2016: FL Hospital North Pinellas and Lakeland Regional new grad residency

[runner502]

I have been trying to get some current info on Florida Hospital North Pinellas and Lakeland Regional Health....their nurse residency programs and the hospitals in general.

Has anyone worked for either hospital or been in their nurse residency programs? I was especially interested to find out what kind of contract if any they make you sign. I know Florida Hospital in Tampa requires you to sign a 2 yr contract that you will commit to work on the same unit for 2 years. Other Florida Hospital locations I've heard just require that you work as an RN on an inpatient nursing unit for 2 years. If you break the contract you will owe a lot of $.

I don't know anything about Lakeland's residency. I was interested to find out how the starting pay rates compare. Is it true that Lakeland starts out in the $22 range? That seems very low even for Florida! If anyone has any info to share please let me know! I'd really appreciate it!

[kabooski]

FH North/Tarpon springs residency is 13 weeks made up of modules, classes, seminars and some floating. Then 4 weeks with a preceptor on your assigned floor. The educators are AWESOME and will be very supportive! Yes, you will need to sign a 2 year commitment contract for them to offer you the training. You do not need to work on the same unit for 2 years to honor the contract in Tampa. Tampa floats you to different floors and depending on how you do, you may receive different offers to come stay at a particular unit. Their training is up to 16 weeks! Best I have heard of!

Med/Tele in Altamonte is only 4 weeks and your on your own.

Other FH's range from 8-13 weeks

Tampa area GN pay is around $24.50 give or take -->(ADN/BSN)

Lowest FH pay is Orange City/Deland @ 21/hr (that I know of 1st hand )

[runner502]

Thanks for the info! I'm glad to hear such positive things about Pinellas. But as far as Tampa's program, they actually changed it in the last year or so and you do have to stay on the same unit for 2 years. That is in the current contract they make you sign. I think they're the only location in the Florida Hospital System that specifically requires this. So have you already started working at N. Pinellas?

[kabooski]

I went to a luncheon/ Info session a few weeks ago @ Tampa and the director of the GN program (forgot her name now) Specifically said that if you are too stressed or not successful or wish to transfer to another unit, it is ok under the contract. I ended up turning down the job offer at north pinellas. I interviewed all over lol. Soon MS PCU GN here in central Florida

[runner502]

That's good that she said that, but the contract you sign says you have to work on the same unit. At least that is what they made my friend sign who is currently in the first year of the program. So, you found a job in central FL? That's awesome! Congrats! I hope it goes well for you.

[Runsonplants]

I missed the luncheon, did you learn any other good info??

[kabooski]

High points:

-They take 60 per session

-32 showed up to the luncheon

-up-to 16 weeks of training (best of any Hosp system I have applied for)

-For the 1st month or so, you belong to the educators and they are primarily responsible for proving modules, classes etc.

-You will be floating to different floors and then the managers or the educators will offer you to come stay at their floor

-Then 1 on 1 with preceptor on that floor

- 2 year commitment or 13k break up fee

-USF is right next door, so I was like one of the few non USF candidates

-Taco style buffet/catering

-Deadline is before May 23rd

-They will call the 60 or so to meet on May 23rd (If I remember correctly) from 8-12 for placement exam

-I withdrew my application. I now got hired on a PCU floor 2 miles from my house! Funny how things worked out. Went far only to get hired close

[Runsonplants]

oh my a written exam? thanks for the info and congrats on your new position. I too am not a USF grad.

[Runsonplants]

Thanks so much for all the great info!