Ever work at one of these Fla. hospitals?

bald1rn · Oct 6, 2007

I've been a travel nurse for over 13 years now. I have worked on both sides of Fl and i agree that the west coast is better then the east. I just finished a contract in Ft. Meyers and actually enjoyed it. Most hospitals though require the PBDS, and if you don't pass it you lose your assignment. My agency made me aware of this, but I found out that others in our group did not.
If you google you'll find several good sites including this one for information regarding this test.
I also did private housing in Fl, and rented my a house because of working nightshift. Good Luck in FL and I hope you enjoy your assignment.

Thanks for the info- not familiar with the PBDS test but I'll try to find more info about it.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2007

Thanks for the info- not familiar with the PBDS test but I'll try to find more info about it.

Please use "search" on this BB - there are a number of threads that may prove useful.

Some companies have info available that explains the test - I know CrossCountry used to have some info available.

bald1rn · Oct 6, 2007

Please use "search" on this BB - there are a number of threads that may prove useful.
Some companies have info available that explains the test - I know CrossCountry used to have some info available.

Thank you very much!

gypsytravelrn · Oct 7, 2007

Thank you very much!

i just found the website I used to help me prepare for the test. Its Pantravelers.org. If you register under the Basic membership which is free and then go to resource it will give you some really good information to help you prepare for the test. Good Luck!

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

Ft myers is great !! Hubby and I did an assignment there and it was beautiful. Working in West Palm Beach was like working in a five star hotel as a maid. I got so sick of patients introducing me to their visitors as their "girl" When I said something to the Unit Mgr I was simply told that they are old and need to feel catered to. "Just play along"

dona4jc · Nov 4, 2007

Ft myers is great !! Hubby and I did an assignment there and it was beautiful...

I'm here in Ft. Myers, love it! I actually work in Cape Coral, people are awesome! I've been here since March, my first travel assignment. I kept extending! I actually considered being staff but, I can't gotta go back to Jacksonville, FL.

grnmtnrn · Nov 8, 2007

My daughter went back for 5 winters in a row to work at Edward G White Hospital. It is in the Tampa Bay/St Petersburg area. She had nice housing each time, made friends with staff RNs, etc. (She is now settling down with husband and new baby, I am getting back into traveling.)

dona4jc · Nov 16, 2007

Anyone worked in Altamonte Springs' Florida Hospital? Should I go for it?

ERRNTraveler, RN · Nov 18, 2007

I work in ER, and when I took an assignment in Naples, I had to take the Med/Surg version of the PBDS. I have an excellent study guide for the med/surg version of PBDS- PM me with your e-mail address if you need a copy....

cooblu · Nov 24, 2007

I will be taking my first travel assignment in Florida this winter and am considering the following hospitals:
Oak Hill Hospital- Brooksville
Palms West Hospital- Loxahatchee (West Palm Beach)
Good Samaritan Medical Center- West Palm Beach
JFK Memorial- West Palm Beach
Florida Hospital Hartland- Sebring
Anybody have any thumbs up or down on the above?
Thanks

jfk or any of the hca hospitals are thumbs down... patient load maxed with no help (that you can find). i've heard good things for naples and ft. myers but pay very mediocre. orlando pay better - job wise i can't say. health first (melbourne area & cocco beach) had been great but have recently change attitude to nurses as just "meat" (per some friends still there). in the interview ask real questions and read between the lines in the responses. good luck and have a good winter season.

30something · Nov 27, 2007

Hello,

Has anyone ever worked at Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach on the PCU floor? I am considering a travel position here. I usually work at Martin Memorial in Stuart, Florida and just wanted something closer to my housing. Or does anyone know of a decent hospital in that general area...Jupiter to WPB??

Thanks

cooblu · Nov 27, 2007

Hello,
Has anyone ever worked at Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach on the PCU floor? I am considering a travel position here. I usually work at Martin Memorial in Stuart, Florida and just wanted something closer to my housing. Or does anyone know of a decent hospital in that general area...Jupiter to WPB??
Thanks

i work in jupiter med center. it's okay..depends on where you work (tele) is a hell. the staff are semi-friendly, fairly good help (cnas, secretaries), chg nurse is free but don't seem to do much. one of the worse computer systems. the pharmacy is fast, responsive to questions. the hospital is clean. the lab...you really have to watch closely for timed labs. same with radiology. docs are a mix, but overall are good. the pay is so-so. my greatest concern is with the high acuity and the high ratio (7-8 pts) with the rest of job responsablities. whatelse, it's a job..i'm looking for greener pastures.