Florida nursing salaries - seriously????

U.S.A. Florida

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I'm considering switching careers to nursing. The two things I'm taking into consideration, of equal importance, are: Would I like this job most of the time? And what is the salary?

Now, someone I know who is about to graduate from a Central Florida private nursing school with her RN told me that Lakeland Regional Medical Center was hiring at about $30 an hour, which I thought sounded great.

But then I look at fairly recent posts on this board and they seem to indicate new nurses in Florida can expect about $21, $22 an hour, depending on where they start.

Seriously????

I mean, I currently make $17 an hour, so $22 is certainly better, and there's always the opportunity to make overtime, make a little more per hour by working nights and weekends...but still! Is this true? If it is, I'm kinda disapointed.

Is there at least hope of working my way up the salary ladder if I continue my education and get certifications? Would it be unreasonable to think I could get up to $30 an hour in Florida, or would I have to leave the state?

you said it

Hi could you tell me what is Baylor I wam looking to move to Florida in a year but have to earn near to what I am making now which is $30 an hour any other info is helpful agency or local travel nursing to earn more than hospital pay?

Specializes in LDRP.

Is anyone negotiating with hospitals for their pay?? I am currently looking to move closer to my home (driving 40 min. now) and interested in at least earning my current pay.....

Specializes in MDS/PPS.

I live in Central Florida, I am an LPN, with ACLS and all IV certifications... I work full time in a PCU unit, and I make.... wait for it..

$13/hr. :uhoh3:

But with an Agency I make $20-24/hr.;)

Specializes in LDRP.

OUCH!!! $13/hr. I have 3 yrs experience in LDRP and am at $24/hr. I would like to stay at that rate (at least) with the current hospital offer of $9,000 sign on bonus for 2 yr commitment. They are offering $23.50/hr. I know it might be a little nit picky but I don't want to go down on hourly pay. Most traveling RNs make more than we do and aren't required to work holidays. If I didn't have roots here I would totally travel or at least sign up in my area for traveling (there are too many dangerous L & D units in this area for jumping around too much). Also, it seems the only way to get a good raise is to change hospitals. I went from 21.26/hr to 23.96/hr just by switching hospitals. My current raise proposal is 55 cents (2%).

I GET 32.87 AN HOUR BASE BUT I.M CHARGE ON A CARDIAC FLOOR BEEN A NURSE SINCE 1978 I AM MAXED OUT NOW AND WILL ONLY GET 2% RAISE AND A BONUS CHECK EVERY YEAR I,M IN SW FLORIDA:uhoh3:

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
I GET 32.87 AN HOUR BASE BUT I.M CHARGE ON A CARDIAC FLOOR BEEN A NURSE SINCE 1978 I AM MAXED OUT NOW AND WILL ONLY GET 2% RAISE AND A BONUS CHECK EVERY YEAR I,M IN SW FLORIDA:uhoh3:

but look at all the nice beaches down there, I love to think "Life is a Beach"

and look at all the wonderfull golf courses down there.

Your Base and all that dont sound bad. Sounds like a slice of heaven

Except when hurricanes roll through here, life really is a beach. That's why I wish it payed more here! I really love everything else about Florida. There's always a ton of things to do, it's summer all year long, and yes, houses have gotten more expensive here, but it's still cheaper than anywhere else that I've lived.

I've lived in FL for almost 2 years, and been to the beach twice. Between work, school, and my husband and my opposite schedules, there's no time to go. It's been fun both times, but since one of us has to take off work and either take a vacation day (him) or give up money entirely (me), it requires as much planning as if we lived anywhere else and were taking a "beach vacation." Any other reason to accept a pay cut with a smile?

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I would be at the beach or olf course daily if I could. Why arent you taking advantage of Gods Gifts

Well I've been interviewing for jobs in central fla. Just moved from New Jersey. Big decreased in pay in central fla. At most of the big hospitals pay ranges fron 19 to 27. Average offer for 18 years expience was 24 dollars hour. About 10 hr less then home. Keep hearing the cost of living is so low here. But I think its very close to nj. Been kind of in sticker shock lately. Hope this helps

The cost of living here in central Florida is no longer low. The property taxes are very high and property insurance, when you can get it, it expensive. The salaries have not kept up with the increased cost of living, unfortunatlely.

What exactly does one do at the beach anyways? I mean, I enjoy the sun and the water, and I like to sit and read for awhile, but I don't understand what's so exciting about it. Am I missing something? (again, I've only been twice...)

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