[Jbeachgrl]

TGH has tuition payment of up to $4,000 a year. The FL base salaries are way less than I am used too, but the night shift diff. is 19%. If you sign on to work straight weekend nights it works out to be almost time and a half. Call a nurse recruiter there and they can give you much more information.

I decided to get a roommate so that I could afford a nicer place in Hyde Park but if you want a really cheap one bedroom, I know Camben Baysides start at $590 a month. The apartments themselves are decent, they have a nice pool and it is about a ten minute drive to TGH. The only downfall is that it is not right downtown and to get anywhere you have to drive. Hope that helps

[Tweety]

Rents have skyrocketed the past five years, but pay hasn't. Mostly because of an increase in hurricaine insurance costs.

$800 to $1000 per month for a one-bedroom does seem about right.

You should make a similar salary here, in the low 20's plus a differential. I have a friend making a killer differential working every weekend 12-hour nights plus one during the week. I think it's called "weekend plus one plan" or something like that.

[AWanderingMinstral]

Thanks, everyone, for the good info! I'll probably apply to USF and then, if accepted, interview at a few places and see what shakes out. I need to develop a budget based on projected earnings and see if it's feasible living in Tampa. I may just head to NYC (where I used to live) because I can make a lot more money and there are many more opportunities for nurses there. Stay tuned! Thanks, again!