Moving to Pensacola+

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.

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'm from Pensacola and am curious if they hire new grads.

I know they do at Sarcred Heart just from the conversation I had during the phone interview. I have just under a year experience.

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!

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!

Following. I'd like to work with Sacred's ER in about a year or two.

Following. I'd like to work with Sacred's ER in about a year or two.

Timothy are you currently living in Pensacola and new grad or student or? I'm from Los Angeles, 10 months experience in the SICU. Moving to Pensacola in 2 weeks. Nice to meet you.

I start my ASN in January so I'll be looking to relocate to Pensacola from Atlanta afterwards. My wife still has family in the area and would like to move back.

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!

Do you have any advice at all for a new BSN grad looking for a job in Pcola? I'm from Pensacola, but have not lived there in many years. I've been eyeing the 3 major hospitals lately just to see what's available. I graduate next Fall and will be moving back.

Just to keep trying to get your foot in the door! It's hard for new grads everywhere right now. I would do a search for new grad tips. Good luck!

Hey whitneyrae!! Do you still live in Pensacola?? I just finished nursing school in Tampa and will be moving closer to family in Perdido Key in 6-7 months. I'm currently already an HCA employee (west florida is HCA i found out) and I'm so torn on what to do ... I will be taking my Nclex within the next couple weeks and don't know what my steps there after should be since I'm moving.I don't want to start a new job and then leave it in 7 months.... I considered asking the nurse recruiter if there are any stipulations on me joining the StaRn program and then moving up there to work at florida west... IDK I'm so confused on what I should do...