Do nurses get paid enough for what they do?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 20, 2005

I guess that's the injustices of life and we just have to live with it.

That's part of the reason why crappy pay exists. Because some just live with it.

Bipley · Dec 20, 2005

:offtopic: Whoa. I got to jump in real quick and speak on that one! As far as entertainers getting paid millions, that is OUR fault. If no one bought a concert ticket, a CD, a movie ticket, or a DVD, then these people would be just as broke as we are (or say we are). Where do you think the money they make comes from? Production companies spend millions on making a movie and are still able to pay actors a million dollar salary because WE as consumers pay for it. Soooo, on that note, I think nurses should be paid more because of the work they do.

The more of your posts that I read the more I like your style.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Dec 20, 2005

Same work should receive same pay.

No, nurses are not compensated appropriately for their time, efforts, and responsibilities.

jaquar · Dec 20, 2005

There is something tragically wrong when athletes and actors are paid millions , and nurses, soldiers, firefighters, etc are paid so poorly. What volumes that speaks of how we are valued in society.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 20, 2005

There is something tragically wrong when athletes and actors are paid millions , and nurses, soldiers, firefighters, etc are paid so poorly. What volumes that speaks of how we are valued in society.

True, and you are only remembered when in an emergency, in sickness, or tragedy.

nurse4theplanet, RN · Dec 20, 2005

As a new grad in 2006, I embrace the pay raise (from $5.75-$20+/hr...ain't that bad). What I have a problem with is that the longer a nurse works, or the more education she/he pursues, the compensation does not go up like in other professions. Nurses definitely are worth more than what they are paid.

Hospitals are big business....just like other corporations. All their decisions are driven by the almighty dollar. The more they have to pay us, the more they are going to cut out other expenses to keep those profits coming in. It may be holiday bonuses, pt care products (like toothbrushes or those really neat shower caps to wash hair....our facility got rid of both of these because they were trying to cut costs), or even other personnel that can be replaced with cheaper employees that have less training. It can become a vicious cycle. Just remember how much your nurses are truly worth if you ever find yourself in the position to make these big decisions.

Nurses are priceless.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 21, 2005

I have to turn the question around and ask the poster asking what we think we should be paid, exactly:

What do YOU think we should be paid?

I am interested to know

James Huffman · Dec 21, 2005

I have to turn the question around and ask the poster asking what we think we should be paid, exactly:
What do YOU think we should be paid?
I am interested to know

In the first place, I'm not one complaining about what I'm paid. My point is that unless nurses are willing to very specifically say what would "enough," then discussions of this nature are just whining sessions.

I think we should be paid whatever we can negotiate with those we work for. I've been self-employed for over 20 years. I'm quite satisfied with what I make. Being independent (self-employed or working as a contractor, for example) gives us control not only over our practice, but over what we are paid, as well.

Jim Huffman, RN

lisamc1RN, LPN · Dec 21, 2005

I think nurses should be paid upper middle class wages. The more education, the higher the wage as well.

jsixxerrn · Dec 21, 2005

If you go into nursing for the money you are doing it for the wrong reason. I would tell anyone that was thinking about going to nursing school this. Although we are payed well it will never be enough to compensate for watching a 15 yo kid die on oyur watch b/c of some stupid drunk driver. I could never be compoensated with money for what i have seen in my short two years of practice. I still think of that one patient that made me want to be a nurse when I was crying my way through nursing school. To be honest with you I would do it still for less money just to see that one 6 yo smile when I came into his room.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 21, 2005

There is something tragically wrong when athletes and actors are paid millions , and nurses, soldiers, firefighters, etc are paid so poorly. What volumes that speaks of how we are valued in society.

Exactly my point from before. People do make the choices on what to value in life.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 21, 2005

To sum this debate up and to show I really have learned something (since I did ask this question on another thread, that was referred to by Tweety). I see that:

1. Nurses are paid pretty good to start out and VERY good for students who have just spent the past 4-6 years living on a tight budget and broke from buying huge nursing books, uniforms, etc. So, in the beginning, it's all good.

2. Nurses are responsible for LIVES and they are involved in ALL aspects of patient care and are usually the target of abuse from families, physicians, techs, etc and because of this, they should be paid more.

3. Nurses have to work under very adverse conditions, be exposed to body fluids, and work understaffed. This adds to their stress and by virtue of this, they SHOULD BE PAID MORE!

4. Nurses who have BSN's should be paid a slightly higher salary because usually in most other professions workers are paid more for more education.

Nurses with MSN's should most certainly be paid a great deal more--

this includes nurse educators.

5. Finally, nurses are the heart of the hospital and should get more just for that, don't you think? :) .

So, can we end the debate on nursing salaries?

See, SmilingBlueyes, I've been listening!