Maui to Florida

[mauiborn21]

I'm a nursing student in Hawaii about to graduate in Dec with my ADN (I already have my LPN and a BS in Exercise Science). My boyfriend and I are looking to relocate to the Tampa or St. Petersburg area after I take my NCLEX - either Janurary or February 2009. We both have never been to Florida and was wondering if anyone with knowledge of both states would be able to compare Florida from Hawaii.

I know each place is unique in its own way but we won't be able to visit prior to moving due to costs - we'll have enough to move and to live for 2 months. We've done our research and I've made contact with nurse recruiters in the area and feel that for a young (we're in our mid-late 20's) childless couple, the Tampa area can offer what we're looking for - nice weather, lower cost of living (it's very high here in Hawaii - on my island, gas is now $4.23 a gallon!), professional sports teams, a good sized city, a number of colleges/universities, etc. I understand that the pay for an RN is not that great in Florida as we've also researched other states and called various hospitals. However, we're looking to try something new such as Florida (probably 1-3 years) before we settle down and start a family. We've both lived in the Pacific Northwest (Portland/Seattle) so that was another option but sun sounds better than rain right now!

For those who live in Florida - specifically the Tampa and St Petersburg areas - your thoughts, suggestions, comments, ideas will be greatly appreciated! Which hospital would you work at as a New Grad RN? What area would you live in? What do you love/hate about the area? How diverse is it there - more specifically would an interracial couple feel comfortable/fit in?

Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) in advance for all your help!

Aloha from Maui!:wink2:

[mauibound2009]

Hi,

I read your post and would like to offer you some info on the Tampabay area. I have lived in St Petersburg and have worked in numerous hospitals in the area. I currently work at a trauma hospital in the ccu. I don't know what area you are interested in but this hospital offers it all. They also have internships for new grads like yourself.

I will be going to Maui next year and have a home in St Petersburg available if you are interested. I live in a mixed neighborhood and it is close to the hospital and interstate. If you are interested just let me know.

Good luck with your move and hope you like the Tampabay area as much as I do.:wink2:

[gator dog]

Read Tim Dorsey's books--they take place in Tampa.I used to live in Lahaina,then Key West for 9 years--which is a lengthy tale unto itself that I'll spare you in the interest of brevity,now I'm in in freakin' Michigan (yuk,yuk--yeah I know...).In Tampa you'll likely find a couple of similarities to Maui,but it'll be a short list.Multi-racial issues really aren't an issue--although FL has no shortage of redneck enclaves.Be prepared to take a 2nd job (1 or both of you),be prepared for a service-sector economy(low paying),practice tolerance of other lifestyles,SEE THE HUMOUR where you might not normally see it.Good luck chica