Questions about moving to FL

itsmejuli · Feb 25, 2010

Suggest you look under the International Nursing forum for info on work permit first.

Florida has high unemployment which is affecting nursing jobs too. Experienced nurses as well as new grads are having a hard time finding jobs.

The state of Florida is a mess financially. This financial mess is affecting everything from emergency services to schools. Florida's schools rank amongst the worst in the country for academic achievement.

Right now the best thing going for Florida is the weather, except for this winter which has been the coldest and wettest on record.

Preeps · Feb 25, 2010

Hi, Yes, you would probably be able to find a home for around $130,000 in Central Florida due to the economy and the way housing prices have plummeted in the last few years. But you really have to look because the realtors will still try to "upgrade" you and sell up! But it can definitely be done if you take some time.

Although there are no, or few jobs for new grads I think someone with your experience would probably have no problem getting a job! I have a friend who just got a job at Fl Hospital in Winter Park and even got a pretty substantial sign on bonus (that she didn't even know about).

Are you sure you don't mind oppressive heat and humidity? Because if you do you will not like Florida. And it last from about May through November!

Good luck to you. Just make sure you do your research first.

nurse4hearts · Feb 25, 2010

Thanks for the replies. Yes we have done our research and from what I can tell there are jobs for experienced nurses like myself. I also researched that my wage would probably be about 60,000 per year. I was just trying to get some info from actual nurses!!! If anyone can shed some light on the wage thing I would be grateful. The work permit thing is not a problem as RN's qualify under NAFTA and can get a permit right at the border as long as a letter of employment is given. As for the heat and humidity....bring it on....I am absolutely miserable all winter long here in the cold desert!

Thanks again for the replies but please keep them coming!

N2themystk · Feb 26, 2010

My husband and I who are both RNs moved to Florida 5 months ago and both work at the same hospital. I wanted to send you a Private Message with more detailed info but I cant as I just created this account. We have another allnurses account but have not been on it in a while and could not remember our password. Anyway, here is some info: Yes, Florida has been affected with economic changes like the rest of the country but when we interviewed here a few months, we were offered jobs at ALL 8 places we interviewed. As far as pay goes, I have 6 years ICU experience and had offers from $26 to $30 per hour base with night shift diffs being anywhere from $6 to $9 so a total of $32 to $39 per hour. My husband, with only 18 months experience, had offers from $22 to 24, and about the same night diff. Also, some of the hospitals offer sign on and relocation bonuses. One in particular had a $9500 bonus paid in 2 payments, one in the first 30 days of employment and the 2nd payment after a year. Others though have no bonuses. We live in the Orlando area and most of the hospitals are running at 120% capacity right now due to the snowbirds so overtime is frequently available if you are interested. Our income went up about $1500 per month when we moved here. Recently, we spoke with another facility (we live about an hour away from our current jobs and would like to find something closer to home) and they are offering us PRN positions in the Overflow PCU at $31 per hour plus $8 for nights. This represents a $2700 per month increase. Bottom line: there are jobs here and they are paying well.

As far as housing goes, there are a ton of houses available here if you are willing to spend some time searching. We are renting because we dont want to be tied to any one area. We have a 6 bedroom, 4 bedroom 2 story fully furnished house with an inground pool and all utilities paid for $1500 per month. There are so many empty homes here due to foreclosures that if you put in some time, you can find a great home for a great price. Hope this helps! And yes, the weather is a bit cool and wet right now, but being in shorts and sandals on Christmas Day has been totally worth the move! :yeah:

itsmejuli · Feb 26, 2010

Something else to consider is the cost of healthcare here. Be prepared to pay hundreds of dollars a month in premiums for health insurance for your family as well as paying out thousands of dollars a year in out of pocket expenses if you get sick.

Homeowner's insurance is sky high because of hurricanes, you'll be paying close to $2000 a year or more depending where your house is.

Sure there are plenty of cheap rental homes, but you have to be cautious that the homeowner isn't going into foreclosure on the house.

You could take a trip down here to do a job search and investigate housing and schools.

OnceMore · Feb 26, 2010

Ummmm, that insurance quote is a bit high for the East Central Coast area. I live less than 2 miles from the beach and my rate is $1000 per year for a house worth about $140,000. My house is a 4 bed/2 bath/2 car garage, 1600 SF living area, concrete block 1960's rancher - about mid-market for here. That $1000 rate is for private (not state pool) insurance from a good A rated company.

To the OP - come on down! We need people to move here and buy up some of these extra inventory homes.

nurse4hearts · Feb 26, 2010

Thanks it definately sounds promising! Will healthcare costs not be covered by my employer?

nurse4hearts · Feb 26, 2010

N2themystk I just sent you a private message.

itsmejuli · Feb 27, 2010

Will healthcare costs not be covered by my employer?

Not likely. Healthcare premiums are subsidized by employers.

I'm only trying to give you a reality check of what its like to live in Florida.

I'm Canadian too, grew up in Ontario and my family is all in Alberta. In fact, both of my sons will soon be in Alberta and I'll be here alone.