BSN relocating to Tarpon Springs area and need some insight!

Dave_In_Florida, ADN, LPN, RN · May 10, 2016

Most of the hospitals in the Tampa area are one of 3 chains. HCA, Baycare, Florida Hospital (Adventist Medical Group). There is Florida Hospital North Pinellas, which is in Tarpon, it's not a huge hospital, and it's pretty old.

Most say Baycare is the best chain to work for in this area. They supposedly pay the best and treat their employees the best. I believe HCA starts new nurses at about $24/hr plus night and weekend diff's.

You shouldn't have a hard time finding a job though because most hospitals in the Tampa area want BSN's.

There are plenty of health care opportunities within reasonable drives of Tarpon, and it's a really cool place to hang out and live.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

jlhiatt · May 10, 2016

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback!

CSteffen_RN · May 10, 2016

I used to work for HCA in Largo, FL so I'd suggest staying away from them if you can. There's a noticeable culture of profits over patients there as opposed to a nonprofit chain. I've also heard bad news regarding Florida Hospital. They just recently were offering bonuses up to $25,000 for 2 year commitments. The highest was for CVICU and CVOR Rn's, $15,000 for ICU and I think ED, and $10,000 and less for all the other RN's. I heard from a couple nurses within Florida Hospital that the reason they were giving out such high bonuses was to lock in nurses for 2 years at a much lower pay rate.

If I were you I'd stick to Baycare hospitals like Morton Plant. They don't necessarily pay any more for the BSN but it definitely helps secure the job. As far as pay goes I am assuming labor and delivery nurses make around what ICU nurses make. If that's the case you'll start out low to mid 30's per hour plus benefits. Another option to think about is agency. They don't always offer the best health insurance or benefits but the higher pay and flexibility to work or have off whenever you'd like might be worth it.

jlhiatt · May 10, 2016

Great thank you! I've considered agency but I haven't really looked into it that much. Maybe it would be worth it to try for a year while I get adjusted to the area? With the cost of living being a little higher than what I a.m. used to, I need the better pay more than the benefits.

kabooski · May 13, 2016

Hello, Tarpon Springs Florida Hospital. I believe there is a hiring event coming up soon again. I got offered a job last week at FH Tarpon Springs. Pay is better than Central Florida (where I am from) Cost of living gets better away from tarpon and palm harbor. New port area is best bet. The people I met where very nice and supportive. Traffic is awful in that area FYI

jlhiatt · May 13, 2016

Congratulations! I hope you love your new job! I appreciate the information. I have been looking in the New Port area. My concerns are the school systems not being ranked very well and I hear there is a lot of crime. It's so hard to know without being there. I'm planning a trip down in the next month or so to take a look at some of the housing and hopefully meet with a few potential employers. Thank you again!

RUmedic · May 24, 2016

I used to work for HCA in Largo, FL so I'd suggest staying away from them if you can. There's a noticeable culture of profits over patients there as opposed to a nonprofit chain. I've also heard bad news regarding Florida Hospital. They just recently were offering bonuses up to $25,000 for 2 year commitments. The highest was for CVICU and CVOR Rn's, $15,000 for ICU and I think ED, and $10,000 and less for all the other RN's. I heard from a couple nurses within Florida Hospital that the reason they were giving out such high bonuses was to lock in nurses for 2 years at a much lower pay rate.
If I were you I'd stick to Baycare hospitals like Morton Plant. They don't necessarily pay any more for the BSN but it definitely helps secure the job. As far as pay goes I am assuming labor and delivery nurses make around what ICU nurses make. If that's the case you'll start out low to mid 30's per hour plus benefits. Another option to think about is agency. They don't always offer the best health insurance or benefits but the higher pay and flexibility to work or have off whenever you'd like might be worth it.

I second that opinion about the Baycare being of of the best places to work at. If you are to apply at Baycare, I'd also recommend Morton Plant in Clearwater. It has a strong L&D and CV base. They do pay generously for certifications and CE. Stay away from Mease Countryside though - they have some management and organizational issues.

I would not recommend Florida Hospital in North Pinellas (Tarpon Springs). It used to be called Hellen Ellis before it was bought by Adventist. It was plagued by problems upon problems and poor delivery of care. Not much changed after it was bought out.

I did my clinical rotation at St. Joseph Hospital North and it is a part of Baycare. I would strongly recommend this hospital for all the reasons stated above.

jlhiatt · May 24, 2016

Great info, thank you. I have an interview with St. Pete north for their emergency room tomorrow. I believe they are part of the HCA hospital system. I had applied for several positions with Adventist, but not a single phone call. I'm assuming it's because I won't work for less than what I am currently making and since I'm relocating, they don't want to pay out their incentives if they don't have to. I won't apply for another job in their system.

I didn't see any job postings at Bay that I am qualified for or want to work in, but I'll check back frequently for updates.

Thanks again!