Questions from afar...

[thisismeRN]

Like many other posters, I am moving to the Seattle area next year (2013). The previous posts are generally from new grads. I have a few questions as a non-new grad and as an employee of a non union state (SC)...

First of all a little background. I am a BSN, CCRN, CSC with 6 years (by then) of experience. I worked for 2 years in the post thoracic/heart step down unit, and the last 4 in the post thoracic/heart ICU (recovery room). So, questions...

1. I took a travel position at NYU's teaching hospital (Bellevue) and had my first experience with a large, teaching hospital. I'm not sure it's for me. They were surprisingly archaic in their recovery process. The hospital I work for now is small (

2. I have found several posts that include the links for the various union's contracts. How in the world do I figure out if I am RN i, ii, or iii and figure out what step I'm on? I just don't want to be underpaid or taken advantage f because I don't know the system. It's all greek to me.

3. How are the trains and public transportation? I absolutly hate driving (hence the travel spot in NYC). But I do own a car. I can't decide if I want to live in the thick of it downtown (I'm dreaming of a loft with big windows that I can't afford) or in a cute cottage near some water (that I also probably can't afford). Where are the good neighborhoods? I tend to stray toward a more artsy crowd but sometimes those places can be a little scary at night. I don't want to find a lovely place just to realize (too late) that it's in the ghetto.

Any help from my nurse buddies would be greatly appreciated.

[CCL RN, RN]

1. Dunno about that one...

2. You are one step above the years of experience that you have, a new grad is step 1, 1 yr exp is step 2, etc...

3. If you hate traffic, Seattle is NOT for you! Traffic here is brutal! Bleh. And the streets are narrow. Just horrible. And if you want to live downtown or near the water, be prepared to spend $$$

I think you'd like Fremont, as far as neighborhoods go. It's the center of the universe and all

[thisismeRN]

Thanks for the info!

I have looked in the Fremont area. I think I'll continue that route (it's still a little early yet).

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Yeah, in my perfect world a cute loft appt right next to Pike Place Market would be ultra cool. I would then work downtown and catch the bus. Sigh...

OP, not sure about the hospitals. Most, if not all of the hospitals downtown are very good. I would also trust St Joseph in Tacoma as well. It's the south end open heart hospital. Its a lot more affordable and the Ruston way is a nice area that overlooks the water. Not as trendy as Seattle though.