New Nurses in Flordia

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Hi everyone, I am currently a nursing student in California. For the past few years I have wanted to move out of California, for personal reasons, once I am done with nursing school. Florida is on the top of my list of places to move to, specifically in the West Palm Beach area. Does anyone have any insight on what the salary is for a new nurse in that area? I have tried looking online but I am seeing different salaries. Also, what is the cost of living in that area? Any help would be much appreciated.

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Hey! While im not in the West Palm Area, I am a new grad on the gulf coast FL (waiting to take the NCLEX). So far I have been offered two jobs in my area they offered:

1) Days in the PICU paying 28/hr

2) Nights in Peds ER/Trauma Center paying 32-33/hr with differential

There is some range depending on hospital and area but most will be arounf the range of 27-34 with differentials being typicall 3-5 for nights from what I've seen and heard with my cohort. If you have any questions about hospitals in the area or even over on the east coast don't hesitate to reach out!

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Thank you for this information! What is the realistic cost of living in Florida? Single guy with a one or two bedroom apartment.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Hello!

I live in Palm Beach County, FL! Most new nurses here make around $28/hour base pay. Unfortunately cost of living is extremely high here. For a 1 bedroom in west palm beach, it’s probably $1700 a month. I live a little more south of WPB so I know of the rental prices in the area. Florida, especially PBC, is very high in demand right now so you will pay a lot in rent to live here. Good luck! 

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I am a school nurse in WPB. It is expensive for a single person just starting out. You'll likely be looking at mid to high 20's hourly pay rate depending on the unit. You will not find decent housing for less than $1500 for an apartment or town home situation. You might be a bit tight for the first year or two but it's very doable. Central Florida has a lot to offer too (not just theme parks!) and rent rates are a bit lower. Go for it. I'm a Florida native, born in Miami, so I may be biased. I know the rest of the country sometimes laughs and makes jokes about us but I love it here. I met a few travelers who gained their year or two of experience in their home state and used traveling as a way to afford their move to South Florida. 

Good Luck!

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Jamied123 said:

So where would you say is a more reasonable area to live in, in regards to my situation? I do not have any family or friends out there. My closets friends would be in Tennessee. Perhaps after living there for a few years, I will make my way to WPB.

 

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