Moving to Florida from California

[nursefromcali]

Okay so I've been struggling since I got my RN license in FL (May 2016). Currently I'm working as LVN here in California since 2013 (d/t I got denied to take RN coz I'm IEN). So this year of 2018 I decided to inquire to one of the hospital in Florida which is Florida Hospital? Apparently one of the nurse recruiter is communicating with me. Right now I have phone interview with her.

In the other hand, I saw to their ad that the have 10K$ sign on bonus for 18 months of contract. So I got really interested and balancing the risks and benefits moving in Florida. My friend told me that their salary as RN is not much as here in California but cost of living is much lower. Actually she bought a house already in FL after 4 years working as RN there she also IEN like me.

Checking Orlando Hospital, reviews are great and working experience that's why I got interested again, in my mind if they will hire me I'll be working in one the best cardio hospital in FL.

My questions,

1.How is the life in FL and working as RN?

2. Do you live alone or you live with a room mate so that it's cheaper?

3. Which hospital do you work there and which one you'll recommend?

4. How much you get paid? I have BSN and 5 years of extensive experience as LVN in different role and lots of certifications like ACLS ECG BLS IV and blood withdrawal.

5. If you work for Florida Hospital would you recommend it, and why? if not why?

6. Which city should I live and why?

7. How long is cost of living there?

Please guys. I need some advices. Thank you!

[Dean Uguan]

Have you considered working in Las Vegas? The UHS and HCA hospitals always have openings and the pay is probably better than Florida.

[guest769224]

Florida hospitals really don't pay that well. Much less than in CA. Also, Orlando Hospital recently made the news a few years ago because they eliminated or severely slashed night and weekend differentials. They aren't good to their nurses out there.

Agree with previous poster. Las Vegas will give you a lot of bang for your buck as an RN.

[nursefromcali]

Thank you much! and I agreed, I search multiple times and I guess FL really pay RNs ranging to 22-26$ you're lucky if you got paid 28$ above. As LVN here in california for almost 5 years of LVN I got pain 25$ with 37.50$ OT and 50$ for holiday with good benefits. I do put consideration LV as well, I applied for endorsement to them way back 2016 but I did not received my interim permit so I did not pursue to take my permanent license. Should I still apply for endorsement ?