the websites for the Anchorage Daily News and Fairbanks News-Miner. If I had to generalize, I'd say the biggest reasons people move back south (alot do) are distance from family and the darkness in winter. These are a big deal for alot of people. If at all possible, I'd recommend a family vacation up here to check it out. (I think spring and fall are the nicest times.)

[123student]

Alaskans get alot of questions on how it is to live up here. The problem with answering that question is that Alaska is as large as the western third of the contiguous United States. Its kind of like asking what its like to live west of the Rockies. Yes, the north/central part of the state is cold, but much of the midwest is colder than Anchorage and certainly colder than Juneau or Sitka. Anchorage is a small city with malls, theaters, pollution and traffic jams, but its a 30 minute drive to wilderness unlike anything in the lower 48. Yep, its expensive to live here, but less than San Francisco or Washington DC. To get a feel for prices/cost of living, I'd check out the websites for the Anchorage Daily News and Fairbanks News-Miner. If I had to generalize, I'd say the biggest reasons people move back south (alot do) are distance from family and the darkness in winter. These are a big deal for alot of people. If at all possible, I'd recommend a family vacation up here to check it out. (I think spring and fall are the nicest times.)

If I am making $25.00+ an hour, how expensive can it be? The cost of living calculator figured if I made $32,000 a year I would need $46,000 a year to live in Anchorage. At $25.00 an hour I would be making above $46,000. Milk is $3.07 per gallon, gas is $3.02 per gallon, a movie ticket s $8.50; do these differ much from Alaska? I also pay 6% state sales tax and 6% income tax (state) along with a multitude of other WV taxes.

[akspudus]

I miss Alaska!! I grew up in rural Alaska...my father was an Alaska State Trooper so I have lived in a couple of small Alaska towns.

In 2005 I got married and moved from Alaska to Miami (ugh). I am in nursing school now...and we are planning to move back to America as soon as I graduate.

When we moved from Juneau in 2005...we were renting a 3 bedroom house for $1200. Gas was still in the lower $2.00 range...but commuting in Juneau is nothing like commuting anywhere else. The longest commute your going to find in Juneau is maybe 20 minutes...and people complain about it. So...in Juneau you will generally use less gas. Groceries cost a little more. Fresh produce has to be flown in...you'd think the prices would be out of control...but they really aren't.

Prior to getting together with my wife....I was making ends meet quite easily on a $45,000 a year income. Nurses generally make more than that.

If you move to Juneau...you have to take on a new attitude about weather. If you plan on doing an outdoor activity....plan on it raining. If it turns out to be sunny...then count your blessings.

"There is no such thing as bad weather....just bad gear." My advice if you move to Southeast Alaska:

1. Invest in good rain gear.

2. Get out and enjoy the outdoors. Alaska has some great opportunities to enjoy some wondrous...untainted...natural beauty. Google Tongass National Forest.

3. Make sure you escape once a year. Even though Alaska has some great things to do outside...you really need to get "out of town" from time to time. At least once a year.

4. Join the community. In Juneau..there are dozens of special interest clubs/groups. Whether your into quilting or kayaking...there is a group for you. These aren't some city sponsored political special interest groups, (well there are those if your looking for those) but just groups of people that share a common interest.

5. Give Alaska a chance. I have seen so many people try and make the transition from "lower 48" life to Alaska life. You really can't move to Alaska and expect the experience to be like living in California. Settle back and let the clean...laid back lifestyle of Alaska change you.

6. When you buy a house...make sure you have room for guests. Once the word gets out...friends and family from all over are going to want to come up for a visit.

Anyhow...if you have any questions in particular about Juneau or Southeast Alaska...drop me a message.

akspudus

PS...Did I mention I miss Alaska...lol

[scrubsnhugsRN]

You would be wise as a newcomer to Alaska to come as a traveler. This way you can get a feel for where you would like to live then once you decide..get signed on with a bonus and relocation allotment. (Most nurses do it this way, although I didn't since I am a local..hehe), anyhoo...it gives you an opportunity to see much of Alaska...and find your niche...I live in Southeast and I love it.

[MentalRn]

It is very expensive up here in Alaska! I am here working on contract and then will return to my home state of Idaho. It is not worth it to come up here for 25 - 30 hour job and then try to live of that income alone. to some this seems like good pay, but housing here is costly and groceries are also not cheap. You are much better of with a travel agency who will cover your expenses and pay you a better rate. Lots to consider when coming up here.

[Alaskagirl71]

It is more expensive than you might think - things add up. Most homes use oil - I have a 250 gallon tank that I refill once every 2 months or so in the winter. About 800 bucks each time. Electricity is about 200/month in the winter. We just lost our hydro power because the towers are in an avalanche zone, so now Juneau will be paying a 500% increase for the next 3 months or so. An unplanned 700/mo or more bill is something that could happen anytime given the terrain our power lines have to go through. Gas is nearing 4 bucks a gallon. Even though we have Costco, Fred Meyer and Gottchalks in Juneau, they are pretty small (except FM), and you'll find that you have to order lots of stuff on the internet. Be prepared for extraordinary shipping rates to AK. The rest of the country thinks AK is on the moon, and charges accordingly. Dr. visits, etc are more expensive here too. Everything adds up. I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting...

[Alaskagirl71]

Yes -and remember, it costs a lot of money to fly out of here. Typically RT tickets are 700-800 bucks except for PFD ticket sale which is Oct and Nov. Ferry rides are really expensive too if you have to go very far.