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If you’re wondering whether Miami, Florida, is the right place to build your nursing career, use this guide to help you decide. We’ll explore aspects such as the average nurse salary in Miami, training options, career development and promotion opportunities. Whether you already work in Miami or are contemplating accepting a nursing position in this coastal metropolis, these tips can help you determine whether Miami is a good fit for you and your career.
Here are eight career tips for RNs considering work in Miami:
1. Gain Experience with Miami Travel Nurse Jobs
Discover what life is like in Florida by trying a Miami travel nurse contract or per diem position. Travel nursing allows you to get a feel for a location before deciding whether to commit to a permanent position and move to the area. Try assignments at a few facilities to get a feel for different hospital systems and which ones you prefer.
Travel nursing jobs can also be a terrific way to gain valuable experience in diverse nursing fields as you spend time working with and learning from different clinicians in various settings.
2. Understand Local Nurse Salaries in Miami
Average nursing salaries vary widely throughout the country. Knowing what compensation to expect in Miami is essential while browsing job openings or comparing job offers.
Vivian posted an average staff nurse salary in Miami of $33.61 per hour in late October 2022. This wage was lower than the national average of $37.24 but higher than Florida’s statewide average of $32.50.
Miami’s average travel nurse salary was $2,629 per week during this same period. The weekly travel nursing salaries of various top-paying nursing specialties in Miami during late October included:
- Clinical: $3,495
- Acute Care: $3,390
- Cardiovascular Operating Room: $3,336
- Radiology: $3,069
- OB/GYN: $3,022
Cardiovascular pediatric intensive care is often the highest-paid nursing field in Miami, with traveling RN in this field earning $3,619 per week.
Comparing licensed practical nurse (LPN) salaries to RN salaries, an LPN on staff in Miami earned around $22.99 per hour in late October 2022, while the average weekly rate for travel LPNs was $2,260. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) averaged $13.11 per hour for permanent roles and $1,785 per week for traveling assignments. For permanent nurse practitioners, the average hourly rate was $49.98, and the average travel wage was $3,000 weekly.
However, it’s important to remember that your actual salary differs depending on your experience, nursing specialty, training, professional certifications, work setting and employer.
3. Discover Top-Paying Travel Staffing Agencies
To secure the best salary, research and apply for Miami nursing jobs with employers that pay top rates. Travel RNs looking for Miami’s highest-paying travel staffing agencies should check out Vivian’s listings from these firms:
- Medical Talent
- Healthcare Support
- Prime HealthCare Staffing
- NuWest Travel Nursing
- Gifted Healthcare
For registered RN staff positions, AccentCare and Core Medical often pay a higher salary than the citywide average.
4. Explore Miami’s Top Healthcare Employers
Along with a good salary, it’s essential to consider whether your role will likely lead to lucrative opportunities in the future. If you hope to develop your nursing practice and move up the career ladder, look for a facility that offers advancement potential.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the top hospitals in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area include:
- Cleveland Clinic Weston
- Baptist Health Baptist Hospital
- University of Miami Hospital and Clinics – UHealth Tower
- Mount Sinai Medical Center
- Baptist Health South Miami Hospital
- Memorial Hospital West
- Memorial Regional Hospital
On Vivian’s list of 10 Great Healthcare Employers in Miami, the Magnet-certified Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is among the country’s top pediatric hospitals, while the award-winning Larkin Community Hospital is one of the biggest teaching hospitals in Florida. You can also use Vivian’s facility map to identify other exceptional places to work in Miami.
5. Research In-Demand Nursing Specialties in Miami
Based on findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, openings for RNs will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031. While Nightingale College predicts a nursing surplus in the Sunshine State by 2030, Florida Hospital Association anticipates a shortfall.
Several outlets, including CBS Miami and Miami Today, also currently report a lack of healthcare professionals in Miami and surrounding areas. Each article details measures by local hospitals, educational institutions and healthcare organizations to combat the shortage of nurses.
In late October 2022, the Vivian jobs board listed the most openings for registered nurses in the following fields, making these specialties the most in demand in Miami:
- Med surg
- Nurse manager
- Emergency department
- ICU
- Oncology
- Urgent care
- Clinical
However, you’ll find nursing vacancies for most specialties across Miami, including rehabilitation, emergency department, home health hospice, radiology, wound care, oncology and more.
Regarding travel nursing jobs in Miami, a wide range of openings in late October 2022 included:
- Labor and delivery
- Operating room
- Pediatrics
- Med surg
- Med surg / Telemetry
- CVOR
- Cardiac cath lab
Like staff positions, the large number of nursing vacancies in diverse fields makes it relatively easy for you to find your ideal travel job in Miami.
6. Become a Member of Professional Nursing Organizations
Joining professional nursing groups can help enhance your career opportunities and further develop skills and knowledge through educational programs, conferences, publications, and more. Some of the top national nursing organizations include:
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- National League for Nursing
- Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- National Student Nurses’ Association
You can also find specialty-specific organizations, such as the Emergency Nurses Association, Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.
Join regional or state organizations to have a greater impact on local issues and keep up to date with local news. These groups also help you identify nearby training courses and conferences, join local healthcare initiatives and connect with other nursing professionals in your city.
Florida boasts many professional nursing organizations, including those with a Miami focus. Some professional groups cover specific nursing fields and specialties, while others offer support and camaraderie for nurses with minority backgrounds. State and local nursing organizations that may appeal to Miami nurses and help boost your career include:
- Florida Nurses Association (FNA): The FNA is the state affiliate of the ANA and accepts all types of RNs as members. It’s the state’s only body representing every nurse, regardless of specialty. The group promotes nursing and healthy communities through professional development, education, research and events such as conferences, the yearly Nurses Month and special interest meetings. Members can take advantage of leadership and mentorship programs, connect with colleagues, get up-to-date publications, access free web-based seminars and obtain discounts on courses and certifications. It also operates the Florida Nurses Foundation, which provides funding for research and student scholarships. The organization is subdivided into several regions for greater local service, with Miami being part of the South Region.
- AACN Greater Miami Area Chapter (GMAC): The AACN-GMAC serves critical care nurses in Miami and South Florida. Through education, communication, research and connections, it inspires nurses to work collaboratively and share ideas and best practices for working with particularly vulnerable patients. Membership includes professional and peer support, practice resources, free continuing education opportunities, journal subscriptions and job-related discounts.
- Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology: This nursing organization is a valuable resource for certified registered nurse anesthetists, providing information, training and webinars. It advocates for members and patients and represents nurse anesthetists at the legislative level. Several membership tiers exist, providing benefits such as journal access, insurance services, continuing education and networking opportunities.
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) Florida Chapter: APNA Florida provides localized support, education, events and training for nurses who work in the psychiatric-mental health field. APNA membership offers opportunities to develop and advance in the profession through online courses, educational scholarships and grants, volunteer work and access to the discussion and networking site, Member Bridge. Other benefits include journal subscriptions, discounts on certain publications, reduced conference fees and lower fees for certifications, training courses and exams.
- Dermatology Nurses’ Association Florida: This professional organization encourages top standards in dermatological healthcare through collaboration, education and advocacy. The group facilitates state events and runs an online store.
- Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE): Representing nurse leaders throughout Florida, FONE splits membership into several regions to ensure better access to local benefits. Miami is part of Region I, also known as SFONE. The organization encourages leaders to help and learn from each other through peer networking, provides current news on nursing leadership issues and developments, supports research and advocates for nurse leaders. Members can also attend valuable educational programs.
- Nurse Practitioner Council of Miami-Dade: Connecting nurse practitioners In Miami and beyond, this organization arranges regular local events and provides useful practice resources to its members.
- Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FLANP): This proactice group of nurse practitioners and healthcare advocates work to improve access to healthcare for all Florida residents. FLANP also offers statewide support and education for nurse practitioners, including free continuing education through the Hippotlian online learning platform and discounted CE through NetCE, online networking opportunities and access to FLANP’s Career Center to advance your career.
- Black Nurses Association Miami Chapter: Part of the National Black Nurses Association, this organization supports Black nurses and empowers healthcare workers to make a positive difference within African-American communities. Members support diverse community initiatives, including vaccine drives, domestic violence education and basic first aid training.
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses Florida Broward County Chapter: This professional nursing organization represents and supports the professional needs of local Hispanic nurses. It also supports the county’s Hispanic population through culturally appropriate healthcare services.
- Philippine Nurses Association of Miami and Southeast Florida (PNAMSEF): As one of the 55 chapters of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, PNAMSEF represents local Filipino-American nurses and helps the community through initiatives such as fundraising, education and outreach services.
7. Connect with Other Miami-Based Nurses
Building connections with other nursing professionals has many benefits, including peer support and friendship, skills development and ongoing learning. Many professional nursing organizations offer local networking opportunities, though you may also consider meeting other nurses through informal meetups. You could also join social media groups for nurses in Florida, such as the Florida Nurses Association, Florida Nurses, Florida Travel Nurse and Florida Emergency Nurses Association on Facebook. Most nursing organizations, hospitals and universities have Facebook groups where you can chat with other nursing professionals.
8. Maximize Your Downtime Between Nursing Shifts
Nursing can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being unless you take active steps to refresh your mind and body, so it’s important to enjoy diverse activities and hobbies alongside your job. Luckily, whether you’re a new travel nurse discovering Miami for the first time or a long-time local looking for new ways to enjoy days off, this vibrant city has a rich array of attractions and amenities to take your mind off work.
Get outside and relax on stunning beaches. Stroll around the attractive Art Deco district, enjoy shopping and entertainment at Bayside Market and soak up the Latin vibe in Little Havana. Visit top attractions like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Ocean Drive, Bayfront Park and Miami Sea Aquarium. Alternatively, uncover hidden gems, such as Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple, the Venetian Pool, McKee Botanical Gardens, Perez Art Museum Miami and Crystal River. Nearby day trip locations include the Everglades National Park, Key West, Naples and Biscayne National Park. Miami also has a wealth of dining and nightlife hotspots, perfect for meeting friends and enjoying an active social life between shifts.
