Canadian RN relocating to Florida

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Hello all,

I am a Canadian RN entering my 5th year into the nursing profession. I currently work in an busy ED . I have passed my NCLEX, completed my CGFNS (and have my certificate). I am now looking into relocating to the states for more opportunities. My initial first choice was Cali (for obvious reasons: sun and $). But Cali is difficult to obtain a nursing license (due to educational requirements and long processing times). So I thought to try either Texas or Florida. I am really having a hard time deciding which would be a better option.

My goals are to work for a Magnet teaching hospital, save money and enjoy the city I will be living in. Texas (in particular Dallas and Houston - I hear are very spread out cities and can be hard to meet new people if your on your own). Florida is inexpensive, beautiful weather but with lower wages. I have never visited either state.

Any feedback would be great, I know its a broad question. Any insight on hourly wages of speciality RN with 4 years experience in a major Dallas or Houston city hospital (or in Florida).

Any insights would be great!!!

Thanks all!

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Specializes in L&D/postpartum.

I'm temporarily living in FL due to my husband's job after working as an RN in several states. Do a search of the travel nurse forum to see if there are more opinions from outsiders, but this state isn't well known for pay or working conditions. Lots of people come down here with visions of beaches and low cost of living, but the reality is different when you're actually living and working here.

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Thanks for your response. Are you or have you worked as an RN in Florida? What have been your experience there if you have? Your insight would be helpful. I have read numerous forum but they really just speak to the low pay and not over working conditions.

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Specializes in L&D/postpartum.

I'm currently working as an RN in Florida, but it has only been about eight months, so I'd hate to generalize too much. Staffing where I work does not comply with guidelines for my specialty, and they have no desire to meet those guidelines, so there is high turnover due to burnout. Medical practices on my unit are not up to the latest standards. With several years of experience the pay isn't terrible, but new grads are started pretty low. Not having state income tax is helpful, but my health benefits cost more here than I've ever paid, for worse coverage, though perhaps other hospitals are better with this.

Again, I don't want to generalize too much, but the southeast is not known as being a good area in which to practice.

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Thanks for the response.

Thats unfortunate to hear about the unfavourable work conditions. Do you think this is a general concensus when working in the state of Florida? Are there Magnet teaching hospital that have better nurse satisfaction?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The only state with mandated staffing is California and that is for acute care hospitals only.

Magnet is not all that it's cracked up to be

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You did not mention which part of FL (it matters in pay and practice). I live and work in S. FL (Fort Lauderdale/Miami area).

Pay is directly related to years of experience. New grads start around $24-$26/hr. Someone with 20+yrs exp. can make in the low $40's/hr.

I pay very little in benefits (single/approx. $90/month); great coverage. I am lucky to be working for one of the best systems in S.Fla.

It also matters if you work for a non-profit vs for-profit hospital. I hear the benefits are not so great at the "for-profit" hospitals.

As far as FL being inexpensive; that's a thing of the past. South FL real estate has skyrocketed again. A one bedroom rental in a decent area will cost you 1200-1400/month (don't expect it to be luxury). I'm sure that other areas of FL may be very different in pay and cost of living.

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I'm an RN in Tampa and pay, with comparison to cost of living is OK. I have just under 2 years experience so the pay is approximately what someone else posted. For profit vs non profit definitely makes a huge difference. My previous hospital was for profit and the supplies and standards appeared overall much less than what I have now at a nonprofit. Better patient to nurse ratios as well. Definitely depends on the area and hospital.

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