Moving to Florida post-graduation

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

After staying 2 weeks on the beach visiting my parents, I decided that after graduation (dec 2016) I wanna move my family back to Florida (I previously lived there for about 7 years, my husband has never lived outside of Louisiana). I'm thinking central/space coast area. My parents are in Melbourne beach. My son will be almost 4 so schools will also be a factor.

At graduation I will have my ADN, plus a BA chemistry and a Masters of public health plus 10 years medical oncology research experience (including clinical trial management) I am looking at RN-BSN or RN-MSN programs.

Which hospitals should I look into? What's the going rate for new grads? Should I get licensed here first (Louisiana) or just apply in Florida?

Lots of questions.... TIA for responses :)

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If you plan on moving to Florida I'd get licensed in Florida.. Check out Florida Hospital locations they are everywhere and Orlando health / ORMC. Very good hospitals. I know FL hospital has a starting salary around 22-22.50 an hour for new grads.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
If you plan on moving to Florida I'd get licensed in Florida.. Check out Florida Hospital locations they are everywhere and Orlando health / ORMC. Very good hospitals. I know FL hospital has a starting salary around 22-22.50 an hour for new grads.

Thanks for the reply. Looks like the starting pay is comparable to ours here in Louisiana (after factoring in the lack of income tax in Florida)

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I was just hired by Florida hospital Tampa. Pay is higher than 22.

i get 24.78, but about 29 after differentials. I'm a 24 yo new grad.

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Bogey,

thanks for the update on Florida new grad rates.

kaytay,

I live in Chicago and was contemplating moving to Florida due to the cold weather. I have close to 2 years experience including medsurge and tele combined. Do you recommend to change my license before applying to jobs, or after I get an offer?

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Specializes in OB.

If you plan on being close to your parents in Melbourne,look into Health First. They are the best in this area. Amazing place to work for! Health First | Brevard Florida Health Insurance | Space Coast Health Care Provider | Emergency Room

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I'm currently in Boston but my immediate family lives in Melbourne as well. I'm in the process of completing the same degree within the same time frame as you. I lived in Melbourne and I loved it, I also worked at Wuestoff for a couple of years before I decided to pursue nursing. In Boston hospital don't hire ADN graduates, but I know that the Health First and Health System medical centers hire ADN graduates.

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Good for you...it also depends where you live and how well you do during the interview process, by negotiating salary (that's what I've been told).

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@Bogey123

Good for you...it also depends where you live and how well you do during the interview process, by negotiating salary (that's what I've been told).

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Idk it seems like it is a set rate for all new grads. That's just the feeling I got thru the whole process.

I did have all 4.0 is nursing schoola

nd have been passing meds in nursing homes/assisted livings since I was 18 ( so 8 yrs now), so maybe your right.

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I'm from Michigan and they also gave me 5 grand for relocation

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Oh wow...5 grand for relocation? I never heard of that...they must have really liked you. Good for you. Enjoy Tampa, its really beautiful out there.

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