A career in nursing means you can take your skills and experience just about anywhere you want to go. One of the more popular destinations is Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, from The Keys to the Panhandle, the Sunshine State offers many incredible opportunities for RNs and LPNs.
Florida Nursing Jobs: What You Need to Know
Of course, Florida nursing jobs requirements are the same as anywhere else in the US:
- You must hold the appropriate degree from an accredited nursing program
- You must pass the appropriate licensure exam. However, if you are an RN, and hold a license from another state you may apply for licensure by endorsement.
Florida nursing jobs salaries vary by region and experience but, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for RNs falls around $67,610. LPNs can expect to make, on average, $45,507, or $22 an hour. Many RNs and LPNs look for the opportunity to further their careers, and thus their salaries, by pursuing additional certifications, advanced degrees and overtime.
9 Incredible Opportunities for Nursing Jobs in Florida
The need for nurses in Florida is high. Projected nursing job growth for the US over the next eight years is around 6%, or 193,100 positions that will need to be filled annually. In Florida, the corresponding projection is 15%.
Between the growing population of retired seniors and the vacancies left by retiring nurses themselves , Florida faces an extreme shortage of RNs and LPNs. Here are nine incredible opportunities for RNs and LPNs looking for nursing jobs in Florida.
1. Hospitals
The biggest staff needs are in bedside care. Florida is home to many large, renown hospitals and clinics. The Mayo Clinic has a huge presence in the state, especially in north and central Florida. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is located in St. Petersburg. There are many general medical and surgical hospitals located throughout the state.
2. Rehabilitation Centers
Florida’s aging population contributes to the need for RNs and LPNs and offers some incredible opportunities as well. Cardiac rehabilitation and orthopedic/ambulatory rehab as well as specialty clinics for additional types of rehabilitation are in need of quality RNs and LPNs throughout the state.
3. Community Health Centers
There’s a growing demand for community health centers in Florida. That means incredible opportunities for RNs and LPNs. These centers serve a much need community of Florida residents and reduce barriers such as cost of care, lack of insurance, language and ease off getting to a healthcare facility.
4. Primary Care
Primary care offices and clinics are always in need of quality nursing staff. These clinics may be located in larger cities and towns or, as in the case of Florida’s largest over-55 community The Villages, in private developments.
5. Schools
Many school systems throughout the Sunshine State, both public and private, employ nurses as part of their staff. Both LPNs and RNs are eligible depending on the school requirements.
6. Surgical Offices
Like primary care offices, surgical centers as well as surgeons’ offices hire LPNs and RNs. Throughout the state you’ll find several opportunities, especially for those experienced in surgery care.
7. Skilled Nursing Facilities
LPNs are especially crucial to the success of skilled nursing facilities. Because these nurses are often experienced at providing bedside care and help with dressing, bathing, meals and certain medications they are a critical member of the staff at skilled nursing facilities.
8. Long Term Care
Much like skilled nursing facilities LPNs are critical to facilitating long term care to residents of these facilities. RNs are also necessary to successful patient care in both types of facilities.
9. Concierge Nurses and Home Healthcare
Florida is a well-known tourist destination. As such there are resorts and hotels that hire RNs and LPNs as part of their concierge staff. That means they see to the medical needs of the guests of the resort. This is an incredible opportunity for RNs and LPNs to work in a resort atmosphere.
Some of the more upscale 55 and up communities also employ concierge nurses and there are always positions available for home health care nurses.
We’re Here to Help
For more on how you can find incredible opportunities for RNs and LPNs in Florida please reach out to BOS Medical Staffing.
