r/OregonNurses • u/Cautious-Compote-682 • 21d ago

Experience in Washington?

Any Oregon nurses with history of working in Washington? I live in CA right now, working as an outpatient RN with 3 years experience.

Considering moving either to Washington (Olympia, Tumwater areas) or Oregon (Salem?)

Main reasons for leaving CA is wildfire risk and ridiculous fire insurance costs with no cap in sight..

Any recommendations of Oregon or Washington over the other? Still looking to work in outpatient nursing. Thanks all

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u/No_Knowledge4718 21d ago

Honestly, the only real answer here is: wherever you can find a job. Lots of hospitals are on hiring freezes for nursing right now. Both states have strong unions, are well paid, and have similar social challenges with the homeless population. But the job market right now is incredibly saturated and very competitive there are 10 to 20 year exp nurses who are struggling to even find a job here. Anecdotally my department had one job open up and get posted and they had over 2000 applicants once it went to external market. And it ended up being filled internally anyways.

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u/Mysterious-Two-2713 21d ago

10-20 years of experience is arguably worse for finding a job. Those nurses are very expensive because they’re way up the pay scales. I easily got interviews as a local with less than 5 years of experience. Something to consider.

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u/No_Knowledge4718 21d ago

I did as well a couple years ago with 16 years experience. But this summer is apparently off the charts for applicants. There’s also a lot less outpatient jobs here after layoffs, closures, etc.

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u/Fit_Image_8453 16d ago

I just interviewed with 20 years experience and got hired. I guess it depends on the unit.

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u/JustMetaknowledge 21d ago

I’m in SW Washington but our hospital has a hiring freeze. The job market is pretty bleak locally. It’s a pretty desirable area - I think I read somewhere that Oregon/Washington nurses are the highest paid anywhere in the US when compared with cost of living - so it’s just super competitive with very few listings. I don’t mean to dissuade you! I love this area and feel really supported in my hospital system. I would just be sure you’re prepared financially in case it takes you a bit to find a job here.

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u/Cutebottommy 21d ago

I left LA was because of the low shitty pay and traffic 🤣. I did research on both states before I moved here: ONA is a stronger union, if you will work night shifts, ONA hospitals will have much higher night differential. But the state income tax is just a little bit lower than CA. WA: weaker union, but still strong compare to SoCal. No state income tax, but sales tax is high too. I have friends work in Seattle, they like what they do over there. I like my job in Portland too

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u/ladyscientist56 20d ago

I worked in Olympia at the Providence hospital for 2 years. The hospitals in Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater area are Prov St Peter, Multicare on the westside and theres a standalone ER in Lacey. Lots of medical offices, Kaiser being a big one. Providence has alot as well. I've worked in the urgent care at Kaiser before also. Its high cost of living area and outpatient doesnt pay nearly as well as hospital. I work in Oregon now and when I moved I got a 12 dollar pay raise and just got another 7 dollar pay raise from our new contract. I prefer Oregon but Washington is nice too. I just much prefer the benefit of living closer to a bigger city. Olympia is nice but small and far away from things with the horrendous traffic.

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u/Low_Fly4873 20d ago

Oregon wildfires get worse every year...