RN locating in St. John's FL (Mayo, Greenville: schools, inspections, income)

[lookingForsomething new]

Hey guys, My family and I are looking at relocating, and we are really drawn to St. John's FL. We are currently living in Richmond, VA and feel like we need a change. We have kids that are 11, 9, and 4 and are really impressed with the schools in St. John's (as we would be leaving extraordinary schools here, this is absolutely top priority). The housing prices seem to be comparable (although, I am a little unsure about the CDD fees), so that is something to explore as well. I am an RN and wondering if anyone could tell me what the job availability is like out there, as well as what the average RN is being paid. I am ACLS certified and have worked in critical care for about 6 years. My husband is currently a firefighter, so he will likely have to change jobs, therefore making my income the next most important thing to research. Any info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

[StreetSmarts]

RN - 50k's

FF- whole different story. pay is decent and of course the benefits of a FL FF are fantastic. But....... trying to get a FF job here is HARD. Very hard. Plus, he will most likely have to go back through training / academy. I know a cpl FF's here in FL. Sometimes there's a waiting list to even get into the academy! And say if St Johns Co is hiring, they may hire like 18 FF's but there may be 2500 applicants. Seriously.

[lookingForsomething new]

Thanks!! Yeah, that's how it is up here with the fire dept. That's why we are thinking that he would change fields, and he really doesn't want to go through rookie school again!!

[StreetSmarts]

I'd advise to maybe go a different route than FF'ing down here. The schools / academies are pumping out grads by the thousands, and very few spots become available.

If he wants to continue FF career, I'd suggest other great depts around the southeast like Asheville NC, Greenville SC, Savannah GA, etc. Far more chances to get on in these places.

If you're definitely moving to FL, he may be able to FF'ing instruction, inspections, etc. or something in administration with a FD.

[perry335654]

Originally Posted by lookingForsomething new

Hey guys, My family and I are looking at relocating, and we are really drawn to St. John's FL. We are currently living in Richmond, VA and feel like we need a change. We have kids that are 11, 9, and 4 and are really impressed with the schools in St. John's (as we would be leaving extraordinary schools here, this is absolutely top priority). The housing prices seem to be comparable (although, I am a little unsure about the CDD fees), so that is something to explore as well. I am an RN and wondering if anyone could tell me what the job availability is like out there, as well as what the average RN is being paid. I am ACLS certified and have worked in critical care for about 6 years. My husband is currently a firefighter, so he will likely have to change jobs, therefore making my income the next most important thing to research. Any info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

I take it you mean St. Johns County

[Flem125]

Originally Posted by lookingForsomething new

Hey guys, My family and I are looking at relocating, and we are really drawn to St. John's FL. We are currently living in Richmond, VA and feel like we need a change. We have kids that are 11, 9, and 4 and are really impressed with the schools in St. John's (as we would be leaving extraordinary schools here, this is absolutely top priority). The housing prices seem to be comparable (although, I am a little unsure about the CDD fees), so that is something to explore as well. I am an RN and wondering if anyone could tell me what the job availability is like out there, as well as what the average RN is being paid. I am ACLS certified and have worked in critical care for about 6 years. My husband is currently a firefighter, so he will likely have to change jobs, therefore making my income the next most important thing to research. Any info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

Don't know about firefighters so can't help there.
An RN with critical care experience of 6 years will have no problem getting hired assumming you're at least a BSN.
New BSN grads make $25ish per hour so you should be somewhat north of that with good skills (clinical, critical thinking, emotional).
With St Vincent's and Baptist systems and Mayo and UF Health, there's a lot of very high end healthcare done in Jax. Good nurses do well.
Good luck

[Ditto23]

How many years does your Husband have as a Firefighter in Va? Im sure he is vested in a pension there in Va. I would secure a pension before moving to Fl. It is extremely competitive to get that benefit on a job in FL. From what I see & hear. Its the salaries in Florida that most people complain about.

[Fl1150]

I know the average the RN make is about $60,000 depending on what skills an the experience you have but a lot of good hospitals are located in Jax like Mayo as stated before. But Nocatee is very nice community to look into. But CDD fees depend on each community and vary based on the amenities it offers and is paid monthly or yearly I think.

[lookingForsomething new]

He's been on the fire department just over 13 years in Virginia so, yes, he is vested in their retirement system.

We are indeed looking at the St. John's County area. Trying to figure out the school systems, communities, shopping, convenience, traffic, all the nitty gritty before driving down there to see it all for ourselves.

Really tough when you don't know anyone but want all the information!

[Peter the Brit]

Seems like a leap into the dark Suggest that you visit for a couple of weeks and asses for yourself.