Being an RN in Miami, Florida

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Hello. I am an RN, BSN from NYC. I currently work at a city hospital here and would really like to move to Miami for my next job. I would like some info on what it is like being a nurse there. Specifically, what it is like being a nurse in a non-union state. I know there is a pay disparity between NY and FL but I work for a city hospital (non-private) and make about 33$/hr, so I'm not exactly used to the big salaries some RN's make in NYC. (I have friend's at more than 40$/hour.) Also, I know there seems to be an issue with patient ratios. However, in my hospital I know it is a common occurrence for the inpatient nurses (I am ER) to be at a 10:1 patient ratio. At my own job, we've worked entire night shifts at the 3rd busiest ER in the country (statistically speaking) w/ THREE RN's. The only difference is we fill out a protest of assignment but that has proven to do.... nothing... so far. So I guess I haven't felt the full benefit of working in a union state.

I was born and raised in NYC and I am REALLY ready for a change of scenery. I've been to Miami a couple times (my grandparents had a house in Boca and I would visit often) and I really enjoyed it there. I'm at a point where I can no longer stand the weather and rush of NYC. I've suffered w/ seasonal depression for a couple years and I would really like to be somewhere where I don't have to go about 7 months where I can barely get out of bed. This city is also dirty and I'm tired of the overpriced, rushed culture here. I just want to relax and enjoy life slowly.

Of course, I understand it's a bad market in Florida, as it is in NYC. But I am not a new grad, my current job has a bit of a reputation, I'm fluent in Spanish, and I would not make the move until I had a job secured down there.

If you've been a nurse in FL or any other non-union state, please tell me what you can. Or if you just know a place w/ a mild climate where a childless, young (early 20's) RN can live a nice life, I'm open to suggestions.

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Specializes in ED Clinical and Documentation.

I moved to Miami back in 2002 and I first had to get my license endorsed by the state of Florida from my previous state. Not sure how much that cost now. I then looked into travel nursing in order to secure a job before I actually moved to miami. I was able to so do 3 assignments and the eventually was offered a position on staff which I gladly took. I have only worked for one health system since I moved down here and it's one of the best. I did a few local agency jobs just to see what the competition had to offer. I have never regretted my decision to relocate but I must warn that miami has become even more populated. I don't know much about boca raton but I am sure u will find a few good hospitals there. I currently work day shift I the ed and the nurse-patient ratio is 1:4. For nights it can go up to 5 but they try to keep it at 4.

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Thank you for your reply. Is the pay compatible to a good quality of life there? I can afford my life here in NYC but i'm tired of paying $1,100 for a shoebox. What is rent like down there? Do you feel like you make enough? Thank you

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Specializes in ED Clinical and Documentation.

I felt that I made enough when I was single and childless. Now with 2 kids it gets pretty challenging. Cost of living is just as high especially in Miami. One or two bedroom can cost you from $1000 and up and to rent a house you would be lucky to get $1500 but that depends on the area that you choose to live. My hospital will pay you based on your experience and education. I must Warn that you need to have a bsn or be getting it in the next 3 years.

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I was a RN in California and recently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Both Southern California and Florida are completely differant. Pay is a lot less in FL, For an RN with your ER experience about $30.00 to $33.00 hr. FYI, most hospitals here seem to hire Per Diem due to the seasonal snowbirds and census changes frequently. Work is slow in the summer months, July, Aug and Sept which I love because my kids are out of school. Miami is very busy and crowded, too much for me, thats why I left Los Angeles. If your single and from NY it might work for you. I work in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton and love it. I moved here only because I love the beach and the warm ocean. So think of your motivation for moving. With your ER experince I would think on traveling. You could spend 6 weeks in Florida then try California. The West Coast/ Tampa area of Florida is hiring. Do your research on living in FL vs anywhere eles. Get with a recruiter, they may pay for your moving expenses or try a travel position. Good Luck.

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Thanks for the info! About how much experience did you have when you stared traveling? I'll only have about a year, I don't know if that's enough for them. How do you feel about the cost of living down there? i'm worrid about paying rent all on my own. I would also consider buying if I liked it enough down there. I have money saved up for some property but have been hesitant bc NYC is so expensive and I really don't wanna be stuck here anymore.

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Specializes in ED Clinical and Documentation.

I only had a year and a half experience as resp/ medsurg nurse when I did travel nursing. If u r looking to buy I would suggest get a feeling for the area. I had a condo I'm Miami but now I want to buy a house in central Florida. Cost of living in Miami is a bit more than in central Florida. And then you have to be careful of those home associations and there ridiculous fees and rules!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU.

I'm moving to the Miami area and was wondering where you ended up taking a job? I am currently looking at Jackson Memorial, Regional Memorial, and Kendall. I am a trauma ICU nurse and so far this is what I have found. I am wondering what ratios and overall work conditions are.

Thank you

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I'm shocked you are earning 30 dollars an hour down here in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm an RN from canada, with three years of cardiac care and they best two hospitals offered me was 25.00 as a staff RN. I have two degrees, including a BSN. I am now per diem because the pay is 38/hr, and based on how poorly they treat RNs down here in FL, I might as well get paid well for the hard work I do and crap I put up with. I hope things will be better for you. ED/ICU RNs are in demand so you should be able to find a job, but lower your pay expectations, unless you work per diem, because you might be disappointed. It is expensive to live down here. Maybe not as bad as NY, but living on 25/hr and supporting a husband in dental school is just not enough.

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