Southwest Washington Medical Center

ksrnstudent · Feb 28, 2005

Twarlik,

I used to live in the Portland, OR area a few years ago. What I can tell you is that Vancouver, WA competes with the Portland, OR area for nurses since it is right over the river. Pay is $23 and change base plus shift differential. Here's their website: http://www.swmedctr.com/ I have looked at their jobs online, and mostly I see med/surg or telemetry positions available for new grads. I don't know what area you are interested in, so you might want to call them. Renting can be reasonable in some areas, while high in others.

The cool thing I like about Washington state is there is no state income tax (like FL) and Oregon has no sales tax. So, you can live in WA state and drive across the river to Janzen Beach in Oregon and buy all of your stuff. I love the area and wish I was back!

Crime rate is fairly low, weather can be good or bad depending if you like rainy winter months. The pacific ocean is COLD, so don't expect to go swimming once you get here without a wet suit! LOL Great recreational activities, lots of hiking, skiing, etc. Portland has wonderful shops and I love the MAX lightrail. I could go on and on... :)

Good luck and let me know if you have additional questions.

twarlik · Feb 28, 2005

Thanks for the info. I've received some information from them regarding new grad positions and it looks like they don't really hire new grads into the ICU or ER. At any rate, I'm hoping to speak with their recruiter some time this week. Do you feel like it can be difficult to find a nursing position in that area? Some one told me that they thought the "shortage" wasn't really that great in the Vancouver/Portland area.

I'm glad to hear you like the area. I'm going to be visiting next week for a few days. Want to make sure it's really where I want to live.

Thanks again!

Todd

kids · Feb 28, 2005

I've been here in Vancouver for just over 20 years and have to say that in the Vancouver/Portland Metro area there isn't as serious a shortage as many parts of the country is experiencing. Off the top of my head I can think of 6 schools graduating classes 2-4 times a year.

I have never even heard of SWMC hiring a new grad directly into the ICU & ER but they do fill positions in the ICU/ER & train for them from existing staff. To be really honest, SWMC has alway been the only acute care facility in town and they seem to know it and it has reflected in their attitude toward their employees. With Legacy opening their new hospital in Salmon Creek this year I think SWMC is going to have to compete to keep their employees.

If your preference is to get into ICU/ER right away have you looked into any of the Portland hospitals? Portland Adventist http://www.adventisthealthnw.com/ has a new grad program as does Providence http://www.providence.org (especially St Vincent).

Also, Legacy is already recruiting for the new hospital.

twarlik · Feb 28, 2005

I've been here in Vancouver for just over 20 years and have to say that in the Vancouver/Portland Metro area there isn't as serious a shortage as many parts of the country is experiencing. Off the top of my head I can think of 6 schools graduating classes 2-4 times a year.

Yes, this is what I've heard. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I am still able to find a position.

I have never even heard of SWMC hiring a new grad directly into the ICU & ER but they do fill positions in the ICU/ER & train for them from existing staff. To be really honest, SWMC has alway been the only acute care facility in town and they seem to know it and it has reflected in their attitude toward their employees. With Legacy opening their new hospital in Salmon Creek this year I think SWMC is going to have to compete to keep their employees.
If your preference is to get into ICU/ER right away have you looked into any of the Portland hospitals? Portland Adventist http://www.adventisthealthnw.com/ has a new grad program as does Providence http://www.providence.org (especially St Vincent).
Also, Legacy is already recruiting for the new hospital.

I've looked at pretty much every major hospital in the area. I will probably apply to Legacy and Providence as well, but I just want to keep my options open. Not really all that important for me to get into the ICU right away. I'd like to, but I'm willing to work in med-surg for awhile if I have to.

Thanks for all the great info!

Todd