NEW GRAD IN FLORIDA

[Carla Mompart]

Hi everyone! I'm a new grad just planning to move to Florida this year. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best and worst hospitals to work, the best localities to move to, the pay rate, patient ratio, and information like this. It would be so useful to me! 

Thanks!!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I'm in the Tampa Bay area and the best places to work are the not-for-profits like Baycare, Tampa General, Avent Health and Orlando Health (they have a location in St. Petersburg called Bayfront Health) and several locations in central Florida. 

Ratios are a mixed bag with 2:1 in ICU and 4:1 to 6:1 on the floors with step down units being 3 to 4.  As I'm sure you're away though hospital nursing is no joke and tough demanding profession.

I can't speak to the pay rate as I really don't know as I haven't switched jobs in a while, but it has definitely gone up, especially the past few years with competition for RNs very tight.  It's not unheard of to get a "market adjustment raise" when another hospital system raises their pay.  So it's a good time for experienced nurses pay wise.

Also most places are paying "critical staff pay" from 500 to 1000 dollars for picking up extra shifts.  Which lets you know the staffing situation, especially during the covid surges isn't all that good.

Also the pay depends on where you move from.  Florida is part of the generally low paying south and people from "up north" tend to have to take a pay cut. 

On the downside I read an article that this metro area is #1 in inflation for metro areas in the United States because the economy is recovering faster.    I do hope that tames down next year.  Also rents and housing prices have soared this past year. 

All the best.