Florida Accelerated RN program

Hi,

I am an RN in Michigan and I have a friend in Jacksonville, Florida who is interested in an accelerated RN program. She is asking me a lot of questions about the program and about getting a job. I am answering her questions but from a Michigan stand point...so I thought I would come on here and ask some questions!

What is the typical wait time for an accelerated program once you apply?
What do RN's in a hospital setting start off at on average?
Do union hospitals typically make more money than non-union hospitals?
Does anyone have any recommendations on good schools to apply to within an hour from Jacksonville?

Thank you!! And if anyone else has any other general information that would be helpful..please share!!

Jamie