I am currently getting my BSN in June located in cinci ohio, but after I graduate I will be moving down to Fort Myers Florida. Looking to go into ICU or trauma. Any recommendations? One day my goal is flight nursing & would love some advice!
ICU and trauma is a good stepping stone for your career. This background will open up avenues for advancement for you, especially if you want to persue a masters degree and nurse practitioner pathway. ICU and trauma is the right pathway if you want to be a flight nurse. You need these strengthen your ability to deal with the fast pace and decision making that is needed on flight nursing practice.
Find out the requirements for licensure in Florida. Obtain ACLS, Trauma Course, and BLS. Join ACCN and start their ICU Orientation program. Working ICU and ER are different but not insurmountable. I did both and loved all of it.
Approximately 10 years I went through the interview process for a a flight nurse job out of Pheonix , AZ. The interview was a 3 step process that included a critical care/emergency care/trauma nursing aptitude test, an in-person interview that included emergency scenarios and then a physical test (strength, height and weight limit, claustrophobia tolerance) to name a few. I did not make it past the 2nd step because my entire nursing experience at that point was limited to adult critical care (CTICU and Trauma ICU) but did not include any care of the pediatric patient. Flight nurses can arrive at a scene that may have a patient from 0-100 years of age and it is important to be able to provide care at any stage of life, often in the most critical moments. The hiring team suggested that I work in a Level 1 trauma center Emergency Department that includes pediatrics in order to obtain the required experience. Wishing you all the best as you embark in your nursing career and achieving your goals!
You need these strengthen your ability to deal with the fast pace and decision making that is needed on flight nursing practice
Hi I live in ft. Myers Florida. Lee health is the main monopoly around here. It’s hard as a new grad to get in to icu but if you have experience prior to doing BSN it should be fine. No additional pay for BSN here in this area. If you look into other healthcare systems especially if you’re willing to commute 30 -40 minutes your options are crazy wide.
I recommend at least a year of med-surg before going into critical care. Good luck in your endeavors
Hi there. I know in Fort Myers Lee Hospital is the most dominant in that area. I know they have ICU for sure. And they use EPIC. I never worked there personally but have had friends who have worked there.
take sign on bonus and move with that. or stay in your town for 1 yr to get experince then move as a traveler first or take the Bonus. some places will give you 10-20k for 1-2 years
Good for you and congrats on your upcoming graduation! If you are planning on getting licensed on OH know that they don't participate in Compact Licensing so you will need to review what is needed for your FL license which is part of compact. I went to The Ohio State University College of Nursing for graduate studies while living in another state. OH and Midwest does tend to pay better than southern states including FL but COL is a bit lower. Look for a position at one of the larger academic facilities as it will give you more education and opportunities! Good Luck!
If you are a new grad I recommend a year of general patient care or step down before ICU. If you are willing to jump in they have long orientation periods for these jobs just make sure you learn as much as you can when you are working.
Lee Health
Lee Health is one of the bigger hospital groups in the Ft Myers area. I’ve definitely heard good things about nurse culture. A couple of Travel assignments ago I met another nurse who had the same background as myself, critical care predominantly, who had just accepted a position as a flight nurse out of the Charlotte airport. You would be shocked, or at least I should say I was shocked at how little she was making hourly. I guess since it’s such a coveted position, either for the adventure or the fast paced environment or just the ability to say that you’re doing it, It sure does seem as though they have an influx of applicants and therefore don’t even keep up with an average bedside rate for nurse staff. At least that’s the information that I surmised during my brief research into the topic. If you’re doing it for the love of it, I bet that you will do amazing and love it. I was in no way insinuating that it was not a very worthwhile Avenue to pursue. I suppose the nice part about the slightly lower rate is it it will weed out the people who are there just for the title! Whatever you want to doing take care and be well and be kind to our fellow nurses! We’re all going through something.
I thought about flight. The answers I got was east coast is much harder to get into it than the Midwest. If suggest going out west, show up at the life flight hangar and ask some questions. ICU ASAP for sure. Good luck!
Work in ER that is trauma certified. This will prepare you to respond in variable cases you will need in flight nursing. Take ER certification and Disaster courses. Good luck
Contact Lee Health and see if they offer any New Grad or “Nurse Residency”(I think that’s what it’s also called) programs. If you could get into a new grad program there in Med/Surg (some hospitals offer ER New Grad programs) that would be a good step. I have heard Lee Health is a good work environment, but I don’t work there (yet), so it’s not first hand info. Good luck!!!
Nursing is not an easy profession. This profession requires passion. I’m excited for your future. I recommend you research the state you choose to begin your career. The laws, and how the facilities treat their nurses. To achieve your clinical goals you want to be at a facility that will set you up for success and support you. You want to be able to develop and strengthen your skills and knowledge. I also recommend being receptive to all feedback and utilize it for your growth. Good luck and wishing the best on your journey
