High paying warm weather areas

mrsboots87 · Sep 10, 2014

Areas of Cali stay pretty warm for winter and you get higher rates. I can say though that NY and surrounding areas are aome of the highest paying areas in the country for RNs so you shouldn't expect to make near what you did on those assignments. I am in AZ and beside our summer electric bills, cost of living here is MUCH less than in NY. A large portion of what you lose in pay would be made up for just in cost of living. If you lease an apartment for a few months it is hundreds if not $1000 less expensive than higher paying cities. Even extended stay hotels weekly rates are usually much less.

However, if you really can't give up the pay (not judging because that is your personal need) then I again suggest California a bit inland where you're not quite desert, but you're not getting the cold ocean breeze all winter.

AWanderingMinstral · Sep 10, 2014

I am returning to NCH in Naples, FL, for my third season. I earn a flat rate...$44.32 plus $2.60 differential between 3-7p ($5 differential starting at 7p). There are several apartment complexes in the Naples area that offer 7-month leases. NCH offers 4-6 month contracts in all areas.

Bluebolt · Sep 10, 2014

I've been running into this same issue. I like to be warm in the winter, don't like the snow and freezing temps. The problem is everywhere I've looked at pays crap for the winter. I'm in CT now and the pay drop would be significant. I've found the cost of living is more here but as a traveler it can be managed without too much loss of net pay. I don't have a California licence and I've heard it can take 6 months to obtain so that's not an option this year.

Bluebolt · Sep 10, 2014

Florida would be nice for the winter.

Underthemoonicp6 · Sep 11, 2014

I'm not terribly keen on FL although I used to work with a nurse who used to travel and she would often talk about going there for the winter. I've also read that SoCal doesn't pay very well but haven't personally looked for jobs there. Still waiting for my license to go through.

AWanderingMinstral · Sep 11, 2014

I have really enjoyed working there as a seasonal nurse. We're allowed to participate in their clinical ladder and, if you choose a benefits-eligible compensation package, you qualify for 50% tuition reimbursement. My only complaint is the lack of housing. However, I found a roommate each of my first two years on Craigslist. Fortunately, I met someone during my first season and we live together. Good luck!

niknak25 · Sep 12, 2014

Where were you in NYC I'm considering taking an assignment but housing is crazy!

Underthemoonicp6 · Sep 15, 2014

Housing is crazy. I was lucky to have some friends there with an extra room so I subletted from them for a good price. Otherwise I would recommend Craigslist because there are so many people putting their places on there. I would look into a roommate though. It'll make your life way easier. You should however get a substantial housing allowance in NYC.

Bluebolt · Sep 16, 2014

A warning for those pursuing the NYC and surrounding areas. The patients and families as a whole are rude and demanding. The patient can be a janitor and will bark instructions at you like a servant and then mutter thanks after like a reflex that's insincere. You cut them some slack cause you assume they are acting out cause they are ill, then the healthy family comes in and acts even worse! It blew my mind. I'm from the South and manners and behavior are a direct reflection on your upbringing and social class. These people would fall very low on that scale.

I've never been so eager to intubate patients and families!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2014

A warning for those pursuing the NYC and surrounding areas. The patients and families as a whole are rude and demanding. The patient can be a janitor and will bark instructions at you like a servant and then mutter thanks after like a reflex that's insincere. You cut them some slack cause you assume they are acting out cause they are ill, then the healthy family comes in and acts even worse! It blew my mind. I'm from the South and manners and behavior are a direct reflection on your upbringing and social class. These people would fall very low on that scale.
I've never been so eager to intubate patients and families!

"... as a whole are rude and demanding ..."?

Dude, you haven't spent enough time in NYC to stereotype an entire metropolitan area like that. I was born and raised in NYC and can tell you first hand not everyone is this way. You've just had lousy luck.

By the way, I lived in the South for several years and guess what? There are rude people there too! It's not just in NYC. It happens everywhere. People in the South are no better than people in NYC as you make it seem. Neither are New Yorkers better than Southerners for that matter. Just gotta brush off the rudeness as it comes and get the job done, period.

AWanderingMinstral · Sep 16, 2014

Last time I checked, NYC isn't a high-paying warm weather area.