looking 4 PICU positions in Portland, OR

[la22]

Hey!

Looks like I'll be moving to the Portland area in Jan 2016 and I'm looking for any tips/local knowledge you're willing to offer regarding children's hospitals in the area. After doing some research I'm most interested in Randall Children's and Doernbecher Children's (the only 2, I believe, with PICUs).

I'll be coming with ~2 yrs PICU experience in a 30 bed unit with a stellar team of RNs that always help each other out(also a teaching hospital, redesignated magnet status, level 1 trauma center). I want love my job in Portland as much as I love my job now :)

Can anyone offer insight into hospital/unit culture, RN:pt ratio, reputation, starting shift requirements, salary, securing a position early (before I actually make the move!)?

When should I apply for licensure through Oregon and are there any other requirements I should be aware of?

My husband's job is relocating us from the midwest, so I'll take any other random advice you want to throw at me.

Thanks for looking!

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

They are both teaching hospitals

They are both trauma centers

Legacy is looking to be a pediatric trauma center as they have the Peds rehab program

Randall is only 4 yrs old so nice new building with huge private rooms

Nursing culture can not comment on as I have not worked in both units.

I have worked with people who have worked both OHSU/Doernbeckers and Legacy/Randall and haven't heard anything negative about either.

I would also consider your commute times, as OHSU is up the hill with no free parking, last I heard was around $10 a day to park.

Randall has free parking on the other side of the river.

Apply to both, ask to shadow