Florida Travel?

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Have been considering travel nursing for years. I think this year may be the one. Am considering traveling to Florida. Am trying to do my homework so as to be as informed as possible, but the more I research, the more discouraging news I uncover.

Which agency? There is the top 10 list, yes, but it seems that for every good company, there are also bad reviews to be found - and vice versa. Not sure if this is the work of saboteurs from other companies, recruiters, or what but I have to tell you, it can really make a nurse re-think taking this big leap into unknown and uncertain territory. It's hard enough not knowing what you're getting yourself into, but not knowing who you can trust, who's for real, and who's a wolf in disguise is very frustrating.

I know I need to find a good agency and hopefully this agency offers positions in the field/area I am searching for. Also need to find a good recruiter. Well, still not quite sure how to go about that one. The person offering up the info may very well be a recruiter. Sigh. I'll keep researching but can't help feeling as though I'm just going to have to take a blind leap of faith and hope everything works out for the best.

Get everything in writing - got that one but sounds like even that's no guarantee.

Not sure what I'm asking for here, but if anyone's interested, I'm looking for a position/"good" agency/"good" recruiter/"good" hospital in southern Florida. My specialty (and the position I am seeking) is in the OR where I have worked for over 8 years. I am a 34 year old female. Florida is the only other state I have a license in currently and I am hoping to go for the winter.

I've also read how horrible the hospitals treat their nurses down in Florida (with 1 or 2 exceptions)... another discouraging discovery. Does anyone have a good Florida travel experience to share? I could really use one right about now. 6.gif

Also, anyone know what is the current pay rate for Florida nurses? I'd like to not get taken advantage of.

Thank you in advance. :-)

Kat

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I have never done the leg-work for a Florida license or one from Michigan for one reason. They make it so damn hard to get one.

I think if I applied today I might get it through by the time I retire. Makes no sense the hoops they require to go there and work. Good luck to you.

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I didn't think it was that hard. Go get fingerprinted... pay some $$... wait while they do a background check. But then again, I've never tried to get a license anywhere else. I knew it was going to take some time so I made sure I did it with plenty of time to spare.

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The pay is low in Fl., but there is no income tax, however they have high sales tax on everything. The bigger the city the higher the taxes so cost of living is expensive. I worked in St. Pete in ICU average 3:1 pt ratio and floated a lot to tele average 6:1 pt ratio. Also worked in Ft. Myers, beware of PBDS. Lee Memorial ownes all the hospitals in the area and if you don't pass there is nowhere nearby to work. I live in an RV so finding a place to park it in the winter time is very difficult for us and limits where we can go otherwise Fl weather is great.

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I got my Florida license in 2, count them, TWO weeks.....

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