Working in Washington

[javawren_23]

Hello All!

I am currently a nursing student in Wisconsin, and my husband and I would like to relocate to a small, family friendly community in Washington after I'm finished with school. I was hoping I could get some insight into the state. Is it necessary to get my BSN, or will I find a job with my associates? I plan to work in Labor and Delivery, if a job is available (I will be doing an internship in the summer). I would prefer to work in a smaller hospital. Can anyone give me wage information, cost of living, best hospital reputations (and the worst), etc. Thank you so much in advance!! :bowingpur

[TristanT]

Starting wage is $21-28/hour. But the job market in this state for new grads is very tight, especially if you have no hospital experience (and/or did not do clinical rotations out here, a.k.a. you have to know somebody). If you do have hospital experience, you may be in luck. But I would strongly urge you to consider doing a med/surg internship. Hospitals out here don't usually hire new grads for specialties like L&D unless they know the person.

I think Providence Everett and Tacoma General prefer ADNs to BSNs. It really depends on the background of the hiring manager--just like any other industry, people generally prefer to hire others from a similar educational background. Good luck!

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

I think it really depends on what you consider a small friendly community. I think the Tri-Cities in south-eastern WA fits the bill, although it is not THAT small, it's a much smaller community than where I relocated from in northern NV.

New grads here make $25 and change, but there are good night and weekend differentials, and cost of living is pretty low. Houses are cheap and right now we're renting a room from a friend of mine for $550/month, so my rent/utility obligation is $275/month. I love the hospital I work in and the area is large enough that you have everything, but small enough that it feels safe, and is just a 3 hour drive to Seattle or Portland if you want a big city feel.

Check it out, the Tri-Cities are Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. Each city has a hospital: Lourdes, Kennewick General, and Kadlec.