I have read many negative posts re: how long it takes to get a FL license by endorsement and how bad the salaries are in FL, which had me kind of worried, but my experience has actually been a positive one!
I sent in my application for endorsement on March 2nd. It says on the application that within 30 days, they will send you a letter with temporary licensure or a letter saying what they still need to process your app. I received a letter dated March 29th giving me temporary licesure for 60 days. Today I received a letter saying my permanent license has been approved and I will receive it within 2-4 weeks, although my perm status is available online.
Regarding salaries...I graduated with my BSN in Aug. 2003, and have worked in a level 3 NICU in Kansas City, Missouri since that time. Grad nurses make $19/hr at my hospital, which is one of the higher paying, but not top paying in the city. I applied to 2 Ft. Lauderdale area hospitals in Feb. and flew out to interview last month. One offered me a position but HR quoted me ~$18/hr last month saying that I am still at grad level pay and not really caring that I'm already making more than that and work at a hospital that is part of their hospital system! The other hospital unofficially offered me a position this week (pending background checks) and their HR had quoted me ~$23+/hr. This hospital gives me credit for having a BSN (I also have a Bachelor's in Biology and 3+yrs health care related exp, and am halfway through an MSN program, although I don't think that plays a part) and also takes into experience in 6 mos. increments. This also includes a $1/hr crit. care diff. I also found out that their PRN rate is $27/hr or $28 for crit. care areas. Fortunately, the position at the higher paying unit is the one I am most interested in and will most likely be accepting. My hiring mgr. is also looking to the possibility of relocation money since they do not offer sign-on bonuses.
I will post an update when I receive a final salary offer. Just wanted to post an experience that has been a positive one!
