Moving to Florida-Help

[Gizmo88]

Good Morning Everyone!

Im new to the site to bare with me if something isnt formatted correctly.

I am a RN with my BSN who lives in New Jersey. I have worked as an ER nurse for 1.5 years, Paramedic for 2 years, 6 months of open heart ICU experience and now for the last 6 months work on the ambulance as a critical care RN. I have certifications in CEN, TNCC, NRP, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, adult critical care course and pediatric critical care course.

My parents live in florida and my dad was recently diagnosed with cancer. All of his medical insurance and treatment has been in the ft. myers area (I believe that south west) and he cant leave that area to continue treatment.

I honestly dont have any commitments to living in New Jersey and my husband and I have decided that we should move to Florida to be with my parents to help them.

I was wondering if anyone know anything about nursing in that area? In a perfect world, i would be able to live close to my parents so I can take care of them while still be able to drive to work within an hours drive.

Does anyone know how the salaries are in Florida? Is there differentials for certifications? How are the nurse to patient ratios (specifically in the ER setting). Do most nurses do 12 or 8 hour shifts? What are the trauma/high acuity hospitals in that area?

Any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[Central BSN, RN]

You will see much lower pay generally. Differentials do exist but it will depend on each hospital. Your benefits and pay will be lower in FL across the board compared to the northeast just keep that in mind. 3 12 hour shift is the norm for FT. Patient loads can be high. If you plan to stay in CCU expect 1:1 or 1:2 for most hospitals but med-surg floors can be 1:6, 1:7 1:8 depending on the facility. If it wasn't for you family situation I would recommend not moving here. Lots of nursing schools medicine is more saturated here than in most states as everyone wants to live in the "sunshine state".

native flordian with 2 BSN's, 2 MD's and 1 NP in the family to give you some reference. Anyway good luck and prayers your way for your father.