The St. Petersburg Nursing Student’s Resource Guide
If you’re a nursing student or professional in the St. Petersburg area—or are considering studying or working in that area—you may be looking for information, resources, and even the little things like study spots and discounts in the area.
In this article, you’ll learn about salaries and job growth opportunities for nursing-related careers in St. Petersburg, as well as a few potential employers, scrubs and supply shops, and locations at which you can study or spend some free time throughout the city.
St. Petersburg Nursing Careers, Salaries, and Job Growth
No matter what type of nursing career you have or are interested in, chances are St. Petersburg has a spot for you. There are over 40 assisted living facilities and many hospitals, not to mention numerous urgent care clinics, primary care offices, and other medical workplaces in and near the city.
In most nursing and similar careers, the St. Petersburg area pays higher than the state average—and when they don’t, take into account the huge amount of expected job growth in the coming years.
CNA Salary and Growth in St. Petersburg
If you want to work with patients, helping with daily tasks and basic medical treatments, then a career as a St. Petersburg nursing assistant might be perfect for you. Located less than 20 minutes away from St. Petersburg, Premier Nursing Academy’s Pinellas Park campus can get you trained for free.
| CNA Salary and Growth | |
| St. Petersburg 2021 Median Salary | $23,880 – $44,240 |
| Florida 2021 Median Salary | $23,050 – $30,230 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 11% |
Data from O*Net; includes certified and uncertified nursing assistants (2021)
Medical Assistant Salary and Growth in St. Petersburg
Medical assistants (MAs) attend school longer than CNAs, allowing them to do more in-depth clinical tasks, though they also perform many of the CNAs’ job duties.
| MA Salary and Growth | |
| St. Petersburg 2019 Median Salary | $28,820 – $45,470 |
| Florida 2019 Median Salary | $28,910 – $46,240 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 32% |
Data from O*Net (2022)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Salary and Growth in St. Petersburg
The next rung up the ladder of medical treatment duties is licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). They work under registered nurses’ supervision.
| LPN Salary and Growth | |
| St. Petersburg 2021 Median Salary | $36,960 – $59,470 |
| Florida 2021 Median Salary | $36,930 – $59,690 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 12% |
Data from O*Net (2022)
Registered Nurse Salary and Growth in St. Petersburg
Working under the supervision of medical doctors, registered nurses (RNs) provide in-depth patient care. As nursing students, they learn skills like working with patients and their families to ensure they understand treatments and illnesses, monitoring vital signs, providing medications, and more. They also often supervise MAs and CNAs.
| RN Salary and Growth | |
| St. Petersburg 2021 Median Salary | $59,640 – $94,430 |
| Florida 2021 Median Salary | $49,680 – $97,180 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 16% |
Data from O*Net (2022)
Spotlight on Nursing Employers in St. Petersburg
There are dozens of healthcare providers in St. Petersburg, from urgent care facilities to primary care to retirement and skilled nursing facilities. Below are just a few of the best-rated healthcare workplaces in the city.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Chances are if you have an area of pediatrics you’re passionate about, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital offers relevant services.
Niche ranks the working environment at the hospital as about 4.5 out of five stars. They’ve discovered that most employees enjoy good or excellent health coverage, vacation and paid days off, and retirement benefits. Many employees stay long-term, and 88% strongly agree taking a job there was a good decision.
St. Petersburg General Hospital
As a general hospital, St. Petersburg General Hospital has a vast array of specialties, including emergency services.
Part of the HCA Healthcare network, the hospital offers tuition reimbursement, assistance in receiving new certifications, and more educational and professional development opportunities. They have generous benefits, from health coverage to free counseling services.
Westminster Communities of Florida
With two locations in St. Petersburg and many more nearby, Westminster Communities of Florida provide care and assisted living assistance to older adults. Both St. Petersburg locations are pet-friendly, so if you like the idea of being around animals while helping older adults lead their best lives, these could be great places to start your career.
The company’s current and former employees have given them a 3.9 out of five star ranking on Indeed. Many reviewers mention how supportive the environment is, with one even declaring they provide “a fulfilling opportunity to have your work make a difference.”
BayCare
BayCare appears on nearly every list of best healthcare places to work in St. Petersburg. This is a large system of small care centers to hospitals, with a ton of specialties.
They’ve been named one of the Top Work Places by the Tampa Bay Times for several years running, and many of the reviews on Indeed mention how great the teamwork environment is.
St. Petersburg Nursing and Nursing Student Supply Stores
If you’re in the market for nursing student or professional supplies, St. Petersburg has a variety of options.
Scrubs N Stuff
Understanding nurses’ busy lives, Scrubs N Stuff is open seven days a week and offers extended hours.
Scrubs N Stuff is more than a store, though. They offer outside events, nursing student and faculty discounts, embroidery, and more.
Call: 727-347-6750
Visit: 3993 Tyrone Boulevard North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Scrubs N Duds
Scrubs N Duds offers both an in-store and online shopping experience, and you can purchase everything from fashionable scrubs to accessories to stethoscopes.
The store has a 4.8 out of five stars rating on Google reviews, with people mentioning a great amount of stock, excellent prices, and friendly staff. One reviewer even says they have the best prices she’s found for her nursing student uniform needs.
Call: 727-894-6569
Visit: 9300 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Fashion Scrub Depot
Fashion Scrub Depot may specialize in name-brand scrubs, but they also sell other necessary medical supplies and accessories. Additionally, the store has a blog to keep shoppers up to date on new offerings and sales.
Call: 727-498-8892
Visit: 2604 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Hangouts and Discounts for St. Petersburg Nurses and Nursing Students
St. Petersburg is a great place for both nursing student study and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a place to focus on work or take a break from the grind, you have many options.
Bandit
Bandit Coffee Co. is officially a coffee roasting company with various offerings and subscription services, but they also have an in-house café where you can sit and socialize or do homework. In fact, on Yelp, Farah G. said, “I have officially found my new favorite study spot!”
Call: 727-201-9140
Visit: 2662 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
St. Petersburg Library System
Studying at the library is a classic technique because It’s quiet and has many people and materials there to help you learn.
The St. Petersburg Library System has several locations throughout the city. It offers a ton of in-house and online resources, including access to meeting rooms, interlibrary loan services, computers, and WiFi.
Contact: Each library has its own phone number. For general comments or questions, you can contact them via their online form.
TeBella Tea Company
TeBella Tea Company is a teashop with several locations, including one in St. Petersburg. The others aren’t too far away. They offer a variety of unique teas, free WiFi, and, according to Marian K. on Yelp, a quiet atmosphere. She also said it’s an “Amazing study/work spot!”
Call: 727-895-8260
Visit: 260 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
If you have children and want a fun day out, Great Explorations Children’s Museum may be just the place. They use learning techniques to get kids excited about new things, and their “mission remains focused on stimulating learning through creativity, play and exploration.” They also have a licensed preschool.
Even for those without kids, they offer events like A Night at the Brewseum to support their work.
While the prices are already low, they offer discounts for first responders, among others.
Call: 727-821-8992
Visit: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33704
Other Resources for St. Petersburg Nursing Students and Professionals
Florida Board of Nursing
This is the primary resource for all things nursing in Florida, including laws and licensure information for nursing students.
Florida Nurses Association
Registered nurses in Florida who join this group enjoy professional development and networking opportunities, legal protection, and more.