travel nursing in florida

Specialties Travel

Published

I've recently observed my situation and realize that I'm barely making enough money. I still have a significant amount of student loan to pay. I'm single and have thought about traveling specifically to Florida. I recently got my license for Florida and I'm currently practicing in NJ. I have a little over 1.5 years in nursing. One year in a nursing home and 6 months on a telemetry/cardiac floor. I'll make a year in June in the hospital and by that time I should be able to move. My questions are:

1) what were the assignments like

2)did you get the most challenging patients because you were new?

3)what travel agency did you use?

4) did you receive medical benefits or did you have to purchase it on your own?

5) did you receive a housing stipend?

6)did you Have to live with roommates?

7) what is your best advice/tip to me?

Thanks for your time

Specializes in Med-Surg.

I will be traveling. Well that's good to hear, the only thing is so far when I've applied for certain areas it just names the city and not the specific hospital but obviously I would find that out at a time it is discussed with my recruiter. Right now I'm looking into several different agencies, I haven't read anything negative about Trinity so far so I may end up going with them. I've also heard good things about Medical Staffing Solutions. Who do you use? I've seen positions I'm interested in at Jacksonville, Panama City and Orlando. I definitely want to be near the beach. It's not so much about the money as it is the experience and location. I just want to be exposed to different things than what I normally see at my smaller hospital and be able to enjoy myself outside of work too :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

That's good to hear, keep it coming haha I want to know all the hospitals to steer clear of!

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I am currently in Orlando so I know what to expect. The two big hospital organizations are Orlando health and Florida hospital. This is my second assignment with Orlando health and they do a good job not overloading their staff. When I float to m/s I havnt had more than 5 patients on nights...same for day shift. I hear overall good, but mixed reviews on Florida hospital. Message me privately and I can give you a financial breakdown on what to expect here on Orlando. Jacksonville is roughly the same pay...just a little higher.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

What about Tampa? I've heard good things going on there. I'm hoping to go there next winter. Tampa General?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I messaged you but not sure it went through Rod. Pm me if you didn't get it

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have you travelled to Boston?

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I have worked at NCH in Naples as a seasonal nurse for a few seasons. They paid $44.32 for days and $49.32 for nights as a flat rate (i.e. no health insurance or housing). Housing is VERY expensive here during peak season. I have also worked as a traveler Sarasota Memorial Hospital, a Magnet facility. Housing is cheaper in Sarasota.

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I am looking at Sarasota Memorial for my first travel assignment but I am unsure of what is a reasonable rate for this area! Any tip would be greatly appreciated!

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Agencies should be happy to give you their rates. Just be sure to check with several agencies.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Do you guys find that night shift pays more? Where I work we make $4/hr more. For a night shift job in the Florida panhandle I was quoted $1149/wk that's including housing stipend and AFTER taxes on hourly ($650/wk stipend so hourly must be 18 or so) does that sound right? I just felt it was kinda low. A lower stipend than I was offered at a nearby facility and a little lower hourly also).

It is hard to find housing, It seems like all the extended stay hotels are around $1500/month, that is including utilities but that takes a good chunk of my money. I just expected it to be a little more.

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Same bill rate regardless of the shift. So, no, the pay on nights is not better for travelers, only staff.

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Specializes in NeuroSurgical ICU.

Hey Rod, just recently joined on here so I cant PM you. Curious to know what travel company you are with in Orlando? and do you like your recruiter etc? Im currently working in North Florida right now, but would like to be in Orlando. Curious about pay as a traveler there. PM me if you can, I'd appreciate the info.

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