What's it like as an NP in Oregon?

[PNWgal]

Hello all,

I apologize if there are any topics exactly like this. I haven't seen one quite yet in search.

I'm currently living in Oregon and working on fulfilling pre-requisites to either go the PA or NP route. It seems like NPs are favored in Oregon, and in fact my primary care provider is a wonderful FNP! I really love the PNW and would love to stay here and work.

I'm wondering what the current job market is like for NPs in OR (or WA if you live there):

• Are you seeing issues with the job market being flooded like it is in other states?
• Are NPs truly favored over PA, and if so is that because legally NPs seem to have more autonomy overall in state?
• Are you happy with your current salary range?
• Any areas in greater need of NPs than others?

Any other words of wisdom/advice you might have would also be welcome and appreciated.

More quick background on me: I'm in my late 20's and healthcare will be my second career. I am NOT currently an RN, so I would likely end up working as an RN for a while before becoming an NP. A long(er) road, but I feel like it would be beneficial to have several years of experience under my belt as an RN before getting my MSN. My highest priority is getting a quality education that will allow me to be the best possible provider I can be to my patients.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give!

[mljjohnson]

Hi, I am a recent new grad DNP, FNP. I am in the process of relocating to southern Oregon for my first NP job. This is just my personal experience but I very easily had an interview set up before I had even graduated. I had a job offer within one month of graduation. I am very satisfied with my salary however my recommendation to you is making sure you hold out for an adequate salary and don’t just take my first job. I saw positions with annual salaries as low as 85k/yr for a new grad. I accepted a position offering 120k in addition to sign on, moving, and retention bonuses. I don’t feel at all that the market is flooded in Oregon from my experience. The more rural you go the more perks you will have with student loan repayment and incentives.
Good luck ?

[winterberrypeanut]

On 2/27/2020 at 4:32 PM, mljjohnson said:

Hi, I am a recent new grad DNP, FNP. I am in the process of relocating to southern Oregon for my first NP job. This is just my personal experience but I very easily had an interview set up before I had even graduated. I had a job offer within one month of graduation. I am very satisfied with my salary however my recommendation to you is making sure you hold out for an adequate salary and don’t just take my first job. I saw positions with annual salaries as low as 85k/yr for a new grad. I accepted a position offering 120k in addition to sign on, moving, and retention bonuses. I don’t feel at all that the market is flooded in Oregon from my experience. The more rural you go the more perks you will have with student loan repayment and incentives.
Good luck ?

Hi! 
sorry I know this is an old post but I would like to follow up on your comment. I’m in the process of going to nursing school (RN+FNP) and I would love to relocate to Oregon after I graduate.

From what I’ve heard, the job market is very saturated in OR due to the high amount of nursing schools in the area. How did you land your first job as a new grad? Is it inpatient or outpatient? Primary care or speciality? Any tips on the job hunting? 
Thank you so much!