Nursing Salary in Tampa, Florida

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I am in dire need of some advice. I was recently offered a position as a Registered Nurse in Tampa. Today I was told that my base pay would be 24.42/hr plus 4.50 night differential and an additional 1.50 weekend differential. In addition, I would be eligible for a clinical ladder differential after 90 days of employment of $2.75/hr. I have 5 years of experience, with approximately 1 year management experience. Is this a fair salary for the Tampa area? I am torn because I really want to leave NY and relocate to Florida, but this seems extremely low. Any thoughts?

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Yep, this is fair. I work right outside of Tampa. The pay is LOW in Florida.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

This post has been moved to the Florida Nursing forum to elicit more responses. Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Florida....where you get paid in sunshine! :)

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This is really low considering the years experience you have. The Hospital system I work for which is Baycare starts BRAND new nurses at $23.76... so with 5 years umm yeah!

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Yeah that's what I'm thinking too. I'm really not used to this at all; in NY I am making $45 plus an hour, so this is very shocking to me as well, but I'm wondering if it all balances out in the end.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
Yeah that's what I'm thinking too. I'm really not used to this at all; in NY I am making $45 plus an hour so this is very shocking to me as well, but I'm wondering if it all balances out in the end.[/quote']

Cost of living between the states is also very different. You may be able to negotiate for closer to $30, but few nurses I know have broken $35/hr with 10+ years of specialty experience, certifications and loyalty to company.

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I think $26 base would be a bit more appealing and feasible for me. I tried negotiating but I was told there was no room to negotiate. I'm very torn but at this point but I may just have to walk away and keep looking.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
I think $26 base would be a bit more appealing and feasible for me. I tried negotiating but I was told there was no room to negotiate. I'm very torn but at this point but I may just have to walk away and keep looking.

Unfortunately in this economy, the hospitals are taking advantage of new grads (some private duty nursing agencies paying $18/hr for RN and $15/hr for LPN) and are sitting on their hands instead of paying more for experienced nurses. There are nurses who are unemployed because their area isn't hiring and they can't afford to uproot entire families. I know of many nurse who drive 2 hours to a job, stay 3 days in a hotel and work three shifts and drive 2 hours home. It's the best some can get here in Florida. It's unfortunate but true. If $26 isn't attainable just try other areas of Florida. Gainesville and Jacksonville may pay a bit more than Tampa as a heads up, depending on why you are selecting certain areas (family, beach, whatever else tickles your fancy).

I wish you the best of luck. I will be a new grad this year and I am being quoted $20-$22/hr to start and I am dreading it.

If you take this $24/hr +differential is there a possibility for clinical ladder advancement and then a raise after its completion??

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I am in dire need of some advice. I was recently offered a position as a Registered Nurse in Tampa. Today I was told that my base pay would be 24.42/hr plus 4.50 night differential and an additional 1.50 weekend differential. In addition I would be eligible for a clinical ladder differential after 90 days of employment of $2.75/hr. I have 5 years of experience, with approximately 1 year management experience. Is this a fair salary for the Tampa area? I am torn because I really want to leave NY and relocate to Florida, but this seems extremely low. Any thoughts?[/quote']

RN in my area are making $17

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Specializes in OB.

RN in my area are making $17

Wow. $17 an hr? That's about what I make as an OB Scrub Tech. (I am in Florida as well). Were in Florida are you if you don't mind me asking?

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