SoCal RN possible move to OR??????

[BBingSN79]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone can give me any advice on moving to OR and working as an experienced RN? By the time I move I will have had 3 years experience working on a progressive care/stroke/tele unit. I'm a 30 year old male, ACLS certified, have my NIH stroke certifications, am an ADN, and will hopefully finish my PCCN by the time I move. I have heard mixed opinions on the OR nursing environment as of late. I've heard as long as you have experience you can find jobs. Others say it's very hard. My wife (she grew up in Oregon) and I are thinking about moving to the Sherwood/Tualatin area.

What does an experienced RN make in OR? My base pay right now is around $28/hr. I work nights so I get night shift differential on top of that. My nursing experience in CA has been great. I make good money, the patient staffing is great, co-workers/managers are awesome and even in this economy I can pick up extra shifts and make more money.

How are the staffing ratios in OR? I also heard some of the hospitals like Kaiser are unionized? I'm looking at Kaiser, OHSU, and the VA. Possibly, Salem hospital in OR. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

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[pdxmalenurse]

Go to the OHSU AURN website and download the current contract info - in it you can find the current wage scale and all the other benefits offered to OHSU RN's. Since OHSU is a union hospital there is no negotiating for your wage. If you have a BSN you would probably be making either $34.12 or $35.80 an hour with your experience.

I have a peer who recently signed on at the VA and they started her at the top of the pay scale. Last I checked they didn't have many openings, but I have heard this is a good place to work.

I know of several RN's who have recently gone to Kaiser, which I have heard mostly positive things in terms of how RN's are treated.

I havent't worked in another state so I can't compare, but my impression is that RN's here have it better than in many other areas in terms of working conditions.