If you did not need the money...?

Nurses General Nursing

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If you did not need the money would you work like you are? I was talking with a co-worker (also went to school with her). I don't remember the exact conversation but I thought it raised an interesting question that could get a good discussion going. We were talking about farthing our education and I made a comment about how it would be nice to make that much money. She got very high and mighty and said something like well nursing is not about money; money has nothing to do with me being a nurse.... She made me feel very small. But honestly, if nursing paid min wage then I don't think I would do it. I could not afford to.

If every job in the word paid the same and school was free, then yes, I'd pick nursing.

If I woke up tomorrow and won the lottery, I'd quit a few of my jobs and maybe take a weekend off (in the middle of a 25 day stretch right now-Zzzzz) but I'd keep at least one job. Because I do love so much about nursing.

But I'm sorry, if they stopped paying me, I stop showing up for work. I'm sorry, but a girls gotta eat!

So, if you did not need the money would you work like you are?

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

for years, i would have answered your question differently, but now . . . if i didn't need the money, i wouldn't be working. of course, part of that is because i'm getting older.

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No. I would play a lot, goof off, travel, maybe take courses in topics I am interested in but never have time to study, maybe do some volunteer work, maybe work a couple of days per week, just enough to keep my skills us and keep that insurance coverage paid for.

The OP's colleague might not need the money. Most of us do, unfortunately. even those who today do not might need it tomorrow. Sigh. It's called being low born, not marrying well, and not winning the lotto. And picking a line of work that also doesn't pay what executives make.

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I only work a few nursing shifts a week and it's purely for the money. I work in a lower paid area most of the time..i am happier and better off for it. If i didn't have a mortgage I would not need to work as a nurse as I have no other debts.

If i could pay my mortage off tomorrow I would not bother keeping my nursing registration.

Oh to dream.

never throw it away - the license. You had to work hard to get it, you might need it someday if debts/expenses do come along.

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Obviously it takes more to be a good nurse then money, but one of the reasons we all get into it is because it provides job security, mobility, and a good middle to upper-middle class lifestyle. Those that ONLY are in nursing for money are the ones that end up failing in the profession.

Your colleague can get on her soap box and preach, but the bottom line is most good nurses got into nursing because it is a rewarding job that can also pay the bills. Being a CNA is an important job that can be rewarding, but you don't see people knocking down the door to get into CNA school like you do with nursing. If being a CNA paid $25 an hour you can guarantee there would be more people doing it.

That said, if money was not hugely important, I would still want to do something like school nursing, or work a couple of days PRN because it is enjoyable.

If I could actually make the same money as a CNA, I would stay a CNA. Lots more contact with patients, lot, lot less paperwork. That having been said, I got into nursing because as as social worker, I was horrifically underpaid. As an RN, I get to do a little social working, and teaching and a lot of nursing. kinda the best of both worlds.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
So, if you did not need the money would you work like you are?

Oh HELL no :no:

I love my job, but I'd retire in a New York minute if I were miraculously to come by all the money I'd ever need. I'd want to do some traveling and finish writing my book, and I'd love to have more time to give to my church...oh yes, I could keep myself plenty busy. And if I did get bored, I could always work 1-2 days per week to keep my skills up and my mind sharp. What a perfect arrangement that would be! :yeah:

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If I could actually make the same money as a CNA, I would stay a CNA. Lots more contact with patients, lot, lot less paperwork. That having been said, I got into nursing because as as social worker, I was horrifically underpaid. As an RN, I get to do a little social working, and teaching and a lot of nursing. kinda the best of both worlds.

I did my time as a CNA, and I don't think I could ever, ever, ever go back to being a CNA, for any amount of money. I love being a Nurse.

(And a fairly well compensated nurse ;)

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i dislike this job a lot. if i didn't need the money i would call in and quit right now. If i wont millions and millions i would stop working. there are better things i could do with my time. I do this job for the money, the same reason i did any of my jobs. the reason i am doing this one now is because it pays more than any other job i have had.

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never throw it away - the license. You had to work hard to get it, you might need it someday if debts/expenses do come along.

No, I probably wouldn't because you just never know what comes along.

I am liking the honesty in this topic. So many people think nursing is a calling, like a religion or something when it is not.

It would be interesting to know how long you have been working as a nurse. Me, I worked as a nurse for the last 21 years then I just had to get out.

It's actually quite nice having two different jobs.

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Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

I love being a nurse and I love my job but if I did not need the money, I would not work full-time. i would do what I do now but only 2 days a week. I think I would always use my nursing skills in some way but maybe do more volunteering. I would love to do a couple overseas trips every year where I could use my nursing skills.

I have a lot of other interests that I would love to have more time to explore.I was a stay-at-home mom for many years and was never bored. There are many interesting things to do that have nothing to do with paid employment.

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Specializes in OBGYN, Urogynecology.

I definitely didn't go into nursing for the money, but more because I like helping people, I wanted something in the medical profession, and great job security (or so I hope. Never know with this economy.)

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I enjoy helping people also, but let's face it....we all need to make a living. If I wasn't able to live comfortably, I wouldn't do it. Not many would, unless of course, you don't need the money. I've said this before, and I'll say it again...there is no shame in expecting a decent living. Lives are at stake.

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Unless you are rich, most people have to work to make money. I don't see how wanting money as part of your motivation for working as a nurse would make you less of a nurse. Never understood that attitude. Its a part of what you expect when you a employed in any job..whats the sense in denying it.

I think a better thing to say is that to be a nurse you should be a person that does care about doing a good job for your patients. I think its hard to do a good job that you need to if you honestly dont give a rip.

Hmmm.....What would I do. Well if I added musical talent too in this fantasy, I would be in a band or professional musician :)

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