Help with Facilities in Florida

[LatinGirl]

I am thinking about moving to Florida from Ohio this summer. I recently graduated from nursing school. I will have about 6 months experience before my move. I'm thinking of moving to either Orlando or Tampa. I just wanted to get some advice on where the best places to work in Florida are. I am interested in LTC or a rehab floor at a hospital. Also how do I go about contacting some of these places to apply. Are there any hospitals or LTCs that help with relocation? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Southernurse]

Hey Latingirl! Google Orlando hospitals/long term care facilities and you should be able to find links to websites for different facilities. Once on the homepage for some of these locations, there are options to apply online. In the comment area, let them know your intentions to move, and if possible, give them a definite date you can start. Don't be discouraged if you are told to wait until closer to your move time. They simply don't project that far ahead at all facilities. Also look into a PRN position, when you come as needed. I also advise you to rent for the first year, so you get a really good idea of where you would like to be. If you don't mind driving, look into Lakeland or Plant City. These areas are between Tampa and Orlando, along I-4. Anyhow, do a general search for hospitals or LTC's in Orlando and Tampa, then go to the homepages and see if you can apply online. Keep working as a nurse until you move to accrue more experience time. That will bring your base pay up. Good Luck!:welcome:

[LatinGirl]

Thanks for the info, I have already started doing internet research. I am a little nervous about the move because I don't know anyone in Florida, but am also looking forward to the change.

[MikeinFl]

Really look into Orlando and be sure about it before moving there. It thrives on tourism and the traffic congestion can really take its toll. Tampa and most of the cities south of Tampa are beautiful and less crowded. Look into Naples for LTC facilities. The population there is older and wealthier so that type of facility is prevalent. Naples is also a very nice place to live.

[LatinGirl]

What's the cost of living like in Naples?

[Southernurse]

Naples is expensive. Look into a Naples newspaper website and you can get the rents off of the classified page and you will also get an idea of what the cost of living is. If you can get a decent rate of pay, it will be livable. The Publix and Winn Dixie stores are more expensive in that area also. If you can get into a surrounding area and commute to Naples, that would better. Look into Cape Coral area also. Page Field may be good well. It is a beautiful area! I would also ask someone you may speak to about a job what area is best. Let me know how it is going!

[byrdnest]

in Tampa there's St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa General, Memorial Hospital, and Veterens(VA) Hospital, Brandon Hospital ( cheaper Living there) and it's right out side of Tampa. Clearwater be the beach there is Countryside Hospital i've heard great things about them there. But like everyone else has said look in there web sites. Good Luck! :)