[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Boasting one of the highest employment levels of registered nurses (RNs) nationwide, Florida offers RNs a bright future. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the Sunshine State employed 207,910 RNs as of 2023. Only California and Texas were home to more RNs than Florida.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nationwide employment for RNs will surpass other occupations, growing by 5% through 2034.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to learn [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]how to become an RN[/hen-ui-link] in Florida and determine which cities offer the highest salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]Degree RequiredADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]License RequiredRN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]Average Annual Salary$84,760[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become an RN in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several avenues to becoming an RN in Florida. Prospective students can become [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurses (LPNs)[/hen-ui-link] for a faster and more affordable degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can complete an LPN program and become a licensed LPN in 15-18 months. However, those who want to advance their education and expand employment opportunities can obtain an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Apply to Your ADN or BSN Program.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals seeking a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/florida/”]Florida[/hen-ui-link] nursing license apply for a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. The program’s duration depends on the degree, student’s previous academic experience, and completed [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/”]nursing prerequisite courses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the main differences between an ADN and a BSN are the amount of coursework, level of education and future professional opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These three degrees prepare nursing students to learn the skills and responsibilities necessary to care for patients of all ages. However, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice” target=”_blank”]encourages nurses to earn a BSN[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive RN licensure.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduating, ADN and BSN students must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/” target=”_blank”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-link] and submit a licensure application to [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/” target=”_blank”]Florida’s Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Apply for jobs at local hospitals.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the 2018-2019 Florida’s workforce supply, [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/forms/supply/2018-2019%20RN%20Supply%20-%20FINAL%2006.2020.pdf” target=”_blank”]63% of RNs work in a hospital[/hen-ui-link]. You can find a nursing position in a hospital by looking at:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cost of living[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Growth opportunities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employee satisfaction hospitals have to offer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community Nurses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/school-nurse/how-to-become/”]School nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/home-healthcare-nurse/”]Home care health nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/hospice-nurse/”]Hospice nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advance your career with a graduate degree or certification.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advancement in education can increase RNs’ earning potential, clinical responsibilities, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]autonomy[/hen-ui-link] in practice. After completing a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] program, Florida nurses are considered [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link]. This includes choosing to become a licensed [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to ZipRecruiter, Florida NPs report an average salary of $90,634, while the national average for NPs, according to BLS, is $128,340.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs in Florida can also practice independently after completing specific requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Licensure Requirements in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can earn a Florida nursing license by taking the NCLEX-RN or endorsement. Candidates applying for licensure by endorsement must hold a valid RN license from another state or territory, do not have to retake the NCLEX-RN, and have specific application requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The application process for RNs can take 5-7 days or up to 30 days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other applicants obtain licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN. This process includes paying fees, taking a background check, and undergoing fingerprinting. Candidates who pass the exam receive a license within 7-10 days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment Outlook for Nurses in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With 207,910 RNs in Florida, the state has the third-highest employment level in the nation. Nursing salaries in Florida vary by region and experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2023, Florida’s metropolitan areas ranked in the top 10 cities with the highest employment levels. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are home to approximately 56,660 RNs, who enjoy a mean annual wage of $87,710.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/california/”]California[/hen-ui-link] RNs still earn the most, with nurses in San Fransico, Oakland, and Hayward making a mean annual salary of $174,370.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to BLS, the national yearly salary for nurses is $94,480, while a nurse in Florida earns an average yearly salary of $84,760.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Florida’s Top 5 Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Rank[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metro Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nursing Salary [/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]1[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Salary”]$89,050[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]2[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Salary”]$87,710[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]3[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Salary”]$86,060[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]4[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]Gainesville, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Salary”]$85,650[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Rank”]5[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metro Area”]The Villages, FL[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nursing Salary”]$85,550[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”not-prose pt-12 border-b-2 border-tertiary-100 pb-6″]Best Hospitals to Work at in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students searching for a job can use the [hen-ui-link href=”https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/fl” target=”_blank”]US News Best Hospitals in Florida[/hen-ui-link] rankings. To compile the rankings, the US News evaluated patient outcomes and the processes of care and resources such as patient experience, nurse staffing, and clinical services. Below, find the top five hospitals in Florida:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]1. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/florida” target=”_blank”]Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of four major campuses in the country, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic” target=”_blank”]Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville[/hen-ui-link] offers inpatient and outpatient healthcare. The hospital retains both research and healthcare professionals. Patients can choose from 35 adult specialties, including cardiovascular care, endocrinology, infectious diseases, neurology, pain medicine, orthopedic surgery and radiology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]2. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tgh.org/sites/default/files/Documents/tgh_fact_sheet_flyer_7.30.pdf” target=”_blank”]Tampa General Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tampa Bay’s only hospital, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tgh.org/sites/default/files/Documents/tgh_fact_sheet_flyer_7.30.pdf” target=”_blank”]Tampa General Hospital[/hen-ui-link], has operated as a teaching hospital affiliated with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine since the early 1970s. With over 1,006 beds and 8,000 employees, Tampa General Hospital features a top organ transplant center and a well-recognized stroke center.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]3. [hen-ui-link href=”https://ufhealth.org/sites/default/files/media/fact-sheets/2019-uf-health-shands-fact-sheet.pdf” target=”_blank”]UF Health Shands Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Founded in 1958, this private teaching hospital is located in Gainesville. About 10,324 employees work throughout the UF Health Shands Hospital system, which features over 100 specialty areas, including one of Florida’s five regional burn centers. This hospital also serves as one of 14 “safety-net” hospitals, which treats patients even if they cannot pay.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]4. AdventHealth Orlando[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This faith-based hospital was founded in 1973 by Seventh-day Adventist medical professionals. Today, the hospital employs 80,000 healthcare professionals, including those in nursing facilities. AdventHealth Orlando, part of the AdventHealth Central Florida Division, has 20 hospitals and ERs and conducts more than 500 clinical trials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-tertiary-700″]5. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.smh.com/” target=”_blank”]Sarasota Memorial Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This 897-bed hospital is Florida’s largest public community health system. With over 10,000 staff members, it is the largest employer in Sarasota County. The hospital offers full service to patients, from cardiology to oncology, and operates two hospitals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Being an RN in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much are RNs paid in Florida?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida registered nurses earn an average yearly salary of $84,760.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long is nursing school in Florida?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The path to a Florida nursing license depends on the degree a student seeks. Future nurses can earn an associate degree in nursing in two years or a bachelor of science in nursing in four years. Both programs incorporate clinical work experience. Students take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link] to become licensed nursing professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are nurses in high demand in Florida?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, nurses are in high demand in Florida and nationally. According to the 2023 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.flcenterfornursing.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/API/Entries/Download?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=1957&PortalId=0&TabId=151#:~:text=During%20the%202020%2D2021%20license,and%2016.9%25%20of%20APRN%20licenses.” target=”_blank”]State of the Nursing Workforce in Florida report[/hen-ui-link], by 2032, the nursing and residential care facility’s employment projections are 196,188 nursing job openings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national need for nurses is 194,500 yearly openings for the next 10 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The need for nurses in the U.S. will only grow with an aging population.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Florida a good state for nurses?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Besides the beautiful beaches and warm weather, Florida is a good state for nurses to work. In 2023, Florida’s metropolitan areas ranked in the top 10 cities with the highest employment levels. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are home to approximately 56,660 RNs, who earn a mean annual wage of $87,710.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]