Re: New Grads- what starting rates are you seeing?
Forgive me for this piece of unasked for advice- As a new grad, you have a functional basic knowlege of nursing care. The rates in the metro DC and Baltimore area are similar 24-26/hr. Rather than compare money at this stage of your career, ask yourself what job will prepare me for long term goals and make me the best nurse possible? The answer is the job that supports your training for three months to a year depending on the area of practice (med-surg, ER, Transplant, etc.) Money will come after a year of practice in any specialty, as you can work agency or move to a higher paying hospital. I say to the nursing students and newgrads I precept- take punishment in a high acuity teaching hospital setting and learn to take care of the sickies, then when you leave, anything you do will seem easy and your peers will respect the type of practitioner you are.
Not a lecture, just a thought