Hi All, I am a BSN, RN working here in California. In as much as I would really want to stay and dream about my golden years in this state, it is just so impossible due to high cost of living. I am considering moving to Florida and I need some inputs if this will be a good decision. Currently receiving $50+/hr with 5 years work experience. HELP! I really need some advice, this is a major decision I have to make for our family. Thank you everyone!
Editorial Team / Moderator Lunah, MSN, RN 33 Articles; 13,748 Posts Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 15 years experience. Mar 26, 2017 Only you and your family can make this decision. There are lots of factors that we can't possibly know — where in Florida? How many kids do you have? Are there good schools where you are going? What does your spouse/significant other do, and can they find employment? Can you find desirable employment? These are rhetorical questions, but you get the idea. Wherever you go, be prepared for a pretty dramatic pay cut compared to California wages.
EllaBella1, BSN 377 Posts Specializes in ICU. Has 8 years experience. Mar 26, 2017 Agree with Pixie- it will be a lot lower of a salary. That said, depending on the area you choose to live, the cost of living can be much more manageable. I own a home that I purchased for less than $200k, and live very comfortably on my Florida salary. It can be done.
fieldR 7 Posts Mar 26, 2017 Thank you. 2 kids in tow, hubby is a CNA. Considering Jacksonville Fl. Good schools, some family members in the area too. I have prepared myself for a big pay cut, I guess I am having the fear of the unknown. Thank you so much for the input, may need more time to think about making this decision.
Editorial Team / Moderator Lunah, MSN, RN 33 Articles; 13,748 Posts Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 15 years experience. Mar 26, 2017 Thank you. 2 kids in tow, hubby is a CNA. Considering Jacksonville Fl. Good schools, some family members in the area too. I have prepared myself for a big pay cut, I guess I am having the fear of the unknown. Thank you so much for the input, may need more time to think about making this decision.A lot of my family is in Jax, great area. Good luck!!
fieldR 7 Posts Mar 26, 2017 Hi Ella, I am considering Jacksonville, FL. I work hospice/homehealth. I love what I do. I wish I could get an idea how much they pay hourly in that area. Anyways, your reply is very assuring, made me want to move in time. :) "it can be done" is the bomb! Thanks again .
TheCommuter, BSN, RN 226 Articles; 27,608 Posts Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych. Has 17 years experience. Mar 26, 2017 I wish I could get an idea how much they pay hourly in that area. Expect to be paid in the mid-$20s per hour with your five years of experience.Yep, the pay reduction will be steep compared to the $50+ hourly you currently get in California. After all, Florida is where people are paid with sunshine.
EllaBella1, BSN 377 Posts Specializes in ICU. Has 8 years experience. Mar 26, 2017 I have a co-worker who recently moved from Jacksonville- I'll ask them tonight what the salaries are like up there and will let you know. I live in a different area of Florida, and I'm PRN now and make just under $40 an hour on nights. Before I went PRN I was making in the mid-high $20 range/hour before differentials, but that was only with a little over a year of experience.
fieldR 7 Posts Mar 26, 2017 Thank you soooo very much , really really appreciate it . Looking forward to hear from you again .
DowntheRiver 983 Posts Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology. Has 9 years experience. Mar 27, 2017 I don't think it is unreasonable to expect $28-$30/hour in Jacksonville with 5 years experience.
EllaBella1, BSN 377 Posts Specializes in ICU. Has 8 years experience. Mar 28, 2017 My coworker said the same- high 20s, low 30s per hour with 5 years experience. But then again, that's for acute care. Hope that helps though!
