[abu1030]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and wanted to gather some info about nursing in Florida. We are thinking of moving there and I can not seem to find a hospital that actually pays a decent salary. Is there a Union or does anyone know of a good agency for relocation? We are only in the beginning phase of this and we are not desparate to move right now. I am just trying to gather some info so that I know what direction to go in. We are looking for Central Florida...my husband likes Mount Dora and St. Augustine...I like Ormond and New Symrna Beach. We have friends and family in Florida and these areas will place us within 30 minutes to 1 hour from most.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[hppygr8ful]

I know know much about Florida but I do know that "Decent Salary" on the average income in your state, and cost of living.

For instance the average income nationwide for 2005 was 43,113.00 (Source U.S. Census Bureau) Which isn't a whole lot of money. Average income in the state of Florida based on a 3 year study is 40,171.00. So if you are making above say 50,000.00 you'll be doing ok. Also if you make over 65,000.00 you are in the top 10 percent of Wage earners in the US.

If you are moving from a State with a higher cost of living and yearly Salary of $49,000.00 may seam like a pittance. In Calfornia (Los Angeles area) one could barely pay for basics on the national average. But in some states in the midwest and the south this could be a fairly good income.

So I guess you have to look at the cost of living where you are going and then figure out between you and your husband how much you'll need to make in order to live comfortably. Then you go from there.

I know this isn't really helpful but just inform to inform your decision about moving.

[SoldierNurse]

I know nothing about Florida Nursing. My RN license is via Texas, and presently practice in the state of Washington at Madigan Army Medical Center. However, I did a little research and thought you might like this Florida Board of Nursing link

[abu1030]

Thank you so much for your responses. I really appreciate it when someone takes the time to help. Unfortunately we live in an area that pays about the same as Florida but the cost of housing in Florida is about 3 times greater then the state I currently live in. We are trying to gather information but having a rough time with it.

[kimmiejs]

Originally Posted by abu1030

Hi,

I am new to this forum and wanted to gather some info about nursing in Florida. We are thinking of moving there and I can not seem to find a hospital that actually pays a decent salary. Is there a Union or does anyone know of a good agency for relocation? We are only in the beginning phase of this and we are not desparate to move right now. I am just trying to gather some info so that I know what direction to go in. We are looking for Central Florida...my husband likes Mount Dora and St. Augustine...I like Ormond and New Symrna Beach. We have friends and family in Florida and these areas will place us within 30 minutes to 1 hour from most.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Have you looked into the Tampa/ Saint Petersburg area? There are several good hospitals in that region. I almost moved there back in the mid 1990s when I was single but I got my heart broken so I moved to Savannah instead. The rest is history

[abu1030]

Originally Posted by kimmiejs

Have you looked into the Tampa/ Saint Petersburg area? There are several good hospitals in that region. I almost moved there back in the mid 1990s when I was single but I got my heart broken so I moved to Savannah instead. The rest is history

Thanks Kimmiejs but I will not move below New Symrnna/Ormond/Daytona area. Anything below that is too far south for me...I was visiting friends last weekend and there was a 10 degree difference between 2 towns only an hour apart. I hate the heat but my husband really-really-really wants to give it a try. I am am folding and giving this one up for him. Our deal is nothing below those areas. Also, I absolutely do not want to live that close to the Gulf Coast region...I know to many people that have suffered horrible losses due to the past few years and the storms that were produced. Actually, one of my good friends left that region and moved to Jacksonville.

I appreciate the suggestion. Thanks for responding.

[shellbell]

Hey ? Do you guys have a national nursing exam in the US? We have that here,formerly known as the CNAT.Or must you write exams in each state?

[abu1030]

We have the NCLEX, which is a national exam.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by shellbell

Hey ? Do you guys have a national nursing exam in the US? We have that here,formerly known as the CNAT.Or must you write exams in each state?

Normally, you take one exam [the NCLEX] after completing an accredited nursing program. However, you must meet individual state criteria in order to hold nursing license in a particular state.

NCLEX Fact Sheet

[bwms]

Hi, I too am planning on moving to Florida.......I cannot say much about salary because the cost of living is high. But it is not a compact state so if you are going to move there and endorse your license I would start VERY EARLY. I am still working on mine.