They should be ashamed what they pay nurses

[TRN]

I just have to vent for a moment. Why is it that OT 's and PT's make more than RN's? Don't tell me it is a degree thing b/c many RN's have 4 year degrees just like MANY ot/pt's do. They don't all have a master's! Why is it that my mother who doesn't have a college degree, has not worked in 25 years, has minimal skills (God love her) was offered a clerical position for $15 an hour. Three dollars less than what I make!!! My friends maid makes more than I do! WHAT is going on here? I am new to this field and I LOVE pt. care but I can't stay in it for long with this pay. I can barely afford rent! How did it get so bad and how come nothing has ever been done about this? All this talk about safe pt. care! My floor is great and everyone is supportive. Quality care is the least of my concerns right now b/c my patiens are well taken care of. My pt.s are fine, but I am broke. How come nurses have not stood up for themselves before? I'm in shock. This is ridiculous.

[Charles S. Smith, RN, MS]

The educational standard for PTs as cited by their national association is the Master's Degree...Those without MS degrees in most areas (some rural areas excluded) do not command the same wage as you stated. PTs are moving toward MS entry as the professional level and anything below that the technical level of assistant...It is a move well worth looking at carefully. I applaud them for taking an educational avenue to controlling the supply of PTs, thus increasing the demand and commensurate wages.

best to all

chas

[EXOTIC NURSE, RN]

First of all nursing has such a terrible shortage, your wish for higher educational entry is redundant. I feel if an Associate degree Nurse and a Bachelar degree nurse have to take the same state boards then why pay them more money. A bachelar degree in nursing is good only if you plan to go into management then you can make your money. If you are holding a Master degree in Nursing then you should be holding some type of Management or Teaching position somewhere not working as a floor nurse and expect to get paid more money just because you have a few extra letters behind your name. I am not saying any of you are floor nurses I am just using this as an example. I respect the fact that individuals go back to college and get higher degrees because I am doing it myself but I am not going to stay in the same position I am in now after getting it. You have to make your own way; if you don't like the pay, look elsewhere until you find someplace that will pay you the kind of money you feel is kinda of fair...................

[Huganurse]

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Results: Page 1 of 1

Job Number Title City Yearly Salary Date Posted

FL2213455 LPN/RN $20,800.00 9/11/2001

* FL2204362 LPN/RN $16,640.00 8/10/2001

* FL2180078 CNA/LPN/RN $17,680.00 5/7/2001

FL2177803 LPN /RN /EMT $23,275.20 4/27/2001

* FL2177332 RN/LPN FULL &PART TIME $36,400.00 4/26/2001

* FL2174184 P/T LPN/RN $29,120.00 4/16/2001

* FL2171576 RN/LPN FT/&PT N/A 4/5/2001

These were for full time positions. The RN rates are only a couple of dollars higher than what was posted. I know there are some better paying jobs in the area. It's no wonder people are not choosing nursing for a career. I find it strange that they would post such low rates when we are in a shortage that in some areas of local hospitals are at serious to critical levels for nursing shortages.