Moving to Tampa from NYC

rjflyn, ASN, RN · May 14, 2005

While I am not specificly in Tampa, FL in has a lower cost of living in general. There are some exceptions to this Orlando currently from watching the news the housing is going crazy. You stated you allready bought a house I take it that it is down here.

As far as what to work a unbenefited position will get you more per hour but what happens if you get hurt or ill and have no insurance coverage.

Agency companies typically want an nurse with at least a years experence.

PRN positions are abundant but alot of them may require some type of full time orientation hence you would be working 2 full time jobs for a while.

The other option is OT. I currently work in ED and in the last several years I have yet to see a hospital that didnt have all the overtime one could possibly want. Some are so short staffed that they go as far as to on top of time and half paying bonus money. Often this is equal to or beyond double time.

Rj

starbear999 · May 15, 2005

Yeah, I have absolutely no problem working overtime. Thank god for that. Thanks for replying, after reading so many dismal posts about FL nursing I was getting depressed!.Thanks again!

Dr. Brenda · Jun 2, 2005

I need some serious advice. I am moving to Tampa in a year, (just bought my first house!!!) and I am very excited. I'm a BSN student and am almost finished. Now I know that FL salaries are so-so, and I have already gotten NYC salaries out of my head so that I won't set myself up for a disappointment, but I am still very nervous. Where I am coming from, it's damn near impossible to get by on 19/hr. Any suggestions as to what I can do as a new grad to earn some extra cash? PRN/agency work? take an unbenefited position? What I really need is someone from the Tampa Bay area to take some time and talk to me. PLEASE!!!
Also, I was planning on becoming an NP. How's the job market for that position down there?
Somebody please help me, I'm a virgo and I have to plan everything ahead!

I am a rare bird - a true Florida native and from Tampa no less. Welcome to our wonderful city. The cost of living is a bit less and we do not have a state tax. As for graduate programs. Tampa has some very good programs, especially the program at USF. It is not as expense as University of Tampa, which is private and smaller, but you will learn much. I attended the MS program at USF quite awhile ago but I loved it. Those who I know are now attending feel the same.

To get extra cash you can always offer to work extra. I know that if you are flexible you can really rake in the extra bucks.

sl5400 · Jun 5, 2005

A VA position is your best bet. You can work off your NY license since it's federal. You can stay vested if you decide to ever move again to any VA's in the nation. St Pete and Tampa both have VA hospitals. Tampa is hiring at present. The salaries are competative with the private sector and you will have union protection which in this state is invaluable. Dont waste these pearls honey; I'm an RN for 28 yrs and wish I had all my time with the VA. I'd be making $20,000/yr more than I make now and be able to retire at 55.

As far as working as an ARNP, it's hard finding a job and most hospitals and physicians want you to have experience. If a masters is your goal, great, start soon and shoot for Nurse Anesthesia instead. Miami has a good school and you can do your clinicals in Tampa. By the way, the VA is very generous in paying for education. If you opt not for the VA, Tampa General Hospital is the only level one trauma center in the area and you'll get great experience. The pay there is higher than most. Good Luck !

starbear999 · Jun 6, 2005

Thanks for the advice!