Washington vs Oregon

[katrn09]

I am planning to move to the Pacific Northwest next year. I'm not a new grad and I have a solid resume with many years acute care experience, telemetry and neuro. My question is this: which is a better state to be a nurse in? Are there differences in acuity, ratios, pay? (Posting this on Washington board as well to get as many different opinions as possible).

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

No, otherwise why would so many commute to OR from Vancouver to work, yes the pay is slightly higher in OR but not enough to make up paying more in taxes

[Student Mom to Three]

Well, you can believe what you want, but I live in WA and have worked in OR....I did in fact, pay OR income taxes. In general pay is not higher in Oregon, either, at least not if you are comparing Portland to Vancouver. I have lived and worked on both sides of the Columbia River, so I am sure of this. Your particular facility is obviously different. I, on the other hand received a significant increase when moving from OR to WA ( different companies).

People choose to live in WA and work in OR because some things are more important than paying some income tax (although it definitely is frustrating). Washington is a great state....progressive and beautiful! Many nurses (including me)in this area have licenses in both states as it opens up many more options. There are also many who commute from OR to WA although the number is much smaller than those going to other direction!!

[katrn09]

Just an update, I decided on Portland and made the move about 4 months ago. I got two job offers within a week, and love it here. The pay was equivalent to what I was making in Southern California, and the patient ratio is the same.

[ejnjj143]

Is the job market for experienced nurses good in oregon? I am wanting to move out there from AZ in about a year and I'm worried about finding a job. I have almost 5 years experience. A mix of tele and recent ICU experience. Thanks!