RN in SF moving to Seattle. Need advice!!

thecrossfitrn, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2016

Your specialty will be particularly helpful in Seattle, since it's usually one of the more short-staffed fields. I'm originally from Seattle (did all my nurse training there), and there are a lot of great hospitals there. Here's a basic breakdown:

Harborview Medical Center: It's the only Trauma 1 hospital in the area. I did a psych rotation there on their two locked units, and I loved it. It's very acute, but interesting and they do a lot of cool therapy with the patients. It's not a private hospital, so the pay will not necessarily be as good as other hospitals. It is the "hospital" to work for though.

UW Medical Center: Really nice hospital, and their benefits/pay are excellent. They own a lot of other smaller hospitals in the area and have some of the best doctors. It's also tied to the University there, so it's a teaching hospital.

Swedish: They have a lot of hospitals in the Seattle area, with the biggest one being on First Hill. They are an excellent company to work for, and really value their employees. Their facilities are top-notch, and the pay is very competitive. I can't speak for their mental health units, as I didn't personally see them, but I really like them as a company.

Providence: Also a very large and excellent company. Their pay and benefits are amazing, and I've really liked all their facilities. They own a lot of other hospitals in the area, and throughout Washington.

CHI Franciscan: They are around the Seattle area, but I don't think actually in the city itself. Huge hospital system, but are a union hospital and don't necessarily pay the best for the area. Their facilities are older, but well run and getting better.

MultiCare: They are more South of Seattle area (think Tacoma), and a huge system. Their hospitals are excellent and pay very well. They have a lot of opportunity for advancement, and are constantly winning awards for their advancements. They'd be one of the first places I'd go if I were looking.

If you're interested in Peds I'd recommend Seattle Children's Hospital. I have a friend who works Ped's Psych there and loves it. Excellent hospital (the best in the area, maybe state), and takes care of their employees.

Message me if you want more info.

crodolfa · Mar 29, 2016

Thank you so much for this breakdown! Really helpful.. I just don't know where/ how to start. Maybe when I get close to the move date I will be more motivated to start looking! Thanks again!

thecrossfitrn, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2016

I'm in the midst of moving back too, so I feel for you! Feel free to message me if you want more info. I'm happy to help!

megan_91 · May 25, 2017

Hello!

Did you end up finding a job in behavioral health in Seattle? I am relocating to the area later this year! Thecrossfitrn, thank you for your awesome summary of the hospitals there.

Megan

crodolfa · May 25, 2017

Yes, I work at a Behavioral Health Hospital called Fairfax Behavioral Health Hospital. It's located 20 miles North of Seattle. Honestly, I suggest that you try applying to the above hospitals first, and if nothing worked out for you then you can apply at Fairfax.

megan_91 · May 25, 2017

Did you apply to those hospitals first too? If so, how did it go?