Im a student... I need advice!

purplemania, BSN, RN · May 30, 2003

compared to what???? Grads here start at $18/hr with differentials for evening and night hours. Good insurance, retirement, etc. Tuition reimbursement, certifications paid for---plenty of job security. Can work extra for extra pay plus time and one-half. Have to get your hands dirty once in a while, so be prepared for that!

babs_rn · May 30, 2003

Just depends on where you work. You have to take the bad with the good in anything in life. Don't fall for the hype the Johnson & Johnson ads throw at you, though. Just keep your ears open to those around you in your clinicals and remember that some things you just have to learn for yourself.

TheSquid · May 30, 2003

Johnson & Johnson ads? I havent seen those.

What do you guys think of the traveling Nurse thing?

jlsand · May 30, 2003

Graduated in 95, started at $14 an hour. Been an RN for 8 years, now make $27.50. Good benefits. Still have to pay too much for RX meds, though. I work my rear end off making that $27.50 /hr and $28.75 on weekends!

My blog

Tommydboy · May 30, 2003

David, first ask yourself why you want to become a nurse.

The location where you will practice will dictate the wages and the benefits.

Nursing is a wide open field and offers many opportunities. I started in the ER, now work part time in an oral surgeon office and currently work for an insurance Co.

If you are only in this field for the money, well.... good luck!

sjoe · May 30, 2003

"The location where you will practice will dictate the wages and the benefits."

AND your training, experience, and specialty AND union affiliation AND type of facility.

Tommydboy · May 30, 2003

David, forgot to mention I also work prn for a temp nursing agency (they pay pretty good but usually offer no benefits). About your traveling nurse question.... I have known a few nurses that have done that prior to settling down and loved it. Then again they were single females getting a chance to see the country at 3-6 months at a time. If you are single I say go for it!! The pay is usually great, most agencies will pay your moving expenses and either pay your lodging or pay you per diem. Another thing to think about is a military carreer. The pay for officers is decent and the benefits are unbeatable.. That is if you are in a 4 year program.

ps: where I work the pay stinks... I stay in this area because my family roots are here. I'm talking about the midwest (specifically Iowa). Starting pay for new grads in the hospitals here is around $13-14/hr... I think the nursing homes pay a little more than that.

TheSquid · May 30, 2003

well, I mean, isnt that the bottom line of it. The money? Thats the ONLY reason people work is for the money. So, yeah, thats why im doing it. I was just wondering if it is a good career choice becuase I am also an actor. That means I have to have flexible hours.

How many days a week do you guys normally work?

TheSquid · May 30, 2003

Oh. You live in Iowa? Thats cool. ALOT of my family lives there.

But I live in South Cali. And would never settle down anywhere else.

You would think with such a nurse shortage going on that they would pay you more.

bellehill, RN · May 30, 2003

The Squid...yes people work for the money, everybody needs to have money but there is a big difference between sitting at a desk and being a nurse. You will become a social worker, psychologist, chaplain, family member....to these patients who are depending on you when they are the most vulnerable. The mental and physical toll is sometimes overwhelming. Please consider this and good luck.

bellehill, RN · May 30, 2003

PS: I am a traveler and I love it. Plan on 1-2 years of med-surg experience before traveling. My husband travels with me and gets part-time jobs so it can be done with a spouse.