Moving to COCO Beach

petra1980 · Mar 23, 2012

I live here in merritt island, the closest hospital is Cape caneveral, they are hiring right now in the ED

Pudnluv, ASN, RN · Mar 23, 2012

What is Cape Caneveral Hospital like? When I was online, looking up hospitals, I did see it and thought it looked like a pretty cool place to work. Is it government owned? Do you have any idea what the pay scale might be? I really appreciate you responding to my question.

CAB1437 · Mar 26, 2012

Moving back to Rockledge (just wouth of Cocoa Beach) from Boca Raton after a year down here. The area is beautful, kind of laid back and realxed. I worked for Health First-Holmes Regional last time I was there and I will be working for Wuesthoff Rockledge this time mainly due to salary and postition offering. Good luck!!

NYCRN16 · Apr 3, 2012

I am also seriously considering moving to Cocoa Beach in the next few months, but I need to know what they salary is in this area. I know FL salaries are lower than NY salaries, but if the salary is low compared to the cost of living in this area then I may consider another area of Florida.

Please, if anyone can give a range at least, I would greatly appreciate it. If you don't feel comfortable writing in on here, please private message me.

Thanks!!:loveya:

Kiwi82, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Hi NYCRN16!

I'm looking to move near that area also. Have you been there before? Can you tell me anything about it? What is your age range? There are a lot of places on the East Coast Florida that are for retirees and I don't really want to move there. My husband and I are in our early 30's and we eventually want to start a family.

Thanks!!

NYCRN16 · Apr 3, 2012

I have never been there, but I have been researching different cities in Florida, and have narrowed my search down to Cocoa Beach or Miami (I know, two totally different vibes!). I have family in FL who don't live in Cocoa Beach, but have been there a few times and say its really nice. The main advantage for me to choose Cocoa Beach over Miami is the cheaper cost of living, BUT if the pay rate is so low as to make the seemingly cheaper apartments less cost effective then the more expensive apartments (and higher rate of pay) in Miami, I'm not sure if I will still relocate to Cocoa Beach.

I am 32 and single, and like you I am not looking for a place with mostly retirees, I'm looking for other young professionals to make friends, possibly find someone to settle down with, hopefully live near the "nightlife" of the area rather than a residental area with mainly families.

From what I have been seeing online, there are apartments that seem very affordable, some well under $1000. It seems like a laid back beach town, not city like Miami, but not rural either. It looks like a nice relaxing place, hoping that its something I find peaceful but not boring.

The lower cost of living is really drawing me there because I can save money ahead of time because my ultimate plan is to attend CRNA school (after gaining the year of ICU there). I feel like even if I really don't like it there, in a year or so I can move to Miami and attend school there.

Good luck to you as well, if you get to visit there please let me know! Not sure when I can get there to visit, but I hope to over the summer.

Kiwi82, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Thanks for the response!!

I'm in Miami now and don't really like it that much. The commute is horrible, people are CRAZY drivers, always on the phone and distracted...they speed and...well they're just plain crazy! It's crowded and you REALLY REALLY need to know Spanish or else you will not survive. I don't know Spanish and cannot imagine myself caring for patients who do not speak English.

The pay rates in Miami are not that great and the housing is very expensive. There is A LOT to do here...all you have to do is pick and choose.

I personally cannot wait to go elsewhere. I'm looking on the East Coast but it's hard to decide... I want to land a good job in a decent hospital and all I hear are negative remarks. It's confusing. :uhoh3:

I also have experience in the ER department and eventually want to work in the ICU and go back to school...thinking about CRNA also (how weird!!).

I'm originally from NY state and moved to Europe 15 yrs ago and decided to come back because I love the US so much. Down here in Miami is so not like the US...I feel like I'm in Latin/South America...I feel like the odd one out. And it just sucks not speaking Spanish...English is like the last resort...no one cares about learning it. very hard to deal with.

I wish you good luck, I hope you find what you're looking for!

NYCRN16 · Apr 3, 2012

Kiwi, it seems that we have a lot in common, if we both make it to Cocoa Beach we should meet up!

Since you are in Miami now, could I ask about your experiences there as far as working there? What is the usual pay rate? I have heard anything from $25-35 an hour. I am also in ER, 10 years this summer, but need that ICU experience desperately. I speak some "spanglish" and coming from NYC probably about 50% of my patients don't speak english, and most of them speak Russian, Chinese or Urdu, so I have no clue what they are saying, where if they speak Spanish I can probably get some of the story. You can send me a private message if you don't want to post publically salary rates about Miami hospitals.

I'm ready to get out of the rat race here for a bit quieter pace of life, but I don't want to be bored to tears either. I think Cocoa Beach may fit that description, but I guess until you live somewhere you never really know for sure.

Kiwi82, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

I don't have any job experience in Miami. I just moved here a few months ago and just got my license (finally). But those rates seem accurate and with your experience and looking to continue in the ER you'd be on the high end of that. It's an excellent place for vacation, after I leave I am definitley coming back...but only for vacation lol. I feel that since I don't speak Spanish I lose a lot...like I am not as well treated as the Spanish speaking around here...and this...in general...in stores, banks, supermarkets...wherever. They simply do not like the English language...can't figure out why it's like that..??

Baptist is the best hospital around and maybe one of the best to work in the country. It's a magnet hospital. Everyone loves it, everyone want to work there and all patients want to be treated there. I was initially thinking about applying there but I've come to the conclusion that this city is not for me. So...I set that aside. They have a lot of job openings...they're literally taking over the city.

I just wish that someone would give me some input!! It's hard not knowing anyone :sniff: Pretty soon I'm about to forget florida and go back to NY!!!

Pudnluv, ASN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

I'm also from NY (Syracuse) and looking to move down to Coco Beach. I've never been there, but my boyfriend spent 4 years in the Air Force down there and he loved it. I know the pay is much lower than what I make up here, but I'm willing to take the cut in pay. New York winters are getting too much for us and I'm ready to be in a place that I can wear flip flop year round. I'm looking at Health First, they run 4 hospitals in the area. I'm looking for an ED position. I've also checked with some travel agencies. Travel agencies will pay for your housing, so I thought that would be a good way to go. That way I can really decide if the area is right for me. I still need to get my Florida license, and if anyone has any tips on that, it would be appreciated.

Kiwi82, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2012

Check the BON website all the information is there. I have no idea on how long it will take...my initial license was really really quick. It all depends on what time of year...if it coincides with the graduation period or not.

What is in Cocoa Beach...like attractions...bars, restaurants, etc ? Good luck with everything!