Looking to relocate where the pace is easier, the temperatures milder, the cost of living lower, and career opportunities abundant? The Southern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee have many communities that might be just what you are looking for.
Some quick facts for nurses interested in working and living in the South:
As of October 2004, these states had 27 facilities that were given Magnet status. Florida leads the way with 12.
Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee are among the 17 "compact states," which means that an RN license in any of these is recognized by the others.
Interested in an advanced degree? All of these Southern states have baccalaureate and master's programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Also, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing lists 18 doctoral programs here, with at least one in each of these states.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that in 2020, Georgia's need for nurses will exceed its supply by 32,043, or 40.1%, the highest percentage in the South. Florida will need 33% more nurses, or 61,146, the highest number of any of these states.
Figures for Kentucky in 2020 actually show a surplus. However, that could change, and doesn't reflect spot shortages in some locations and specialties.
Florida has no state income tax, and Tennessee only has income tax on dividends and interest.
Are sunny beaches and water sports attractive? Most of the Southern states are along the Atlantic coast or the Gulf of Mexico (Florida, of course, is along both), with many communities within an easy drive to the beach.
Your Guide to Job Opportunities in the South
Florida Hospital Waterman
1000 Waterman Way
Hwy North 441
Tavares, FL 32778
Contact: Karin D'Aurora
(877) 298-7329
Email: Karin.D'[email protected] http://www.fhwat.org
Lakeland Regional Medical Center
P.O. Box 95448
Lakeland, FL 33804
Contact: Nurse Recruiter
(800) 355-5762 or (863) 687-1310
Job Hotline: (877) 576-LRMC http://www.lrmcjobs.com
New Hanover Health Network
2131 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(877) 781-2468
Fax: (910) 815-5925 http://www.nhhn.org
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
P.O. Box 6028
Greenville, NC 27835
Contact: Employment Office
(800) 342-5155
Fax: (252) 847-8225
Email: [email protected] http://www.pcmhnursing.com
SemperCare Hospitals
(866) 849-9012
Fax: (972) 836-1333
Email: [email protected] http://www.sempercare.com
South Carolina Hospital Association
1000 Center Point Rd.
Columbia, SC 29210
Contact: Anne Howard, Director,
Recruitment Services
(803) 796-3080
Fax: (803) 796-2938
Email: [email protected] http://www.SCHealthJobs.net
Southern Regional Health System
11 Upper Riverdale Road, SW
Riverdale, GA 30274
Contact: Human Resources
(770) 991-8040 or Jobline (770) 991-8037
Fax: (770) 991-8051
Email: [email protected] http://www.southernregional.org
VCU Health System
P.O. Box 980066
Richmond, VA 23298-0066
Contact: Jennifer Pitts, Nurse Recruiter
(800) 755-NURSE
Fax: (804) 628-8873
Email: [email protected] http://www.vcuhealth.org