Pensacola?? LPN Grad in July and moving there!

U.S.A. Florida

Published

Hi! I'm graduating from LPN program in Hattiesburg, MS, July 31st and am moving to Pensacola shortly afterwards. Besides vacationing there almost every summer at P-cola beach. Lol. I'm just looking for any advice at all about facilities in the area. At this moment, I'm thinking I may be interested in Psychiatric nursing. If not that, then a hospital or long term care. I'm not interested in working in a clinic at this time. Thanks for ANY advice!! I've also heard VERY mixed things about salary there. I had a friend that lived there and worked Long term care and said LPN's were paid quite well. (more than Mississippi anyway-- pretty bad here) Then I've read on these forums the pay is not very good?? I also plan to bridge for my RN in about a year but from what i've found out, Pensacola Community college offers the bridge program. Thanks again!!

Stephanie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, School Nursing, & Community Health.

Hi Stephanie! Congratulations on your graduation and upcoming move. I am not sure of LPN salaries here as I'm an RN, BSN. I now work community health but when I was at the hospital (2007) I was paid 17 hr day shift, so you can probably expect less than that. Pay is not very good here but not sure what it's like in Mississippi. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will second that !!! I am a May RN grad from Northwest Florida State College (they have a 2 semester long LPN-RN bridge)I live @ 45 min from P'cola. The pay here isn't that great at all but I have accepted a job that will pay off 6000.00 towards my student loan debt. I am FT days @ 18.50. on a general M/S floor. Oh, I'd also like to add this facility has wonderful patient ratios (compared to others in the area). Normal is 4-5 patients NEVER more than 6! Congrats on graduating..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Nurses Rock. Is it too much to ask, or do you mind telling me where you'll be working... or hospitals that may help with my student loans.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nope, I dont' mind at all I wish it was easier to find out the pay/benefits at prospective facilities. I only know of one hospital that offers loan payback in the area and it's Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. North OKaloosa does not currently offer it and I was also told Sacred Heart doesn't either.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks. I've been on the web hoping some human resources people would at least have e-mails listed but they DON'T so it's even more difficult. I've spoken to several on phone but with grad July 31 not TOO much info to get. But I wanna see ranges on salary but not sure if it's appropriate. I know i've worked at a clinic (as an office-- not hands on med job) and i didn't know my salary til i was actually offered the job. Plus, being from out of town and being so unfamiliar i'd love to know what i'm dealing with with some of these places. Thanks!! I called West Fl Hospital today and they had a couple LPN positions but of course it'll be bit of time since not grad til July 31 then have to take boards. thanks for your reply. As you know I'm sure, this gets kinda confusing.. lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do understand it gets confusing. Another thing you have to take into account is the scope of practice for an LPN in FLA. I know of a hospital in the area that has not hired any LPN's in a long time d/t the fact they can't push meds, do admitting assessments, or intial wound assessments, or IV sticks. That hospital did away with the IV certification class all together for LPN's, it's not included in schools here. But, I am only stating what I know as I have no idea what the scope of practice is where you went to school. I'm glad to hear West Fl DOES hire LPN's. Good luck to you and if you need anything just let me know!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey.. yeah.. i'm trying to look at all those things. In the past, LPN's in my state have had to wait a year and then train to be IV certified. However, we're the first grad class that we graduate with IV cert. We've already had the class and our sticks. But don't know how that'll be in FL. thanks for all your help

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Healthmark Regional in DeFuniak Springs, FL (an hr from Pcola) also provides IV certification and hires LPN's. LPN's are found in the ER, ICU, and Med/Surg units. :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! In Mississippi our class is the first, but we graduate with iv certification, but i don't know if it'll apply in florida. thanks for your info. I'd LOVE to work in ER or something like that (which LPN's usually don't) but think i'll be living right in P-cola. I've been doing lots of research.. thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

In that case I think Sacred Heart Pensacola would be ur best bet. I've done alot of travel nursing in Northwest Florida and the Midwest and have NEVER had a better orientation than I did at Sacred Heart. I signed on with them as part-time PRN staff (once upon a time, last summer). They offer SO much! I would call a nurse recruiter there and find out about a loan repayment program. I would be shocked if they didn't have something like that in place. They have amazing programs and educational opportunties. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! I actually have been on computer applying all day and just applied for them BEFORE i got this message. they had an lpn opening at Haven of Our Lady of Peach long term care center. I don't even grad til July 31 but we have to apply at several places as part of our transition class, plus i've talked to some HR people and they've said it's ok to already apply. Even before I get my license, most places will hire as an advanced care tech first. thanks for your reply!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment