Published
First of all welcome to the best city in Florida! You're going to fall in love with the city there is so much to do. I used to be a volunteer at Sacred Heart Childrens Hospital before I moved for nursing school, and I can say they are very passionate hard workers. They have great standards, and any time I have been a patient I always felt taken care of. West Florida Hospital and Baptist are great as well actually. All 3 work pretty close together, and is a big reason why they do such a wonderful job. Congratulations!
I work at Baptist, and pay in this area is horrible! I did hear sacred just increased their pay, but before that I heard starting was around $18-19. Beautiful city, tons to do, horrid pay!
MrsP, Is this starting pay for new grad/experienced/LVN/BSN? Or RN in general? Is this current info do you think? It's so hard to compare because I'm currently in Los Angeles where cost of living and also wages are much more. But $19 an hour for a BSN really seems low. Thanks in advance!
Here's what I've heard.... Can't guarantee it's true. Sacred and West Florida start NEW grads around $18-19. Baptist starts around $21. (Sacred might be higher now as they've recently increased pay)
As far as experienced... I've heard of RNs leaving baptist because they are around $25/hr and haven't had raises in awhile. These are RNs with a couple years experience. Charge nurses make more. Night shift makes more. I've heard (again, might be rumor) that Select Specialty pays more like $31-32/hr for experienced RNs.
Keep in mind cost of living. Gas is $2.77 right now. You can buy a pool home with land for $200,000. Everything in pensacola is no more than 20 minutes away. There are events almost every weekend, somewhere, for something. Beautiful beaches with easy access. My husband and I love it here! Nice, mild seasons.
If y'all have any questions I'm open to try to answer them! Just let me know!
JennyandPups
73 Posts
I've accepted a position at Sacred Heart, Pensacola. Any advice on the hospital, surrounding area, what to expect / differences in California vs. Florida nursing - salaries? Thanks so much! Just trying to prepare myself for the move.