Thinking about traveling to Tampa, need info! :)

NedRN · Dec 9, 2014

You should get a decent pay bump coming from CC!

KbmRN, ADN · Dec 9, 2014

Look into Baycare mobile pool its a local tampa bay company that pays well and is one of the more sought out hospitals in that area.

sweetgurly25 · Dec 23, 2014

Baycare is a good hospital system it has several hospital outside of tampa area. stay away from Morton plant. the housing is spectacular (water front).

rnerin · Dec 31, 2014

I have worked permanent and travel in the Tampa/St. Pete area and have had the opportunity (?) to work at many of the facilities in the area. You should not have a difficult time securing an ICU or ED position, especially with having Cleveland Clinic on your resume. Pay is not spectacular, but is probably similar to Ohio (except you don't pay state taxes in FL). You can PM me if you have specific questions about Tampa General, St. Joseph's (Baycare), Florida Hospital, Moffitt, Northside (HCA-St. Petersburg) or Bayfront (St. Petersburg). If you are looking at going in the fall, some of the hospitals do a "seasonal contract" (4-6 months), that can pay a little more than the norm. Good luck!

Swanks916 · Jan 4, 2015

rnerin, when you say the pay isn't great, I'm curious what that means? Cleveland Clinic is notorious for under paying nurses. I only make $24.73 with $1 shift diff from 3p-7a, and I rotate. I will say, however, that I have been able to pick up a LOT of overtime. The availability of overtime/premium shifts when short, etc.. are a couple other things I would be interested in hearing about for the area. Thanks!

rnerin · Jan 4, 2015

Hi Swanks916, the $$ sounds pretty similar; I have done travel, local contract and perm in the area-making anywhere from $25-$35 (no shift diff with contract or travel positions). Picking up OT has not been an issue at any of the facilities where I worked.......

Swanks916 · Jan 8, 2015

Is the $25-35/hour the base pay? Does that not include the per diem and/or housing allowance? I don't really understand the per diem pay, have only talked to one recruiter so far and she was so aggressive and took over the conversation that I couldn't wait to get off the phone!

rnerin · Jan 9, 2015

With per diem, you are just being paid an hourly rate (higher than usual) because you do not have insurance, etc. Depending on the particular situation, you are not obligated to any minimum number of shifts/month, or if you are, it is not a huge obligation. With most of the local contracts I did, the higher end of the pay scale (mid 30s) was with housing and insurance and the lower end (mid 20s) was without housing, but with insurance.

auntlala · Jan 19, 2015

I'm getting ready to take my first assignment with Florida Hospital Tampa. I'm very nervous. My housing is Citrus Falls. I've heard that's where the put the majority of travel nurses. The housing is gated and looks great. I don't know much about the hospital. I googled reviews and the employes that work there full time all have good things to say. I know it's a faith based hospital. My big concern is I have not spoke to a manager there. But my other friends that travel with CC said its common that a middle person is used. I expect to be stressed and miserable because I have not heard of many travelers happy on their first time. I just hope they don't keep calling me off. I've heard that can happen to travelers.

rnerin · Jan 20, 2015

The first assignment can be difficult-take a deep breath, expect to feel like a new nurse again, and don't hesitate to ask questions.