Overview
Home of Disney World and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Sunshine State was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513 in his search for the fountain of youth. The state’s sun and surf draw thousands of people to Florida each year. Some experts are projecting the state’s population will grow to 20 million by 2015, and a large number of those newcomers will be retirees. This rapidly growing and aging population’s increasing demand for health care is causing a serious shortage of nurses.
Nursing Education in Florida
Florida offers more than 120 nursing schools. Program types range from diplomas and associate degrees to doctoral degrees. Scholarships are available for Florida residents. One of the larger awards comes from the Janet Colliflower Keys Nursing Scholarship Program, which give $1,000 dollars to two students each year..
Outlook for Nursing in Florida
In the face of a rapidly growing population, Florida is suffering the most severe shortage of nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition, some sources project that the state will need upwards of 7,000 nurses in the next few years due to the aging baby boomer population. RNs can expect a mean hourly wage of nearly $30.00.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Florida include Florida Hospital Orlando, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, and Tampa General Hospital.
Nursing Degree Programs in Florida
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in FL
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in FL
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in FL
Entry level nursing programs:
