I'm considering switching careers to nursing. The two things I'm taking into consideration, of equal importance, are: Would I like this job most of the time? And what is the salary?
Now, someone I know who is about to graduate from a Central Florida private nursing school with her RN told me that Lakeland Regional Medical Center was hiring at about $30 an hour, which I thought sounded great.
But then I look at fairly recent posts on this board and they seem to indicate new nurses in Florida can expect about $21, $22 an hour, depending on where they start.
Seriously????
I mean, I currently make $17 an hour, so $22 is certainly better, and there's always the opportunity to make overtime, make a little more per hour by working nights and weekends...but still! Is this true? If it is, I'm kinda disapointed.
Is there at least hope of working my way up the salary ladder if I continue my education and get certifications? Would it be unreasonable to think I could get up to $30 an hour in Florida, or would I have to leave the state?
Thanks, MMW37, that is helpful. Unfortunately my GPA from my bachelor's degree many years ago is more like a 3.1. That was back when I was young and foolish and my parents were paying for college. Recently I took Anatomy and Physiology at St. Petersburg Community College and got an A, so I know I can do this and can get good grades on all my prerequisites, but if USF strictly is considering only the GPA then I am better off looking elsewhere.
Momof3 - I know, everyone thinks Florida prices are still what they were ten years ago. I only paid $170,000 for my four bedroom house in Lakeland, BUT my property taxes are $2300 a year, which I think is outrageous. And the property insurance - fuggedaboutit! About $2000 a year, with a hurricane deductible of $7500!
heyyy what teacher did you have for A&P and which campus?? im freaking out because im taking that class this fall and my cousin failed it horribly.
I took the class at the Seminole campus, and I can't remember the teacher's name - he was a black guy, he was a doctor, he was a very nice person. I took the class on a Saturday morning.
However, I am pretty sure that they all teach from the same syllabus. I just put a huge, huge amount of time into studyng. There is massive amounts of memorization there. I would say I spent a few hours a day, most days, studying the book and workbook. I don't think I could take more than one science course in a semester, even if I wasn't working.
However, I have no science background at all, and no aptitude for math, so if I can do it, anyone can! You just need to be able to put a lot of time into it.
I am new to this site. I am a 45 year old male who has been studying Naturopathic/Holistic Medicine for the last 3 years on my own. I have taught myself a lot and found a vast amount of natural cures for various health problems. I have even found a cure for CVD with a us patten on it. I have been able to give people information on different problems which has given them great relief. My goals are to attend a good school to get an RN degree. Once I have the degree, I will work in the field and continue my education to get Naturopathic Doctor degree to open a Wellness Clinic. I want to have both the standard RN education and experience along with the holistic medical edication. I have not been in formal school in many years therefore I am kind of worried about going back to school. I will be coming from the telecommunication world. I am looking possibly to attend Galen School of Nursing. I was wondering if anyone has any info on the school or if there is anyone who has attended the school. I have found that Galen is not yet regional accredited. They have applied for it. How will this hurt me getting a job as an RN? Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.
Excite about being a nurse!!!
I think with the other places available (such as SPC) ...TO PAY 14K for what Galen gives you versus 5K (maybe) from SPC is a smarter move. Just my take on it.
I am starting at HCC in August. I made As in my prereqs but I heard that some got in last year with 3.0s in their prereqs. They had many who did not show up for orientation or who changed their mind.
Anyhow - thought it might be something you would consider. They have a Plant City campus & an evening program with Saturday clinicals.
I applied in January, got my acceptance letter in April & I start in August.
However, you must have all the prereqs completely finished before you can apply. I already had English, Sociology and a math course from my previous degree. I took A&P I and II and Micro at HCC Brandon campus. After completing those, I applied and got in.
I'll be finished in 4 more semesters and I'm glad that all I'll have to focus on are the nursing courses.
Anyhow, it's much less expensive this way but may take just a bit longer from what you are saying about the other schools where you complete the nursing program AND the prereqs in 2 years.
If you are working now though, they have night classes for the prereqs and even have an evening program at the Dale Mabry and Plant City campuses.
I am also going to HCC this fall, nice to meet a felow student. I am staring my pre-regs so it will be some time before I can apply to the program. Good luck with everything.
I live in Central FL. I worked a lot of overtime last year (4 nights/wk) and earned just over $100,000. Since I love my job and coworkers are fantastic, work is fun!
Thanks so much for posting that, Allie! Sometimes people on this board can be really depressing about nursing - they hate their jobs, they aren't paid enough, etc. The nurses I know really love their jobs - and it's good to hear that from someone else!
Everyone talks about new grad sallaries, anyone know of the salary for an RN with greater then 20 years and work in the ED or ICU in the southern florida region. Broward or palm beach county area
Dont Work In Florida. Do your homework!! The pay is much better in many other places. I am getting tired of warning people of this. Please see my other posts. PM me if you have any questions.
ounsrey
51 Posts
heyyy what teacher did you have for A&P and which campus?? im freaking out because im taking that class this fall and my cousin failed it horribly.