Am I insane to move to Seattle (without a job) (Tacoma: apartment, unemployed)

[nursesueg]

So, I did sort of a rash thing and quit my job (I did give notice) with the intention of leaving Boston for Seattle.

I don't have a job lined up and I know the economy is horrendous.

Anyone have any idea on nursing jobs and how long it takes to find one?

I have only one year experience which I know is better than nothing but less than ideal. I do hospital nursing, medical surgical and telemetry.

Financially I can be out of work for several months without a sweat though I am not lazy and hate being unemployed. Boston is ridiculously expensive so I am used to a high cost of living and can budget/live cheaply very well. Bills are otherwise low for me.

Any idea if hospitals are hiring right now? I don't have an RN WA license at the moment, its in the works. No point in applying to anywhere without one I would imagine

Any advice/help most appreciated. Thanks!

[rmkiefer07]

I work in medical billing and my employer is not hiring on the administrative side, but there is always a need for positions in patient care areas. I can't speak to your credentialing however, so that may have some bearing. Check out these local hospital's websites for job opportunities. Here's a list you can check out:

Harborview Medical Center
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Seattle Childrens
Swedish Medical Center
Overlake
Highline
Valley Medical Center
University Of Washington Medical Center
Providence
Pacific Medical Center
Group Health Cooperative

Good Luck!

[Ira500]

nursesueg,
So what if it's insane to move to Seattle without a job? Sometimes you just have to make the move and follow the dream....
As rmkiefer suggested, there are plenty of hospitals in the Seattle area, as well as community clinics. I know that Harborview is hiring, at the very least.

[rmkiefer07]

Originally Posted by Ira500

nursesueg,
So what if it's insane to move to Seattle without a job? Sometimes you just have to make the move and follow the dream....
As rmkiefer suggested, there are plenty of hospitals in the Seattle area, as well as community clinics. I know that Harborview is hiring, at the very least.

So true. I moved here with no job, no home, only a dream to start new. It was the best decision I ever made.

[nursesueg]

Thanks!! You guys give me hope. Nice to know there aren't only naysayers out there.

[nfdsouza2001]

I know there is a shortage of nurses in seattle. While you are being credentialled you may consider volunteering in a nurse teaching program to get some local recommendations. In addition to the hospitals listed the VA, Madigan Army Medical Center, Indian Health Services, being Federal entities maybe able to use your MA license. The State facilities may also waive licenses on a limited basis to work at a state facility like Western State Hospital

[whatley4]

I have quite a few friends who are nurses living on the eastside of Seattle but making the drive down to Tacoma - Franciscan, Tacoma General - for part-time nursing jobs.

[LookinForMayberry]

I think you will be as fine as you would be in Boston without a job.

Here's a few options:

Seattle Nursing Jobs (CareerBuilder.com)

Good luck!

[HuskyDawg]

If you were in any other profession I'd say it was beyond insane, but nursing seems to always be in demand. I have a couple friends who just completed nursing school and were hired immediately.

[Midas AG]

My wife and I did this. Moved to Seattle with no job, no housing, and everything we owned in our SUV and trailer. My wife is in health care, has an interview after less than a week of looking, and will be attending Nursing School this winter. I will take the first job I can get, but we are doing OK. Its not crazy, though others who would NEVER do it will tell you it is. Sometimes it takes something like this to get your life jump started. That's what we are doing, and we are loving every minute of it. We have only been in our apartment for 10 days, but things are looking good.

If it feels right to you, do it. We did, and did. If you do it with an open mind, you'll love it.