jacksonville nursing questions

[krday]

Hi-

I am thinking about relocating to the Jacksonville area. I have been reading the discussions on this area and some questions are being unanswered. What is the pay like, which hospitals are the best to work for, are benefits good? What about medical insurance, holiday pay, pension,etc? I am currently being trained to work MICU. The move would probably be next summer. Also, anyone live in the St. Johns area? I hear the school system is great.

Thanks for answering!

[CLLRN]

Well, I haven't been on this forum for a while b/c I have been in the process of moving. I recently moved to Jacksonville area (NW St. John's county) and now work for Baptist at the new Baptist South (opened Feb. '05). This facility is beautiful. I am so far very happy with my decision and am impressed with both the organization and the facility, although they are still working through alot of kinks. I have now heard lots from my co-workers, who have at one time or another worked for all the area hospitals. The concesus seems to be that Baptist is the best to work for--even though the pay there is lower than other area hospitals. The one thing that has surprised me, much to my dismay, is that Baptist does not pay Holiday Pay--no time and 1/2 for Holidays! I had never heard of this, and I have worked in several places in various cities. Let's face it, as nurses, we often HAVE to work the holidays, and to not get holiday pay seems disrespectful of us and what we do. Even fast-food workers get time and 1/2 on holidays!

Anyway, work atmosphere is good--most employees very nice and helpful. Baptist really promotes respect and teamwork among its employees. Also nurse patient ratios are managable--1 to 4-5 on med/surg. progressive units. I would recommend Baptist to others.

[mangumrk75]

Hi-

I am thinking about relocating to the Jacksonville area. I have been reading the discussions on this area and some questions are being unanswered. What is the pay like, which hospitals are the best to work for, are benefits good? What about medical insurance, holiday pay, pension,etc? I am currently being trained to work MICU. The move would probably be next summer. Also, anyone live in the St. Johns area? I hear the school system is great.

Thanks for answering!

Hi,

I have this website that I look at often:

http://www.theagapecenter.com/Hospitals/Florida.htm

It lists all the hospitals in Florida with the cities next to them and you can access the hospital's websites. This is also a great resource b/c you can scroll to the bottom and pick any state you want.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

Becky