Moving to South FL this summer

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Specializes in Hospice and Pedi Hem-Onc Nursing.

Due to affordability and school districts, I've narrowed it down to Coral Springs...it just feels right to me too. I'm excited to get outta winters in NY.

Problem is, although I've persevered through these years with advancing degrees (completing MSN/Ed by June with WGU) NY has not been the land of opportunity for me. I've been stuck in the long term care settings, and within the past 2 years I got into hospice nursing. Although I've found hospice nursing to be very rewarding, my new degree will only afford me a Staff Development position in a long term care setting or in hospice. My ultimate goal is to teach in college/university so I will eventually either do a post-masters NP or DNP program........but I HAVE NO HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE!!

I need to get into a hospital, and I don't have a problem starting as a new nurse in med/surg - I actually welcome it.

Does anyone know if it's hard to get hired at hospitals like Memorial, Broward, Plantation or Jackson?

I do have my FL RN license already so I started submitting applications. Moving date is around late June - early July.

HELP

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

Welcome to South Florida. I live near Coral Springs, Why do you feel you need to work in the hospital? Why not stick with Hospice?

PM me any time.

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

I find it difficult to get hired at the hospital. I am in West Florida, Tampa Bay area. Plenty of hospitals and one Level I Trauma center but I think we have a huge surplus.

Why did you pick South FLA? Did you look at Orlando area? It has more opportunities.

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Specializes in Hospice and Pedi Hem-Onc Nursing.

@Sea2H0RN, I eventually want to teach nursing in college and when I look at faculty positions they all ask for acute care experience.

@RUmedic the reason is kinda silly, but i'm Jamaican and Broward is home to a lot of my culture. One of my mentors encouraged me to look further into Fl so i'm listening. Gonna start to broaden my search.

This week I got a call back from Jackson Memorial and Baptist.

Tell me what you guys think please

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Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I think taking a job a Jackson would be a great opportunity. It would be about a 45 min. drive though.

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Specializes in Hospice and Pedi Hem-Onc Nursing.

Thanks @Sea2H0RN I wouldnt mind the drive at all. I do a lot of driving now as a hospice nurse. I also applied to some hospice supervisor and triage positions, let's see what kicks back.

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Specializes in ICU.

I lived in Broward my whole life (Hollywood), up until I relocated to North Florida about 1 1/2 years ago. I would apply to Memorial Hospital. They're a very good hospital with good benefits and they would help pay for your relocation to Broward. I would apply to Memorial over any other hospital in Broward.

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Specializes in Hospice and Pedi Hem-Onc Nursing.

Thanks Nurse_Kimurtle, I did apply to Memorial as well. Waiting to see who wants me :-)

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If your main goal is just to get some hospital experience, then it may be easier to get hired at of the "for-profit" hospitals (not my preference or recommendation). In Plantation you have 2 HCA facilities: Westside Regional Medical Center and Plantation General Hospital. I know they hired new grads as well.

There is also a Tenet facility (Florida Medical Center). Both of these for-profit have a union for nurses as well.

The North Broward Health System (Coral Springs, North Broward, Imperial Point, and Coral Springs) is not so bad; has had some financial and leadership issues (you can research the news)

Memorial is a great place to work: the best choice in Broward county. However, since there is a surplus, they are very picky and have very high expectations.

Good luck to you!

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