Working in Spokane Vs Coeur D'Alene

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

We are looking at relocating to Coeur D'Alene area/post falls next spring. I am a critical care nurse with >10 years experience.

I know Washington is unionized and Idaho is definitely not so have been able to look up the salaries online for washington, but not idaho. Does anyone know if there are big pay differences between Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur D'Alene and Sacred Heart medical center in spokane? I think where we will be moving to, will be right in the middle so can commute to either hospital. Just curious if the pay is similar because you can compute to spokane so would that make Kootenai Medical center more competitive in regards to pay? I currently work in an area with pretty good wages and it would be a bit of a hit if I had to take a huge pay cut.

Also does anyone know if either hospital offers relocation assistance and sign on bonuses? I have a pretty extensive critical care background so I feel like I would be an asset they would want to recruit .

Insight on working conditions of both hospitals? Staffing issues, unsafe staffing, that kind of thing.

Also any info on the general cities/ area would be helpful as well. We definitely did not care for spokane much when we drove through, but we really loved Coeur D'Alene. It has pretty much every thing we want, close to mountains, lots of lakes etc. Spokane is close enough for bigger stores as well. It just seems like such a charming area. Ive read the general economy in spokane is not super great but I don't think either myself or husband will have a difficult time getting a job