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Job Market

Allied Health Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing

 

Nursing StudentsThe job market for registered nurses (RN) is excellent, both in Florida & across the nation. Statewide, the current nursing shortage is expected to grow as the demand for nursing services increases. Currently over 147,000 RNs are needed to meet the need for RNs in Florida. By 2014, more than 180, 000 will be needed--- a 20% increase over current projections. Annual openings for RNs due to growth & separation of nurses in the workforce (resignations, retirements, etc.) exceed 7,000. Locally, more than 50 positions lie unfilled daily in Northwest Florida.

Hospitals remain the largest employer of nurses but the employment trend is toward community-based employment. Hospitals’ critical care areas (ER, OR, CCU, ICUs) remain those areas hit hardest by the shortage as they demand experienced clinical nurses.

The average beginning hourly wage for new graduate RNs in Northwest Florida is $18.09; the mean wage is $24.26, compared to the state average wage of $26.29. Regional variations exist, especially in hospitals offering shift differentials and other benefits.

FL Center for Nursing

* Calculated as Total Average Annual Openings x 8 years

Source: Florida Center for Nursing. August 31, 2003.
Nursing Supply & Demand: Synthesis & Evaluation of Existing Florida Data