The Beautiful, Beautiful Pacific Northwest

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I went back to college for one reason. I wanted out of this nature-deprived area that I live in. I already had a college degree and a job, but I wanted a degree in something that no matter where you went you could find a job that pays decent, so I got my BSN. When I visit the pacific northwest, I get depressed midway through the vacation because I know I have to go back to live in my hot, humid, treeless, waterless, flat, ugly city. I love the rain, mountains, cold weather, sweaters, fireplaces, the beautiful gardens in the pacific northwest and the respect that exist in the NW for nature, organic-growing of fruits and veggies and fellow-men (if you knew about the area I live in you would know that we lack all that I love) I already have my license, so your probably wondering why I'm still live here. The answer is simple--money. My husband's job pays well and the cost of living is low. If it was soley my decision I would be out of here today, but marriage is a 50/50 deal. I have thought many a times about just taking my daughter and going for it (I have even applied to a couple of hospitals), but I'm sacred that money-wise I wanted be able to make it. I don't need the fancy house or car. I just want to live in a safe area in the pacific northwest. Any words of encouragement? :crying2:

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It is indeed a beautiful area that I find a balm to my soul..I visit the Northwest frequently. I understand where you are coming from. I would love to retire there but it is more expensive than my own area here in Texas so we would really need to plan.

Any chance you could take a travel assignment up there, scope the place out, then sell your family on it once you find a job/ reasonable housing there? Please visit the traveler forums as well as the Washington forums ...and best wishes.

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For various reasons, I have strong feelings about your dilema. Don't let fear stop you from what you want to do. It does matter in the end. I think your first two sentences say it all.

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I was born, raised and have lived in Seattle my entire life. I love it here!! I would never dream of leaving. The cost of living in the city and suburbs is high!! But there are nice areas to the north or south or for that matter on the coast that still have affordable housing. If you do think of coming to the Pacific Northwest you might look into Olympia (which has been voted the #1 place to raise kids in the country). Olympia is the state capital and about 1 1/2 hours south of Seattle. Olympia/Lacey has a big hospital I think it is St. Joseph's. To the north is Bellingham, and I know to the west toward the coast there is Grays Harbor County Hospital. Also to the south is Puyallup (a little more spendy) but there is Good Samaritan Hospital of Puyallup that has a wonderful Rehab. unit. Good Luck

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The two hospitals in Olympia are St. Peters and Capital Medical Center.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

try a travel assignment in seattle or portland. the northwest is a wonderful place, but you may find that you miss the sun.

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My son lived in Seattle about 3 months during the rainy season (I understand this is most of the time). He did not like it - said it was depressing. We also live in the Pacific Northwest but lower south and more high desert. We have trees. Snow in the winter. Sun in the summer. More of a four season area.

I think it just depends on what you like. I know people who love Texas . . .my husband loves eastern Washington where there are no trees and just farmland for as far as the eye can see. I didn't like it.

For me, I'd love to live someplace warm and near water.

steph

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Alzheimer's.

We live in Portland, Oregon and I love it! We had snow last winter, springtime is gorgeous here, with flowering tres and flowers every where, sunny summers with very little rain, and colorful autumns. It does rain here, but not like Seattle.

Our hopsitals here are OHSU, Legacy Hospitals, Kaiser Sunnyside, Adventist Medical Center, Portland Veterans, and many others in nearby towns.

We are not far from the ocean beaches, Mt. Hood, Mt St. Helens, art and culture, country side, great outdoor activites, fantastic shopping, etc.

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but Oregon is my true home.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Good luck with your decision. I know how it feels to have feet that want to fly away to a different place. The desire can be overwhelming. Try a travel assignment, as other posters have said. Home is where the heart is.

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I went back to college for one reason. I wanted out of this nature-deprived area that I live in. I already had a college degree and a job, but I wanted a degree in something that no matter where you went you could find a job that pays decent, so I got my BSN. When I visit the pacific northwest, I get depressed midway through the vacation because I know I have to go back to live in my hot, humid, treeless, waterless, flat, ugly city. I love the rain, mountains, cold weather, sweaters, fireplaces, the beautiful gardens in the pacific northwest and the respect that exist in the NW for nature, organic-growing of fruits and veggies and fellow-men (if you knew about the area I live in you would know that we lack all that I love) I already have my license, so your probably wondering why I'm still live here. The answer is simple--money. My husband's job pays well and the cost of living is low. If it was soley my decision I would be out of here today, but marriage is a 50/50 deal. I have thought many a times about just taking my daughter and going for it (I have even applied to a couple of hospitals), but I'm sacred that money-wise I wanted be able to make it. I don't need the fancy house or car. I just want to live in a safe area in the pacific northwest. Any words of encouragement? :crying2:

Words of encouragement, let me see, We just finished one of the wettest Januarys for our area....not sure how encourageing that is:crying2:

Our family is looking forward to moving to Texas, Granbury area. We have had years of this miserable weather, we would gladly trade you. You should have no problem finding a job here if you decide to come. the NW is a beautiful area for sure but the weather is not always very cooperative.

Cost of housing is going through the roof here, our house has increased in value a great deal in the last year.

Enjoy the warm weather and take a few vacations up here, maybe that will help:rolleyes:

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

the rainy weather and grey skies get to a lot of people, but i loved seattle and hated to leave. there are some of us who enjoyed the mild weather -- say what you want about the winter rainy season -- at least you don't have to shovel it!

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
the rainy weather and grey skies get to a lot of people, but i loved seattle and hated to leave. there are some of us who enjoyed the mild weather -- say what you want about the winter rainy season -- at least you don't have to shovel it!

i was at ft lewis last july for 21 days on a usar assignment. it did not rain a drop the entire time. it is my understanding the summer time is not part of the rainy months. anyway, i enjoyed the area so much i've accepted a 3 yr volunteer active duty assignment at madigan army medical center. besides, my wife hates the austin, tx area. i grew up in austin, yet i can moreless take it or leave it. i am tired of the lack of four seasons & the miserable humid summers here. plus, i seem to have a sinus allergy headache at least half the time.

we will be living in tumwater, and my wife has a strong imc job possibility at providence st peters. our eta is march 14th.

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