shell128

ok- So my original license was from NY. It has been inactive for years. I had a VA license for the past 11 years but that is no longer current since I moved to Arizona this past year. I have held a FL one for years but I have not worked in the state. So because AZ is NLC, you are saying I cant continue to hold a FL one even as inactive?? I just wish I could get through to the Board to get a solid answer. Thanks for responding.

I hold a Florida license and it is time for renewal. I am not working in Florida- I usually renew and send in CEU thats requested with it. I am working in AZ and my job doesnt require CEUs. So can I switch my FL license to inactive? I cant find any info on the Florida Board website. I have tried calling the office for days and no one ever answers. The expiration date is July 31st. I dont want to lose my license. Can anyone help me out?

Hello cmp715- I did not use them. I just went on the florida board of nursing website and did the application. It actually wasnt as bad as i thought. it's slightly time consuming but its done. i received my license within a few weeks. word of advice- make a list of things to do. they actually tell you what order to do it. get license verification, fingerprints and the medication test going first. calling the BON is easy- they are very helpful. let me know if you have any other questions- good luck!!

I am currently licensed in Virginia/NY and need to apply for a Florida license. I have been told the process is confusing and time consuming. I found a service that I guess does most of the work for you, of course for a fee. I dont mind doing the work, the main reason I would use them is so it doesnt potentially take 2-3 months (or longer). Has anyone used a service before? Any problem with a service? I looked into Floridanurselicenses.com which is run by Florida Med. Thanks everyone for any input!!

Hi, Im an RN in VA Beach. I agree that the pay rate here is quite low. There is a large military population here so people are transient. Sentara Healthcare is the biggest game in Hampton Roads and the pay is not competitive. The night shift pays $4/hr and I think weekend diff is $1(?). There are other hospitals in the area, but the only one I would even consider is Chesapeake General. They pay more, it's in a nice area and I know a few RN's that work there and are pretty happy. I would look into those two. You most definitely will not find a 4000sqft house here for $250K. Real estate is not cheap here by any means. The area I'm renting a house in has very good schools but I would say the houses here start over $300K. You may want to check out Richmond and the surrounding areas, pay is better north of here. Richmond may have 'appropriate cost of living' . Williamsburg/Yorktown/Jamestown are all Beautiful and very expensive. Hope this helps.

Hello Nurses, Looking for some info for a possible move to Tampa area. Currently working in Virginia Beach. I do not think the pay here is competitive at all and the prices of houses are ridiculous. My base pay is $21.50 after 4 years. I work nights and my shift diff is very good. but from what I have been reading, the pay in FL is better??? Have also read to stay away from HCA. Can anyone tell me if Tampa Gen, Morton Plant and Bayfront in St Pete's are good? Any others?? I would actually like to get out of bedside nursing , if anyone has any recommendations..it would be much appreciated!!!

hi- well, my friend just took a travel assignment in Fl and she said they are very slow. She already had a VA license and said it took over a month. I dont know if this is your first initial license or if that would even matter...good luck!!

i just did the same thing and ended up with 7 interviews in a week. the nurse recruiter is prob from that hospital. did you apply to a specific hospital?? or Sentara? you should call them and set up your interview.Sentara is wonderful. i accepted a position with them. are you from Virginia?? i am coming from NY...good luck!

i will be graduating in may07 and have been researching choa also. they claim to have a pediatric program to help new grads. so how difficult is it really to get a job there with minimal to no peds exp.? i currently live in NY and was considering taking a position here in ICU stepdown (before moving to ATL). it's cardiac/stroke/vent. figured thats good exp. for a new grad. can anyone give me their opinion on this idea. the hospital i work in doesnt have a 'peds' unit. i have acls already and will be getting certs in pals and nih stroke. input is greatly appreciated!!!