Thinking of moving to Montana

[photorn]

I was a Labor and Delivery nurse for 20 years in CA and now I work Hospice per diem. We are considering moving in the NW area of Montana,(Helena, Missoula, Kalispell areas). I am getting too old for Hospital work but really love Hospice. Not sure how Hospice works in Montana, (snow and all). I live in the desert now so driving to peoples homes is not an issue. Anyone from Montana who works as a Hospice nurse? I am also a photographer but until I can build up a client base I may need to suppliment my retirement with nursing. Hoping someone can shed a bit of light. I am going to visit the end of this month to try to check some things out. Thanks.

[ruralnurs]

Hi,

I am not a hospice nurse but can tell you that hospice and home health nurses do travel despite the snow...and sometimes very long distances. Montana can always use more experienced nurses BUT you may want to check out the pay difference from CA. We are among the lowest paid in the nation. Some Hospice and HH nurses I know only find part time employment.

The more "ritzy" places in Montana (Kalispell, Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish, etc.) can be very expensive to live and actually some have lower RN wages than more rural places.

Good luck!

[VictoriaRN]

Hi,

I am not a hospice nurse but can tell you that hospice and home health nurses do travel despite the snow...and sometimes very long distances. Montana can always use more experienced nurses BUT you may want to check out the pay difference from CA. We are among the lowest paid in the nation. Some Hospice and HH nurses I know only find part time employment.

The more "ritzy" places in Montana (Kalispell, Bozeman, Missoula, Whitefish, etc.) can be very expensive to live and actually some have lower RN wages than more rural places.

Good luck!

Billings has 2 hospice programs both are excellent. Miles City also has one getting around there is not to hard in the winter with 4 wheel drive. Best of luck.:balloons: