Oralando bound and need advice......

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Dec 2, 2005

I work with someone who went to school in NY and moved here during the license process. He went with the direct FL licensure route, it took about 3 months to complete- had some issues with the board here getting his grades. As one who was licensed elsewhere and moved to FL it takes typical 2 months to go that route. SO for you either way is going to probably be a wash ie time is the same so why give NY money if you dont ever plan on practicing there.

As far as sign ons I am hearing most places are giving the sign on or the relocations assistance. In certain instances they give both but only if they have a hard to fill specialy of which wont apply to you as you have no experence.

RJ

FuturenurseCA&O · Dec 3, 2005

Hi Jenny~

I'm in the same boat as you are. I'm moving to Orlando in June of 06, and then we will start the house hunting process...can't wait!

Here is how I am planning on approaching the job hunt...please anyone tell me what you think:

I'm going to build a database of all the different HCF in FL, call them talk to HR and find out what their terms are for hiring grads/internship programs in the area I am most interested in so far (cardiac). If they are not hiring grads I will retain any info for future job searches. I may ask for information packets on the hospital to keep on file/get a better feel for the place...I dunno...

Then next quarter we start the resume writing process. I will start to send resume's to these places and see how many interveiws I can get over our Spring Break (3rd week of May) and fly down there for as many interviews as I can schedule.

Hopefully I will be able to collect an offer or two. Then I will start to compare the entire package...wage (probably non negotiable) bene's (differ slightly from place to place) opportunity to work where I want to work (of major importance) bonuses???

Once I move there I will interview some more with my RN license pending. Hopefully I will have some more attractive offers to compare...I may be doing some wishful thinking....

In regard to license, I am planning on taking NCLEX in WA state, and moving to FL with FL license in hand. Its my understanding that you can take the NCLEX in any state for the state you want to work in. True??

Hope this helps...if you would like a job hunt email buddy I'm game...

~Darlene

Annabelle57 · Dec 4, 2005

hi jenny,

good luck with the move!

i work at orlando regional, and i can tell you what i know about their new rn's and hiring and stuff:

bonuses are given to experienced rns who go to work in certain critical shortage areas - usually acute care areas. new grads do not receive bonuses - relocation assistance, i'm not sure about, but i don't think so. again, those are perks that are extended to experienced rns.

orhs has an awesome, awesome new grad nurse orientation/training program. as long as you have your seating pass letter to take the n-clex, you're hire-able as a grad nurse (once you pass, your badge changes from "gn" to "rn"). even if you haven't gotten the letter yet, they can and usually do hire you on as a adv clinical tech until you get your letter. the new grad program is really cool - about 12 weeks long, not counting your floor orientation - and it makes for a really nice transition into your new career, plus you get to be with other gn's and there's a community there.

the hospital also has tuition reimbursement, scholarships, lots of continuing education opportunities, and a bunch of other stuff that my fried brain cannot remember. it's a great place to work - pm me if you have any other questions.

and, the most important of all: the recruitment office is the best place to start to find out all this stuff. the # is 321-841-8625, and ask to speak with a nurse recruiter. there are several and they are all very cool people and love to talk with new grads.

hope this helps!

pedinurse05 · Dec 5, 2005

The new grad program at ORMC is cool. I worked on a step-down unit after graduating (I have since relocated to LA). The one thing I do not like about Florida is the terrible nurse pt. ratio's. On my unit we had 5 patients all on cardiac drips and tele monitors. I don't think this problem is confined to ORMC, but rather the state in general. I agree with the above poster regarding ORMC's super new grad program...it really does help with the transition. ORMC does not pay a bonus or relocation to new grads--only experienced RN's. The starting pay is between $18-$20/hr depending on any prior nursing experience (such as being an LPN before RN).

Florida hospital might be worth checking into as well. I know they have new grad internships. I am currently working at an Adventist hospital here in LA...they are a great organization to work for. We also have a nurse patient ratio mandated by law here in CA, so that plays a large factor in my satisfaction.

Check both places out and go with what you feel will be the best fit for you. The license process takes about 3 months.

Best wishes,

Missy

p.s.

brush up on common diseases and treatments for that ORMC PBDS test if you apply there. It is a really simple computer based test--I passed first time as able to critically think independently...but I hear others struggle and must keep taking it until they pass.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Dec 5, 2005

For Futurenurse and any others here is a link to an extensive list of FL hospitals.

http://www.theagapecenter.com/Hospitals/Florida.htm

Rj

luv4nursing · Dec 7, 2005

Missy,

I want to work at ORMC when I graduate Excelsior...did they give u any problems as far as hiring u? Did u go thru the new grad program? Im definitely interested in that.

Im thinking of trying to get a job there now as an Advance Clin Tech prn or pool to get my foot in the door (those positions are numerous and there are few LPN positions) and then trying to get an LPN position if one opens up. THEN going full time when I get my RN. I know there were a few nurses I saw there whos badge said Advanced Clin Tech/LPN. I wonder if the pay rate is higher as a tech if u are an LPN?

pedinurse05 · Dec 7, 2005

Missy,
I want to work at ORMC when I graduate Excelsior...did they give u any problems as far as hiring u? Did u go thru the new grad program? Im definitely interested in that.
Im thinking of trying to get a job there now as an Advance Clin Tech prn or pool to get my foot in the door (those positions are numerous and there are few LPN positions) and then trying to get an LPN position if one opens up. THEN going full time when I get my RN. I know there were a few nurses I saw there whos badge said Advanced Clin Tech/LPN. I wonder if the pay rate is higher as a tech if u are an LPN?

Actually, I had no problems getting the job. I responded to one of their ads in the paper by sending a resume to the nurse recruiter listed. A week later I was called for an interview with the nurse manager. Things went well and she offered me the job at the end of the interview. Yes, I did go through their 12 week new grad orientation. It is a great orientation plan. You attend new grad classes as well as complete new grad modules with the GN coordinators. You will also take a PBDS test in your first week of hospital orientation. This is just a really easy assessment type exam delivered via computer. It shows a clip of a patient expeiriencing symtoms and some lab values and you write in what you think is the problem along with interventions. I passed first try. Many struggle with this test...but they will coach and tutor you until you pass. You will also have your orientation individualized according to this test (strength and weaknesses)...so it is a good thing.

I personally think the nurse/patient ratio in Florida is crazy! I am enjoying the nurse/patient ratios here in California and can't see myself going back to anything else. ORMC is a good organization overall. The new grad program is outstanding. I had 10 years of LPN experience and 7 years tech/cna experience--that played a lot in my hiring process. There were no LPN's on my unit, only PCT's, so I cna't answer any questions about LPN's. Just submit your application as soon as you get your seating pass to take the NCLEX. You can start on the floor as a GN as soon as you recieve your seating pass and ATT letters. ORMC also pays for the Kaplan review course.

As a new RN, I highly recommend any type of new grad program to help transition you from LPN to RN.

Good Luck,

Missy

millke6182 · Dec 10, 2005

You all have some wonderful ideas.

I too am planning a move to the Orlando area. Being a seansoned nurse though, I was going to take a travel assignment or two to "feel out" the area and hospitals before I make my final decision to move.

Missy--what IS the nurse/patient ratio in Fl--especially in ICU/CCU/CVICU??

Anyway, Darlene and Jenny, keep writning and let the rest of us hear about your experiences.

pedinurse05 · Dec 11, 2005

You all have some wonderful ideas.
I too am planning a move to the Orlando area. Being a seansoned nurse though, I was going to take a travel assignment or two to "feel out" the area and hospitals before I make my final decision to move.
Missy--what IS the nurse/patient ratio in Fl--especially in ICU/CCU/CVICU??
Anyway, Darlene and Jenny, keep writning and let the rest of us hear about your experiences.

The nurse patient ratio is not all that great, unfortunately. I worked on a step down unit (cardiac drips, telemetry, etc) and the ratio was 1:5. That was entirely too much to be safe in my opinion. The ICU was 1:2 or 3 dependent on staffing. My friend recently quit there too because of the 1:3 ratio in her ICU unit. I don't think the issue is exclusive to the Orlando area, but rather wide spread throughout the state of Florida. I went from 5 stepdown patients in Orlando to 2 here in California!!! In Orlando we did have techs, when they showed up...it was like 1 tech for an entire hall (about 20 rooms). If a tech didn't show up (more frequent than not), the lucky nurse got to do their job too! At ORMC the techs do all the blood draws (except from lines), EKGs, and I think catheters too (I am not sure because most had caths in when I arrived on duty).

Good luck with your travel assignments if you go to Orlando. I loved Orlando and do miss it--but just not the nursing there :) ORMC is a good organization--the issue of the patient ratio is is not exclusive to them. You may also want to check out Florida hospital. I have heard good things about their organization.

Missy

FuturenurseCA&O · Dec 15, 2005

Thanks Rj and Millke...I appreciate the info, and I will keep you posted.

I'm in the middle of Christmas break and am enjoying myself!! I've started a database of the area hospitals, gathering information by just looking at the web sites...haven't got the nerve up to call them...I have two more quarters to go...and next quarter we do a resume and cover letter and nursing philosophy in class, so I thought I would wait until a have a good resume ready before I start picking up the phone. Our school also has a relocation program, helping you to find jobs in other states, need to see what that is all about as well.

We have decided to consider Winter Haven and Lakeland FL as places to live. I don't want to hijack Jenny's thread, but I am curious as to what the commute would be like to Tampa or Orlando hospitals. I know I-4 is a bear, but is it more than an hour commute? How far away is that light rail system! LOL Also, which hospital has the best reputation for cardovascular care--I'm interested in cardiac nursing.

Jenny if you're out there write and let us know if you found work!

Thanks all, can't wait until I'm there~D

Jenny C · Dec 15, 2005

I too just finished my semester. I am decompressing......I have one more semester and graduate in May. We already bought a house in Orlando--Avalon Park. It is on the east side so I hope the commute is not too bad. Thank you everyone who replied with helpful information. I am still researching the hospitals before I call. I want to have a resume ready. I really want to do L&D, but I have resigned myself that I will be Med/Surging it for a year or two.

I am trying to decide if I should take the test in FL or NY. I know it's a national exam so it doesn't matter. But I can't take it until I get my seating pass. How long does that normally take? I don't really want to be struggling with moving and studying. But, I can't wait to get there. How long do people normally wait to take it? Am I too hopeful to think a couple weeks of intense Saunders review and take the test. I am a bit nervous.

Coming to the home stretch. Happy Holidays to everybody! Thanks for the info and anything additional would be great. Thanks again--JEN