considering move to oregon?

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I currently am an LPN working on my RN living in Cleveland, Ohio. I am really trying to get out of this town and move to a more liberal, laid-back city that is more geared towards nature. Not to mention the weather here is awful (in my opinion). From the little bit of research that I've done, I've come across a real mix of opinions as far as the weather in Portland. I love sunshine as much as the next person, and I'm even considering Arizona or maybe Colorado. Could someone give me a little rundown as far as the city itself and the climate. If it is as gloomy as some people make it out to be, what are the benefits of living there?

Specializes in Psych, Drug/ Alc, Home Health.

Hi All-

Hope I'm not savaging the system here and posting off topic. I am a male- type LVN licensed in Texas, planning to move to Portland area in the near future- as soon as I can get my OR license, in fact.

This thread has lots of Hospital/ LTC information for RN's, but I haven't found anything that fits me. I also get the clear message that there's not much work for new grad LPN's in the Portland area but I have loads of experience. I was a WA State LPN for 16 yrs then did computers for 10 years now have been back in nursing for 1 yr doing drug/ alcohol. Hospital / LTC work really is not my cuppa tea; can any Oreganders ;) tell me what my prospects might be of getting NON- hospital/ LTC work, and what the pay might be? I do Psych (but my joints are creaky), non- medically- intensive home health, drug/ alcohol, and like that.

Hopefully the news is good; I'd like to be able to have a job when I move back

into the bosom of my family after being away too long.

Regards- Arawn

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FYI Arawn . . We are known as Oregonians, not Oreganders:specs:

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Specializes in Psych, Drug/ Alc, Home Health.

Yes, Lilikoi, I know, note the ;). I lived in the Puget Sound for many years, I've read the Oregonian... I just enjoy playing with words.

Would you happen to know anything about the state of LPN nursing in the Portland area in the behavioral sciences? Is Psych/ Drug- Alcohol Rehab well funded? Here in Texas it's the Red Headed Stepchild. I remember in Seattle 15 years ago there was lots of funding compared to here; I hope OR has similar dedication to mental health.

TIA- Arawn

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Sorry Arawn,

I had a feeling after I posted that that you probably knew better but I couldn't figure out how to delete my post.

As far as my knowledge of "state of LPN nursing in the Portland area in the behavioral sciences", I have to say it isn't much. I wish I could be more help, especially after my annoying post :stone. Well, I hope you'll forgive me and I hope you get some answers to your questions.

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Specializes in Psych, Drug/ Alc, Home Health.

Hi Lilikoi-

No offense taken at all nor need to forgive, I just attributed your remark to your being an inveterate educator!

If behavioral nursing is at a low ebb there I'll just have to develop another favorite specialty. Take a couple classes on medical procedures and do home health or something. Do you know are wound care nurses LPN's? Like, drive around all day changing dressings? I could probably hack that ok.

- Arawn

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Hi Arawn,

I know I gave the impression that I am a Know-It-All but sadly, I am probably not much help to you. I am not yet a nurse, I start my BSN program in February so I can't offer too much insight into the job market yet:) Talk to me in three years.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

As long as no one pronounces the state like "Ora-GONE." That drives me insane. :D I remember seeing a shirt long ago that had OREGON really big on it, with the pronunciation key under it. LOL

Arawn, we're also considering a move to the Portland area ... I'm from Oregon originally, and have family and friends in Portland. It'll just come down to the logistics of moving a household of me, husband, four cats and a bazillion books across the country. Yikes

I've seen some job postings on various hospital sites that offer hiring bonuses and relocation pay. I'll look into that once I have at least a year of experience as an RN! Has anyone known anyone who took advantage of deals like that? I'm sure there's usually a minimum time commitment involved; just wondering how much they might pay, typically.

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Specializes in med/surg.

Not sure if you're still interested, but there's the state psych hospital in Salem if you're looking for mental health. It's not far at all to the south of Portland.

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