Nursing in PDX (Portland: rentals, home, transfer)

[kzoo_camp]

Hi Everyone,

Since you were all so helpful in our relocation out here, I thought I'd throw another one out to you:

Is there anyone who is dialed in to the nursing situation here in PDX? We relocated out here for my job and (mistakenly) thought it would be fairly easy for my partner to find a nursing position. We would love to chat with people who might be familiar with that industry to give us more perspective on the market. Anyone willing to chat or provide insight?

Thanks!

[Nell Plotts]

Legacy & SoP have their openings online. Unless you have a hard to fill skill set (ICU, surgery) you may need to apply for stinky shifts then transfer internally.

[TygrrEyzz]

I am also interested in this question because I will be moving to Portland with my CNA and CMA license and was very curious on how the market is there for my field. In Iowa, you can walk into a place and 20 minutes later walk out with a job when you are in my field of work. But after hearing so many disparaging facts of Portland's job economy, now I am not so sure.

[Nell Plotts]

There are temp agencies that backstop long term care facilities. That would give a CNA the opportunity to "take the temperature" of various facility administrators.

[Katyblue]

Kzoo_camp,

Is your partner a new nurse or a specialty nurse? RN or LPN? I hope that isn't too nosy, I'm asking because I am a nurse too and I'm curious about the job hunt prospects myself.

[TygrrEyzz]

Nell-- That is a really good idea. Obviously if I place is needing a temp they would be willing to hire an actual employee for themselves, considering they usually have to pay the temp agencies nearly twice the amount they would pay their actual employee. At least, that is what I have experienced here in Iowa. Do you happen to know if a lot of temp agencies are sending people out to various care facilities? What about home health care? Is there a big demand for that in Portland? Thank you so much for your input!

[Nell Plotts]

In my neighborhood there is but these are seniors with substantial $ and not typical of the city as a whole. IMHO start with an agency or hospice org until you build a network. In Portland Metro networks are very important, this is a one degree of separation community. If you build a great reputation caring for a person at Hillside, Crestview or Robison you may find yourself in demand for in-home care for other frail elderly at home. The problem with this is that you don't have an agency between you and the client to manage the inevitable craziness.

Often facilities use temp agencies as a 'try before you buy' screening tool.

[hamellr]

Relevant temp agencies for the Health Care field:

All’s Well (Most health care suport positions (no physicians)) 503-265-0542

De Paul Industries (office, clerical, general labor, warehouse, manufacturing, janitorial, medical production) 503-281-1289

Dental medical staffing, Inc (Dentist, hygenist, assistant, office manager, xRay technician, receptionist, veterinary technician) 503-641-1176

Intelistaff(Medical support, nurse, radiology, pharmacy, respiratory therapist, CNA) 503-232-0293

Kelly Services (clerical, administrative, technical, light industrial, healthcare, management, engineering, sales) 503-643-1614

Medical placement services (nurse, front office, billing, medical records, CNA, CMA, customer service, affiliated with the medical society of metropolitan portland) 503-222-9977

Medical staffng network (nurse, medical technician, radiology, pharmacy, rehabilitation) 503-295-7828

Sedona Group (office Support, light industrial, clerical, engineering, IT, medical, production) 503-466-9999

Uniforce/Labforce (Medical, scientific, technical, clerical) 503-968-1311

[Minervah]

Just an idea but have you tried Kaiser? They have facilities all over the area and they have postings on their website. From what people have told me they are very good to work for.