Healthcare field in Tampa

[The Villages Guy]

Originally Posted by wiltznucs

?.......the effect of FL's lack of a State income tax is overstated. Those dollars are simply collected at the pump, toll roads, sales taxes, high ulitility cost and insurance payments.

Not necessarily. It really depends on where one is moving from. It's different from different regions. We are paying similar real estate taxes, similar housing prices (but with a huge upgrade in location and neighborhood, plus pool), we now pay much less in gasoline at the pump and actually slightly less in sales tax. We pay a little more (in total dollars) for auto/home insurance, but save a boatload....no, make that shipload of money not paying state income tax. Food is the same for us. Don't need toll roads for us, as we work, live and play in the same general area in the burbs. And the tax dollars we do pay are used much more wisely and it shows.

Overall we came out so far ahead, which allows us to enjoy the paradise around us.

[Cleverbeetle98]

Originally Posted by PriusH8r

Not necessarily. It really depends on where one is moving from. It's different from different regions. We are paying similar real estate taxes, similar housing prices (but with a huge upgrade in location and neighborhood, plus pool), we now pay much less in gasoline at the pump and actually slightly less in sales tax. We pay a little more (in total dollars) for auto/home insurance, but save a boatload....no, make that shipload of money not paying state income tax. Food is the same for us. Don't need toll roads for us, as we work, live and play in the same general area in the burbs. And the tax dollars we do pay are used much more wisely and it shows.

Overall we came out so far ahead, which allows us to enjoy the paradise around us.

I was thinking the same thing - MN actually has one of the highest state taxes in the US - so I'd be saving a nice chunk of money. Also, after being in Tampa, we never really used any toll roads. I know this isn't true for all of FL, but I could easily get around on the day-to-day without using them. And gas was nearly $0.50 cheaper when I was down there last month compared to up north.

[wiltznucs]

Originally Posted by PriusH8r

Not necessarily. It really depends on where one is moving from. It's different from different regions. We are paying similar real estate taxes, similar housing prices (but with a huge upgrade in location and neighborhood, plus pool), we now pay much less in gasoline at the pump and actually slightly less in sales tax. We pay a little more (in total dollars) for auto/home insurance, but save a boatload....no, make that shipload of money not paying state income tax. Food is the same for us. Don't need toll roads for us, as we work, live and play in the same general area in the burbs. And the tax dollars we do pay are used much more wisely and it shows.

Overall we came out so far ahead, which allows us to enjoy the paradise around us.

Dont get me wrong I like Tampa. But as a transplant from GA I'll simply say that the housing prices are not necessarily similar, fuel prices are higher, insurance cost is markedly higher and by the time you factor in that State taxes are deducted from your income when filing your Federal return the net difference has been a complete wash for me. But again, I understand experiences will vary depending on your point of origin.

[dnvrsoul]

Originally Posted by wiltznucs

Dont get me wrong I like Tampa. But as a transplant from GA I'll simply say that the housing prices are not necessarily similar, fuel prices are higher, insurance cost is markedly higher and by the time you factor in that State taxes are deducted from your income when filing your Federal return the net difference has been a complete wash for me. But again, I understand experiences will vary depending on your point of origin.

Can't rep you enough! Florida may not have state income tax but food, insurance, gas is more expensive then a lot of other states...

Great advice about job market as well

[Cleverbeetle98]

Could we get this thread back on track? I'm looking for opinions from people who currently hold jobs in the healthcare field about their employer.

I have already evaluated financial concerns and wouldn't be looking at Tampa if it were a bad choice. You couldn't pay me to live in GA.

[wiltznucs]

Originally Posted by swmrbird

Could we get this thread back on track? I'm looking for opinions from people who currently hold jobs in the healthcare field about their employer.

I'm sorry, I thought you realized by now that no rational person that values their job would give you anything other than a rave review of their employer on a public internet forum. This may explain the lack of responses as there are several healthcare workers on the forum and few seem to be piping in.

Best of luck to you...

[Cleverbeetle98]

Originally Posted by wiltznucs

I'm sorry, I thought you realized by now that no rational person that values their job would give you anything other than a rave review of their employer on a public internet forum. This may explain the lack of responses as there are several healthcare workers on the forum and few seem to be piping in.

Best of luck to you...

Anonymity is a great thing. So are direct messages. But you personally make me not want to work in healthcare in Tampa, so thanks!

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by wiltznucs

Unfortunately there's no reliable way to measure quality of work, environment and coworkers without jumping in face first.

All facilities vary but it may be helpful to look at the potential employers tax status. Are they for profit? Not for profit? A non profit? The reason this is important is that for profit hospitals generally operate leaner than their counterparts. This translates into lower staffing levels per occupied bed and in principle more laborious conditions for their employees. This isn't to say that for profits are bad but it gives you an idea where their priorities are and how their decisions get tempered in the C suite.

Cost of living is always a consideration, I will simply say that my experience is that most cost of living measures are inaccurate and that the effect of FL's lack of a State income tax is overstated. Those dollars are simply collected at the pump, toll roads, sales taxes, high ulitility cost and insurance payments.

This is valuable insight - former RN here, but never even realized this situation about staffing. One of the things that caused me to leave the field as poor staffing.