Are the horror stories true?

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Hey everyone,

I have been lurking around here for a while and I have been seriously contemplating a switch to nursing from education. For the past two years I have had various issues to deal with that have prevented me from starting the necessary pre-reqs, however I am finally at a place where I have the money and time to begin the courses with the hopes of applying to an accelerated BSN here in FL (Looking at UCF, UF, UM, or FIU).

However, my question is focused more on employment outcomes, and is it really that bad for new grads in FL? Hopefully this is the right place to post this.

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The nurse to patient ratios in FL are shameful.

As far as new grad jobs I have seen some programs at different hospitals. Do your research though and don't sign any long term contracts for a new grad program.

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Specializes in Emergency, Med/Surg, Med/Tele.

What are the nurse to patient ratios there? I am trying to relocate back to Florida from Missouri and the ratio here is 6:1 (ideally) which actually translates often times to as many as 9:1. This is on a Med/Surg floor.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Note to self: don't transfer to Missouri.

Patient ratios are typically 7:1 med surg, 5:1 PCU, 3:1 ICU

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Specializes in ICU.

I had no problem getting job offers in the specialty that I like straight out of school. However, I do have a resume with CNA experience and a decent GPA. I would recommend looking into residency or new grad programs that will hire new graduates. However, most of the programs have 2-year contracts.

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Specializes in Emergency.
The nurse to patient ratios in FL are shameful.

As far as new grad jobs I have seen some programs at different hospitals. Do your research though and don't sign any long term contracts for a new grad program.

What is your opinion on signing long-term contracts for a new grad program, why do you advise against it? Curious as I will be faced with that decision.

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What is your opinion on signing long-term contracts for a new grad program, why do you advise against it? Curious as I will be faced with that decision.

Sorry, I was away for a couple days. I don't recommend signing any contracts because I've seen first hand that a hospital may present itself one way but is totally different. I worked for one hospital system and was told the staffing ratios will never be above 4:1. Yeah so why was I seeing 7:1 and even 9:1 at times? Research and make sure you reach out to someone who actually works at the hospital you are interested in so they can give you the real version of how it is instead of all the management/interview fluff.

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Specializes in Emergency, Med/Surg, Med/Tele.

Just so you all know, FH Med/Surg floors do not require a two year contract for new grads.

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Staffing ratios here do suck, no doubt. But it seems like new grad jobs aren't hard to find.

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Specializes in Emergency.
Sorry, I was away for a couple days. I don't recommend signing any contracts because I've seen first hand that a hospital may present itself one way but is totally different. I worked for one hospital system and was told the staffing ratios will never be above 4:1. Yeah so why was I seeing 7:1 and even 9:1 at times? Research and make sure you reach out to someone who actually works at the hospital you are interested in so they can give you the real version of how it is instead of all the management/interview fluff.

Thanks for the words of wisdom!

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I moved to FL last year as a new grad & it only took me 2 months to find a job. It def helps to have your BSN! I think that's why it didn't take as long. I know a friend & it almost took her a year to find a job with just her ASN.

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