Nestled in the picturesque southeast corner of Washington State, Walla Walla offers a unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant culture. With its tree-lined streets and historic downtown, this thriving college town is known for its warm, welcoming community and breathtaking natural scenery.

Dubbed the “town so nice they named it twice,” Walla Walla is renowned for its more than 130 wineries. Whether you enjoy the arts or taking in the scenic beauty from a bicycle, Walla Walla provides an inviting backdrop for both life and work. At the heart of this community is Providence St. Mary Medical Center, where the commitment to well-being and quality of life makes it an integral part of this close-knit town.

A warm welcome awaits

Once named one of the country’s friendliest towns by USA Today and Rand McNally, Walla Walla’s reputation for hospitality is echoed by the caregivers at St. Mary Medical Center. “When they say Walla Walla is very welcoming, it is,” says CNA Nattilie. “Everybody’s willing to open their homes to you.” ED RN Ben agrees, adding, “You drive around town, you’re bound to run into somebody you know. You have that small town feel, with some of the high-end services as a result of the tourists, so it’s a good place to live.”

The friendliness extends into the workplace as well. “I would say everyone’s my friend in a sense that I feel like if I need help, they’re there for me whether it’s physically or emotionally,” says ICU RN Stacy. “They’re just a bunch of good people.”

Enjoy the outdoors year-round

As the first Certified Blue Zones Community in Washington, Walla Walla prioritizes well-being and quality of life. And with an annual rainfall of just 12.5 inches per year on average, it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

“If you like the outdoors, I highly recommend Walla Walla because you’ve got the Blue Mountains right next to us. I went mushroom hunting last weekend,” shares RN Resident Ireland. “And we’ve got the Columbia and the Walla Walla rivers here, so if you like tubing or hanging out by the water, it’s a great place for that.”

Nattilie enjoys hiking and hammocking by a creek with a good book, while De appreciates the diverse outdoor activities available. “I’m an outdoors person. I love to camp and rock climb. You have all four seasons and you have the mountains and rivers. You can hunt and fish,” she says.

It’s a pickleball paradise

Pickleball, Washington’s official state sport, is a favorite pastime in Walla Walla. “There are lots of people who like to play pickleball. There’s a whole community from church that gets together, and we invite people outside of our church as well,” says RN Resident Rachel. “I’d play pickleball every day if I could, to be honest. It’s really fun!”

Sheree highlights the accessibility of the sport, explaining, “You can get on an app and find games. Even if you’re new to the area, you can find people to play pickleball with.”

Say goodbye to traffic

Away from the hustle of large metropolitan areas, Walla Walla offers a more relaxed pace with minimal traffic. “There’s not much traffic,” says Stacy. “I have family from Seattle, from Portland, and it’s not the same.” Sheree, a Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse, appreciates her 10-minute commute and freedom from rush hour traffic. “I can go out any time of day and I don’t have to worry if that’s the right time to go,” she says.

ICU RN Afton says the short commute means more time with her family. “Not having to spend that time in the car is invaluable to me. I love that I can be here quickly in the morning, so I have time with my family before I go to work. Then, if I’ve had a tough day, I’m home right away in my pajamas.”

Live your values

Providence St. Mary Medical Center’s commitment to the Walla Walla community is reflected in its values. “I chose Providence because I believe in their Mission,” says Stacy. “I believe that we need excellence, diversity, integrity, and most of all, compassionate, caring people. Those are my values, and I want to give that to the community.”

Sheree agrees, saying, “I am very grateful to work at this hospital. I love their Mission. I appreciate that they’re a faith-based organization. I find it very comforting to have prayers in the morning overhead.”

St. Mary caregivers also engage in community service outside of the hospital. “As an employee of this hospital, it’s expected of us to give back to the community,” explains Respiratory Therapist De. “I like the fact that we get credit for community service. You don’t only see us when you have something drastic in your life, we’re in the community, we’re working, we’re touching people’s lives. I really believe if you’re going to live in this part of the country, Providence is the best place to work for.”

Does the quieter, more relaxed pace of a small town appeal to you? Providence St. Mary Medical Center is welcoming new nurses, therapists, diagnostic imaging technologists and more. Explore our open roles.