Is FL nursing really all that bad?

[UM Review RN]

When I started here as a nurse, the stats truly scared me. I'd read that nurses in FL were treated the worst in the nation and that salaries were bad as well.

But as I read here on the board about other states' nursing situations, I find that I disagree.

I have a reasonable patient load -- usually I have 5 or 6 patients with a tech for evening shift -- and the acuity is not too labor-intensive.

We have an admissions nurse most of the time, so we don't have to fill out lengthy admit paperwork. There is always more work with a Direct Admit though, because those include stat drugs and IVs, but that's everywhere you go anyhow, and we also have extra floating staff to help. We have a very good Rapid Response Team. We all pitch in and help one another get things done and cover for one another on break.

We have both students and longtime nurses on our tele/med-surg unit.

The pay isn't bad, and the benefits are OK too. I usually get some form of a break every day that I work.

So why has FL got such a bad rep for nursing? Is it really deserved today?

How does your state compare, in your opinion?

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

I think you will find the positions in the central florida area particularly on the east coast is the lowest in the state. When I was recently job hunting I found that new grads were being offered $18.75/hr. I have 25 years behind me and instead of hospital decided to try chronic dialysis as no nights, every Sunday off and cant beat being able to go in, go out and leave your job there finally lol. I started at $22.00/hr and yes thats low but after 25 years I find sometimes the money isnt worth all the HA that you may have to endure with on-call, overtime requirements and short staffing. I enjoy my time off now working 3 days a week (full time). That 4 days a week off is well worth it.