Location with the most nursing opportunities (Lewis-McChord)

[Casey, RN]

My husband and I hope to relocate to Lewis-McChord next year and I've been doing a lot of research on the area.

I'd like to live in an area that has multiple opportunities, with regards to hospitals. It looks like north of post would offer the most choices, but I hear the traffic is awful north of post.

Olympia looks nice, but looks like there is only one big hospital in the area and traveling north to some of the other hospitals would put me traveling about an hour.

Can anyone recommend a good area with the most options for me (I currently work postpartum/newborn nursery and would like to continue in that area). I know that limits my options for jobs, which is why I'd like to be near multiple hospitals.

Schools are very important to us. My son currently attends private school because we don't live in a good district. I would like to move him to a good public school so that is really a top priority.

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!!

[anichka]

There are two hospitals in Oly, although maybe Capital Medical Center isn't big enough for you. There ARE great schools here, and lots of options as well if you don't like the public schools.

The traffic is, indeed, awful north of base. A lot of people live in Puyallup but I haven't researched hospitals there (I am in Oly and love this town) - it might be a place to look though.

Good luck!

[Casey, RN]

There are two hospitals in Oly, although maybe Capital Medical Center isn't big enough for you. There ARE great schools here, and lots of options as well if you don't like the public schools.

The traffic is, indeed, awful north of base. A lot of people live in Puyallup but I haven't researched hospitals there (I am in Oly and love this town) - it might be a place to look though.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. I'm not too worried about the size of the hospital - just that I can get a job in my speciality. :-) Do you know if the traffic from Puyallup would be bad - is there a way in around I-5 from that part of town?

[Angrycheesenip]

Good luck! I live on post right now. I'm a new grad trying to find a job so it's a little different/harder for me. I'll tell you what though that during my search, I have seen a lot of postings in many different hospitals for post partum nurses that want experienced nurses. I think you will be able to find a job in your specialty. Just thought I'd offer encouragement :)

[anichka]

I am pretty sure there's a back way (i.e., not off I-5) into base, but I am not very familiar with that area since I live in the opposite direction. There are several gates on to JBLM though, and some of them have limited hours. My husband said there's an "east gate" - but again, I don't know the details.