Fort Lauderdale, located on Florida's southeastern coast, is famous for its iconic beaches, beautiful boating canals, and a wide variety of cultural and entertainment options. Some even call it the Venice of America and the yachting capital of the world.
Beyond its beaches, this city boasts a thriving healthcare scene, featuring 27 major hospitals nearby and hundreds of healthcare facilities, making it an excellent choice if you're looking for nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Read on to learn important details about life and work in this city.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Is Florida a compact state? Yes.
- What do RNs earn in Fort Lauderdale? The typical salary for RN jobs in Fort Lauderdale is $81,810, whereas the national average RN salary is $89,010.
- Where can I find information about RN license requirements in Florida? You can visit the Florida Board of Nursing website for up-to-date information. Don't forget that in Florida, nursing license renewal takes place every two years, so it's essential to keep track of those deadlines.
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale provides options for various lifestyles among its nearly 183,000 residents. The city is commonly associated with the larger Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, which has grown rapidly and now accommodates over 5.5 million people.
This city is also a major tourist destination, drawing in 13 million visitors annually. Similar to many other areas in Florida, Fort Lauderdale's population varies due to the seasonal influx of people. The tourist season typically runs from November to April, so be prepared for a busier workload in the winter months.
You'll find a variety of opportunities for nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the surrounding area. Alongside hospitals, specialty clinics, and urgent care centers, you'll discover opportunities in doctors' offices, nursing homes, and skilled nursing facilities that are eager to hire qualified RNs, CNAs, and LPNs. Nurse practitioner jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL, are plentiful, too. You can work full time, part time, on contract, temporarily, or per diem.
Want to know who your potential patients might be? This city's median age is 42.9, a bit above the national median of 37.4. Additionally, a notable 18.1% of residents are aged 65 and older.
There's also quite a diverse population in Fort Lauderdale. Nearly 58% of residents are White, about 30% are Black, 19.5% are Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% identify as two or more races, and 1.4% are Asian. If you're considering a move to Fort Lauderdale, it might be worthwhile to pick up another language, as nearly 41% of Broward County speaks a language other than English.
Working in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's healthcare sector is a big player in the local economy and community. The city has built up a solid healthcare infrastructure, featuring a mix of healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, and related services.
In total, more than 250,000 jobs in Fort Lauderdale are tied to healthcare. Within that, you'll find about 55,000 RNs and nearly 9,000 LPNs. You won't be short on choices when it comes to finding nursing assistant jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With a substantial 22,000 nursing assistant positions, opportunities abound.
Here are some of the top-ranked hospitals in Fort Lauderdale:
- Memorial Regional Hospital
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
- Broward Health Medical Center
- Holy Cross Health
- Westside Regional Medical Center
However, these hospitals are not the only sources of nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This city is home to a diverse array of facilities, including doctor's offices, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities that rely on healthcare professionals such as yourself.
You will also find a number of state and local agencies posting nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Here's a list of a few:
- The Florida Department of Health has numerous programs and services covering the entire Greater Fort Lauderdale area. They have 67 public health departments that address significant health and environmental issues in the county, including surveillance, prevention, detection, and treatment of diseases.
- Gilda's Club South Florida offers absolutely free programs to cancer patients and their families. Their evidence-backed services include support groups, workshops on leading a healthy lifestyle, social gatherings, informative talks, and community resource guidance catering to adults, children, and teenagers.
- Trustbridge delivers hospice and palliative care solutions. They provide medical care for patients, as well as psychosocial and spiritual support for families and caregivers regardless of age, race, creed, diagnosis, or ability to pay.
- Florida Pregnancy Support Services program offers a widespread network of pregnancy centers available throughout the state. Their services include a range of confidential and cost-free resources for pregnancy support, from complimentary pregnancy testing to parenting classes.
- Oxford Houses of Florida provides a safe, budget-friendly living environment that provides support for individuals recovering from alcoholism and addiction.
- The Nurse Connect program offered by Broward Health provides free nursing advice, accessible by phone every day of the week.
- Free Clinics has a database of healthcare facilities offering free or income-based services.
Moreover, Florida gained a reputation for its extensive substance abuse rehabilitation services, earning it the nickname the Recovery Capital. It's no surprise; where else to get sober than in sunny Florida with its palm trees and beaches? With 31 mental health facilities in the area, psychiatric and substance abuse nurses will find a multitude of options for nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
When it comes to elderly care, there are 20 skilled nursing facilities serving Fort Lauderdale, with 3 located in the city and 17 in the nearby areas. Additionally, there are nursing homes and senior centers that offer health and wellness programs. With all these options, it's no surprise that nursing home jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL, are in high demand.
Wondering about the typical travel time to nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL? The average commute is 26.4 minutes. About 74% of people drive solo, 8% carpool, and 5% use public transportation, while 7% have the convenience of working from home.
If you require pet care, Fort Lauderdale offers a range of pet care services to choose from. Or, if you're a working parent with children in need of care, Fort Lauderdale has numerous childcare centers. Also, Early Head Start is a federally funded program that offers free comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged families with infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.
If you have elderly relatives, the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County provides an extensive array of services and support for individuals aged 60 and older. This includes healthcare classes and resources for finding in-home assistance.
Living in Fort Lauderdale
In the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, you'll discover 31 cities and towns, each with its own character, vibrant culture, and strong community spirit. There's something for everyone — from stunning art galleries and museums to trendy restaurants and nightlife spots. And for outdoor enthusiasts, there are always opportunities for fishing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, all within easy reach.
In Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find restaurants as diverse as the region's landscape, offering everything from beachfront eateries to upscale seafood restaurants. Whether you prefer waterfront dining, upscale steakhouses, or dining on a gondola, Fort Lauderdale has a wealth of unique culinary experiences in store.
For art lovers, Fort Lauderdale offers a rich array of museums and galleries to explore. The Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts is a unique gem, focusing on the captivating world of ceramics and glass. Furthermore, don't miss out on visiting the Art and Culture Center and the NSU Art Museum, all of which offer outstanding cultural experiences. And, of course, make sure to check out the Las Olas Oceanside Park, renowned for hosting free concerts and year-round events.
The Fort Lauderdale International Airport — ranked 18th in the U.S. for total passenger traffic and 10th for international traffic — provides convenient access to your travel adventures. Moreover, Fort Lauderdale is home to the world's third busiest cruise port.
When you've finished exploring the numerous nursing jobs in Fort Lauderdale, FL, it's time to consider some fantastic day trip possibilities. If you're a roller coaster enthusiast, you can make the 3 and a half hour drive to Orlando to experience Universal Studios. If you prefer powdery white sand beaches, a drive to Sarasota is a great choice. Additionally, you can explore Florida's natural springs, such as Crystal River, where you can kayak alongside manatees. And don’t forget about the Bahamas and Key West — they’re only a few hours away by plane.
Last but certainly not least: the weather. Year-round weather in Fort Lauderdale is warm and humid, with summer highs averaging above 87 degrees. Even during the winters, the weather remains pleasantly warm, with average highs staying below 78 degrees. One drawback to keep in mind is the hurricane season, which extends from June to November.
Given its wealth of culture and attractions, Fort Lauderdale has a 22% higher cost of living than the national average. The average rent is $2,203 per month and the median home price is $724,617. Overall, Fort Lauderdale housing is 60% more expensive than the U.S. average.
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