Moving to Washington from Chicago

[Ms_Swag]

Hello Washington

I am moving to Washington From Chicago And I need some insights. What would be a high paying CNA job or area to look into until I am finish with school. I am looking for decent pay with a easy commute. Me and my husband are trying to start a new life and by him being into construction but forming a gravedigger the area and commute would have to accommodate him also. Do CNA get paid good in Washington, and how is the way of life there. I stayed in Tacoma for a couple of months when I was 15 but that was years ago and I can vaguely remember but I do remember the weather was horrible (to me). My closest friend live in Spanaway but is there any jobs out there? Someone please tell me what all I need to know but I make this huge step.:typing

[yadda_yadda_yadda, LPN, LVN]

Hi

Having just moved to WA in late 2006 (from the Austin, TX area).. I'm by no means an authority on WA...but Tacoma would definitely not be on my list of potential places to move.

For one, it has some pretty active gang-cultures...and if you've got children, this would be a huge "negative" . I'd also steer clear of Everett, Kent & Renton...for the same reasons.

My husband's company transferred us up to WA & initially had us set up in corporate housing in Redmond,WA / King County.

Housing was pretty pricey, since MicroSoft is directly in the center of Redmond/Bellevue.

We rented an apartment in Redmond, while looking for a home in a more affordable area. We are now living in Monroe, WA (sandwiched out in the area of Woodinville/Everett/Gold Bar/ Snohomish..in Snohomish county)----and we love it.

We definitely got more for our $$ in regards to housing prices.

Out near Tacoma, you're going to have lots of traffic from Boeing commuters & airport traffic from SeaTac.

The NAC's I've worked with make anywhere from $13-15/hour. Some that do private/home care make more.

My suggestion would be to inquire with a medical staffing agency, like Maxim or Axis...check out some of the places they could send you to (to get exposed to the facilities in the area) & get a feel for the work environment & get some information from the other NAC's out there.

Regarding the weather: get some of the 'SAD' (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lighting...it really helps. You can pick up lightbulbs pretty much anywhere that sells plain bulbs.

Despite the 'gray-days', I've become a true snow-fan :) and love all of the trees!

We went "back home" to Texas for 3 days & the humidity I'd lived with for nearly 40 years just about killed me:chuckle

Hope this helps a bit... Welcome to WA :hrns&wlcm: