206bones

Oh my gosh Washington Nurses!!! Go on line and look at today's article in "Crain's Detroit". It talks about a class action law suit being filed in several cities citing several hospitals for holding pay scales down for nurses. In memphis alone, nurses on average were paid almost 14,000 less anually than other areas!!

My husband lost his automotive job in Detroit 2 yrs ago and has been working for Boeing in Seattle. I visit often and have to say I love it there! I love the culture of Pike Place. I enjoy Whidbey Island. camping and hiking at Mt Ranier is awesome, and I have to say I've definitely noticed people just seem friendlier there. BUT... the cost of living sucks, and the pay for RNs there is tragic! Won't ever move there.

Just curious, but does anyone know how Hospice Nurses do out there? It appears as though Providence Hospice is pretty big, but how's their pay? Does anyone know if there are Hospice RNs in travel nursing or agency nursing out there? Thanks in advance!

I just think it's a slap in the face to see what nurses make in WA. Do you care for your patients any less because of where you live? Do you work fewer hours? Do you spend less time on your feet? Do you use your brain any less? Does it cost you any less to go to school or maintain your license ? I was told by one recruiter "I know it's less money but look where you live!!!!" Yeah, but I can't eat mountains and trees honey, and my bills are costing me more !

What would you say the benefit of methadone is over Morphine LA, oxycontin etc??.

Very common dillema isn't it!! Here's the tried and true line I use on family, neighbors, friends, people standing in line at the grocery store...yadda yadda.. "you know,..that's not my area of specialty, you might want to consult your physician"... works like a charm!

You know, I've not had much experience using methadone. It's cheaper, works well I hear, but I've also heard it's difficult to titrate. I guess I've just always stuck with what I know. What's your call on methadone?

I am so disappointed in what I'm hearing about the pay scale in WA. I have to tell you that here in Metro Detroit I earned over 70K last year in home care. The cost of living here is MUCH lower than Seattle, and nurses here have the upper hand. There's a shortage ladies and gentleman...write your ticket!!

Exceptionally well said!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU --a hospice nurse

I too, am looking at relocating to Washington st. Husband lost his job in Det and is now working for Boeing. I was SHOCKED to see the salaries posted. I am a Hospice RN in the metro Detroit area with 6yrs exp. My earnings are considerably more than that listed in Seattle and surrounding communities. This amazes me since the cost of living in Seattle is so much higher than in metro Detroit. Is it realistic for me to hope to find a Hospice position earning $65-70K there?

It has been my experience that bone pain responds well to the use of steroids, as they provide anti-inflammatory relief. Again, stomach upset is the downside. When using a steroid, add zantac or the like. If you use Hospice Pharmacia, they are wonderful at assisting you with questions like this. or go to www.hospicepharmacia.com they're a great resource.

I have been a hospice nurse for 7 yrs now. There has been much discussion whether the use of fentanyl patches is effective in relieving pain in cachectic patients. As patients decline, they normally lose weight, their blood pressure lowers, and vital organs slow. It is my understanding that in order to have good absorbtion, there needs to be adequate subcutaneous tissue, and adequate perfusion. With these factors constantly changing in terminal patients, it is difficult in my opinion, to titrate fentanyl patches. I'm interested in knowing if there are any factual articles available that could be passed along to the many physicians I work with who are "married" to the old patch! Beaumont Hospice RN