Florida nurses

I live in South Central Florida. From the topics I've seen on this site, nursing life is pretty much the same across the U.S. Short staff, although here in Florida, due to the Snowbird population, we are very seasonal. Depending on how seasonal it is on your coast, expect call-offs in the summer and call-ins in winter. Everything else seems to run about the same as the rest of the nation... except now you can see the shuttle launches up close.

You didn't mention where you were moving from. I am here in NW Fl and the pay is very low. As usual not enough staff, never a priority with healthcare. I recently moved from the West coast and the acceptance regarding "policies" is phenominal. No one questions, they get up when the doctors enter the room and flock to follow or assist in ANY way. I have not found the nurses here to feel that they are a part of the team, more like subservant. Very distressing.......hope your area is more fullfilling!!

Originally posted by bassethound:

You didn't mention where you were moving from. I am here in NW Fl and the pay is very low. As usual not enough staff, never a priority with healthcare. I recently moved from the West coast and the acceptance regarding "policies" is phenominal. No one questions, they get up when the doctors enter the room and flock to follow or assist in ANY way. I have not found the nurses here to feel that they are a part of the team, more like subservant. Very distressing.......hope your area is more fullfilling!!

Thanks for the post. I am in N. Alabama and it is pretty miserable here. We have 5 classes of nurses that graduate each year....I moved here 15 yrs ago from Melbourne and took a cut in pay then. I had hoped it was better than here. Attitudes are not much better either, the good ole boy system is working strong...thanks, Karen

Originally posted by KarenHalse:

I am relocating to central Florida ( Cocoa to Ft. Pierce) and I would like to talk with any nurses who work any where in this region. What do you like/dislike about your hospital and such. Thanks, Karen [email protected]

I have been in SW Florida for six months now. From NY then to SC and now here for the duration. I am DON in a nursing home and am not at all pleased with the system here. I have resigned and will be working at the hospital as a Case Manager. I hope this is more to my liking. Again, the nursing shortage is everywhere, the pay is lower and the seasonal employment is a concern. The survey process for nursing homes is totally out of control and I do not recommend that area here. I hate to sound so pessamistic but this has been my experience. My hope is that the hospital setting will be better.

Good luck.

Originally posted by TracyRN:

I live in South Central Florida. From the topics I've seen on this site, nursing life is pretty much the same across the U.S. Short staff, although here in Florida, due to the Snowbird population, we are very seasonal. Depending on how seasonal it is on your coast, expect call-offs in the summer and call-ins in winter. Everything else seems to run about the same as the rest of the nation... except now you can see the shuttle launches up close.

Tracy, where in S.Central are you. I came up from Melbourne 15 yrs ago. Our pay and work was better there than here in No Alabama. I am thinking of going to WPB to be near family..thanks for the reply. Karen

Originally posted by carolk:

I have been in SW Florida for six months now. From NY then to SC and now here for the duration. I am DON in a nursing home and am not at all pleased with the system here. I have resigned and will be working at the hospital as a Case Manager. I hope this is more to my liking. Again, the nursing shortage is everywhere, the pay is lower and the seasonal employment is a concern. The survey process for nursing homes is totally out of control and I do not recommend that area here. I hate to sound so pessamistic but this has been my experience. My hope is that the hospital setting will be better.

Good luck.

Carol, thanks for the reply. It sounds pretty depressing all over. I will probably end up in WPB or back in Melbourne. I will do a little shopping around before I make up my mind. I don't think there is a good solution...do you?

Originally posted by KarenHalse:

I am relocating to central Florida ( Cocoa to Ft. Pierce) and I would like to talk with any nurses who work any where in this region. What do you like/dislike about your hospital and such. Thanks, Karen [email protected]

Why not try a travel assignment to the area? You can connect with a travel company, try a few hospitals in the area and see what suits you.

good luck

chas