Here in Los Angeles/Hollywood area registry pay is $400 for 12 hours you get straight pay and are responsible for taxes. As staff it is not difficult in ICU to make about $100 more per shift. It is very possible to earn 90-100,000 per year if you have extensive experience.

The quote I got for a new RN is $14.00. It sounds as if I need to move to California.

Originally posted by angel:
I know that pay scales vary around the usa; but was wondering about the va nuses pay scale(title 38)...we have been under a locality pay act for 10years now & do not get cost of living like all other federal employees.In fact some years got a cut..this year they receive 4.8%....what about the rest of the USA what is your COLA????....maybe it is time that we organize for uniformity of pay throught the usa...

I do not completely understand what you are saying but it sounds like the federal goverment passed somesort of law that was meant to make VA salaries competitive with other instutions in your area and instead it has been used to abuse you. Did I get that right?

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collective bargaining is the key phrase for RN's Does the public think a nurse does less for lower wage in tin buck two? Public knowledge and information such as 20/20 will be our forum in this century. RN's are responsible for recognizing symptoms that lead to life or death - and we get treated worse and paid less than plumbers. what is that marriage philosophy that says if you lay down like a rug you will probably get walked on???

When I read the regional quotes I was astounded! But since I live in CA and the cost of living is absurb maybe I shouldn't be. I have 14 yrs. experience, some in mgmt, I recently got a 3% increase, $36/hr not including differentials. But I also pay almost $2/gal for gas and my apt is $1150/mo for a 2 bedroom. I live 15 mi. from work and where I live is considered cheap! I am still struggling at the end of the month. I have found that message boards really show how different this world can be.

In Kentucky, RN pay ranges from $12 hr. up to around $30 hr. depending on where you work and the demand for nurses in that area.

I was just so surprised of what I just learned! I think it's time for me to invite everybody to come here in Canada to work! I just started working in the ICU last year without previous experience on this area, came from another country, and yet...I am earning $24.00/hour. Not too bad eh? Please...we are desperate for nurses!

Hi there! Where in Canada are you? I'm in Vancouver. I went to the US for a couple of years after I graduated. Great experiences but I am so glad to be back in Canada. All I have to say is the grass is not always greener on the other side. You definately earn the elusive "American dollar" being overworked. I wish more people would see how the pay is not the "35.00/hr" that the news broadcasts when speaking of our current shortage and grads going to the US. Also, unless you are living on a boarder town the exchange is relative. When you live in the US you spend in US, dollar for dollar.
Yes the pay here in Canada is not that bad when you look at it that way. The taxes suck, but I'd rather make 24.00/hr and pay taxes than make 14.00/hr period...that's a slap in the face.

I feel like a millionaire! But it doesn't go far here in Philly, as someone mentioned earlier.Fresh out of school 3 years ago, I started in Tele in a Level I trauma center 3-11 and made 21.50 an hour. I went to a community hospital Pool and made 31.50, weekends 7a-7p. I am now doing agency $40/hour. We are so desperate on the East coast. I know of some facilites that will pay you $48/hour for working 3/4 weekends!

Originally posted by Lynn_RN:
In Kentucky, RN pay ranges from $12 hr. up to around $30 hr. depending on where you work and the demand for nurses in that area.

I know that recently in KY the payscale starting rate for new grads is $15.05 hr. There was a market review handed to all the hospitals in which they ajusted there rate as close to the others. This all took place about 5 months ago. I don't know anything about the nursing homes or agencies