Hello everyone. I just applied for my FL nursing license, should have it in about 1 month. Is there anyone that has traveled or is currently in FL and would like to give some insight? Would love to hear from you!
I have had assignments in Florida each of the past 3 winters. I am very particular about what hospitals I will work for. I absolutely will not work for HCA hospitals, and I absolutely will not take the PBDS test. That eliminates a lot of the hospitals in Florida, but I always seem to get an assignment.
I really liked Shands Univ of Fla in Gainesville. Florida Hospital Zephyrhills was also a good assignment. Since hiking is my favorite pastime for days off, I tend to look at hospitals in central & northern Florida. Many state parks to choose from.
Best of luck. Ask a lot of questions during your interviews so you won't be surprised when starting an assignment.
I have had 2 assignments in Floriday. One in the Palm Beach area, which was only minutes from the beach and anything you wanted to do. The staff at the hospital was great but I did not like having to take admission orders over the phone (I work in the ER). The second one was with Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and it was great. I am actually going back there in a few weeks. Just make sure you ask the right questions from the interviewer. Good luck and happy travels.
I live in Florida and go back every winter. Absolutely agree with Reen, do not work for any HCA hospitals in Florida they are notorious for canceling contracts and their nurse to patient ratio is way over what they will ever tell you during interview. 3 of my friends have taken contracts with 2 different HCA facilities in Florida and all 3 have since left, one left their contract and the other 2 were canceled after moving down. I have worked in Ft Myers, it was great but you have to take the PBDS. I have worked in Miami, Baptist Health, good assignment. Have worked at St Joe's in Tampa, another good experience. Will be working in WPB this winter.
I am currently at Florida Hospital Orlando South. This is my first time in Florida and the winter here is not bad at all. The staff is friendly and the hospital is up with all the new technology. One of my complaints is that they do not have patient care techs, they want you to do all the work for the patient. I will say that your ratio is only 4 on the night shift for PCU but some other areas have 5. I work for Float pool/CSR and they have set schedules, I have asked to have all my days in a row so that I may have days off in a row but that seems to be impossible. I only ever have 2 days in a row off which makes it impossible to go anywhere to see the rest of the state. They just recently went to Provider Order Entry and still have paper charts but I think eventually they may go paperless.
We are also looking to take a winter job in FL...hoping for the Tampa area. Anybody have info on the Sarasota area? Any info about this region will be appreciated...pay is low there so we are trying to weed through our options for the best fit.
I am at Lee Memorial Health System in Ft Myers for a seasonal contract with the hospital. The put together a very competitive package. I am very happy working at two of the 4 hospitals, but I am not a nurse , I am an OT. I looked into Lee because they get praise from nurses the Delphi forums traveling nurses forum. Contact the hospital directly
Diane
PS the weather is great, the traffic is terrible.
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