possible relocation, tips anyone?

Very easy to transfer your license to WA. The directions online are easy to follow. Every state as something different that it requires and WA as an HIV 7hr class you have to take. You only need to have to in the chance that you get audited. So it's very easy to take online and just safe the completion certification. I took the class thru ClassesOnline4U and I think I used the WA BON website to find it. But it was recommended by the state so I knew it was good. It is a 7 hr class, but only took me like under 4hrs for the 7hrs of credit. :)

BUT... the market here is bad. I only have 1 1/2 years of experience but I'm really struggling to get a job. So I would suggest applying and getting a job before actually moving. It's great you have 3 years, but not being in a hospital will be a disadvantage. If you are working and licensed in another state then you can wait to transfer you license until you have a job. You can just put "eligible" for WA license. You may have to apply to jobs you don't want just to get something. Unless you have experience don't apply to L&D and Peds... there's way too much competition and you are going to need to gain more experience in a hospital first.

Hope this helps. Trying to be honest, but hopefully not too discouraging.

Good luck!

Hello AN!

I am an RN in maine and I am looking at the possibility of moving to WA with a friend...What is life like? Do you like it? how are the people? What are the good hospitals? I have 3 years of experiance but none in a hospital, are there any good hospices/homecare places around? Is Seattle Children's hard to get into? To those of you who have come from another state, is it hard to transfer your license?

Any other thoughts would be appreciated!

smurfynursey

People in WA are generally laid back. Usually outdoorsy in a North Face sort of way, lol. Real Washingtonians don't use umbrella's either.

We also like coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

There are two major hospital organizations in Wa that are located in S King County and Pierce County. They are Franciscan health system and Multi Care. I work for Franciscan (FHS) and really like the organization. They own 5 hospitals in the area. FHS also has medical groups, hospice, etc.. Multicare owns roughly the same number of hospitals and nurses that I know seem relatively happy to be working for them as well.

In Seattle you have facilities associated with the U of W. All teaching hospitals and IMO all very good.

I can't speak for job availabiilty with them, but my hospital has a boatload of night shift openings. A few friends easily found jobs as Swedish/Issaquah but both are not happy there.

There are only a few hospitals I would avoid, but I will be nice and not post names here.