Move to FL, Agency the Way to Go?

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

Hi All,

I am type A and like to think things out early. My family is moving home to the Tampa, FL Area, from very far away, in about 2-3 years. When I move I will have an MSN, 7-8 years RN experience in ER, ICU, SNF, Med/Surg Tele and have almost always worked as a float pool RN. I am also a Vet and 2nd career RN.

I do not plan to stay in floor nursing very long after moving and I am interested in dipping my feet into different facilities to find my preferred one and find a preferred position. So, I am not looking for a long term, forever job before moving there and before seeing the lay of the land.

I have never lived in FL, this is my husband's hometown. Do you have any suggestions for travel companies in this area? Do you think that I might make more just applying to float pool positions in different hospitals? Do you suggest any hospitals in the area?

My preference for work and living would be closer to North Tampa/Wesley Chapel. Where I currently live there are maybe 20 positions listed online. When I look up Tampa online, there are thousands. It is a bit overwhelming and intimidating, I don't even know where to start.

Travel nursing would be a new venture for me, I only know what I have read so far on this site.

Thank you!

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I understand "not floor nursing".. but what kind of position will you be looking for?

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

Hi, When I move there I will do floor nursing with an agency until I find a hospital and position I want for a long term job. I will be looking into case management or healthcare policy and auditor positions.

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In the Tampa Bay area, Baycare health system is the way to go. I came down as a traveler 4 years ago, in the Baycare Mobile Pool. Its very easy, its an in house travel division. After my time as a traveler was up (the IRS says you can have company provided housing for up to 1 year, then you are considered a resident), I have stayed on as a local contract nurse. Baycare has 11+ hospitals in the Tampa Bay area and contracts are available in every hospital. Best time to come down is the fall/winter/spring, for obvious reasons. The good thing is, if you sign contracts, you are guaranteed 60hrs per pay period. If you are in the resource pool division (under the baycare mobile pool there are contract nurses and resource nurses, contract can be either in housing or local), you are basically float pool, and while you have no guarantee of hours, you do have a lot more flexibility in scheduling. Pay is great too. Much better than any travel company I talked to.

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

Thank you for that great advice and information!!!

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