[wildtime88]

I know that cost of living is said to vary from one area to the next but with few exceptions the cost of living is actually comparable.

I have lived or journeyed to many areas in the us and can say the basic costs of living are not that different except when it comes to housing costs.

The price of a new vehicle, and maintenance is very similar.
Some places rent is lower yet the utilities are higher.
State taxes some times are higher in places where you would least expect it.
Some people have the added burden of city taxes.
The cost of day care from what I have heard is similar as well as private schools.
Clothing costs are similar.
Food prices in grocery stores are basically the same with the only major variable being the price of meat or seafood depending on the area.

Answer based on duties and responsibilities

[RNKitty]

Come on, nurses! The question was not what you are paid, but what you are worth. Looking at the results, we still under value our time and skills. Lift your head up and say - I am worth at least as much as the garbage man!

[tonchitoRN]

How much does a garbage man make?

[canoehead]

I think that based on responsibility TO START that nurses deserve $40/h. But I put down $50 or greater for myself with experience and the ability to work in multiple specialty areas.

For the record I think all you guys putting in the $20/h range are out of your minds. If they want us to make life and death decisions, and expose ourselves to disease and some of the violence that comes through the doors of hospitals they'd better pay us more than a factory worker.

[RNKitty]

Right on, canoehead!

[SharonH, RN]

Rock on canoehead! I put down $40-$45 myself but I do not feel that $50+ is too much.

[deespoohbear]

I think the $40 dollar range is a good place to start. When you weigh in all the factors a nurse who is doing bedside nursing, they should be amongst the highest paid in nursing. We have peoples' lives in our hands and one wrong decision could mean the difference between life and death. Plus, the emotional and physical stress we go through is amazing at times. I have cousin who works for a bank as a loan collection officier or some such title. She has taken some college classes, but does not have a degree. She is making more than I am in a year!! Plus, she gets every known holiday off plus lots of other perks. Just doesn't seem fair, does it? I really enjoy being a nurse, but I can understand why a lot of high school grads don't pursue nursing as a career. I also understand why nurses are leaving the bedside in masses and leaving the profession all together. Interesting poll.

[P_RN]

In 1978 I made $4.03/h. My new Toyota Corona station wagon that year cost $3600.

My last job I made ~/= $25/h and my Ford Aerostar (all be it a 1996 used one) was > $12k. So cars tripled but wages increased by 6x.

So.......what are we worth? Over $40 I think, cause I was worth over $4 way back then!!!

[kaycee]

I think to make it a more specific poll you should have ranges of years of experience. Example 1-5yrs
6-10yrs ect. I think we are all worth more then we are paid now regardless of experience but should a nurse with 2yrs experience make the same as a nurse with 10yrs. I don't think so.
It would be a more interesting poll if you added ranges.

[mattcastens]

I think a good place to look at entry-level wages (for comparisson) is to see what agency nurses make in your area. In my staff job (CVICU -- three years experience) I make $27.10/hour including shift differential.

In my agency job (Critical Care -- three months experience) I make $45/hour including shift differential.

If hospitals can afford agency prices, maybe they should increase the hourly wage for staff -- it might keep the nurses from leaving for agencies. After all, they can still work in the same hospitals, with the same patients, for more money. Hmmmm....