Top paid specialty

RNKitty · Nov 13, 2001

Has anyone worked agency for a strike? My husband is in grad school and I work part-time with two kids. We could really use the money, but it feels icky to be a scab. Has anyone done it and would you do it again? $4000 a week sounds just too good to be true!

P_RN, ADN, RN · Nov 13, 2001

Kitty don't do it please. You might make $4000 a week but that is usually 12 hours a day 7 days a week! Plus anything you make is taking other nurses FUTURES away from them! Please don't enable a strikebreak this way.

KC CHICK · Nov 13, 2001

Kitty, that is a very hard position to be in. You need to do what you think is best for you and your family.

I wish you well.

Anne.

huckfinn · Nov 13, 2001

adnstudent

Is the point of your question to find out which is the best path to the money long term? Or is your query for the purpose of obtaining the best money possible right out of school?

adnstudent · Nov 13, 2001

My query would apply to both long term as well as immediately after school. May I ask why you are asking?

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2001

For long-term money-making, I would definitely suggest going on for a Master's degree. Short-term... I can't say, just depends where you go.

KatWright · Nov 14, 2001

Peeps said it well

I am an ADN and I make ~$35/hr in a hospital

BUT thats after 25 years in the same hospital.

If you want to make money, get into the OR , ICU or ER

AND go back to school for your Masters ( Nurse anesthesist or clin spec or NP) But my dear, nevah a PA...they are a physicians assistant....An NP can be independent and hang out his or her own shingle (depending on the state you live in)

The more skills that you have the more you can make. The MORE technical they are the better.

For example, lets say that you went straight to CCU, then after a year or so (mind you , you are taking 1-2 courses per semester during this time) then you go to the EP lab and learn big time skills (mind you, you are still taking 1-2 courses per semester during this time) After a year or 2 in the EP lab, you are getting pretty good at what you do, but you are also nearly half way done with your BSN, or if already have a BSN, you are half way done with your MSN.

Now look at the people that you graduate with, they are still on med-surg.........

adnstudent · Nov 14, 2001

That was well said! That is what I intend on doing. I just received my acceptance letter to an ADN program for Fall 2002 which will take two years, then off to work I go and will finish a BSN (with only one day of courses a week) within two years. With my BSN and two years experince in ER or ICU I will get my MSN in anasthesiology and will be making fairly decent money. And be quite educated may I add!! It's another six years of school but I am actually very anxious and am looking forward to it. I'm still doing my research though so I will probably continue asking these sort of questions. This site is wonderful and the members take the time and effort to help out people like me are what make this such a wonderful site. I too will do the same once I acquire some of the knowledge you have. Thanks again!!!!

Teshiee · Dec 16, 2001

i think as a new grad it doesn't matter much you will not get that top notch pay unless you work registry, and they wont touch you unless you had some experience. i know the highest paid nurse would probaly be a crna.

if you are in a great demand like ccu, icu or l&d, registries tend to shell out lots of big bucks to you.

Mijourney · Dec 16, 2001

Hi. Yes, as far as nursing is concerned, CRNA has my vote for the top pick as far as responsibility and salary is concerned. Since you're new to nursing, have you decided what shift you want to work when you graduate? Nurses who work night shift plus weekends in any specialty generally make more than those who work other shifts. Night shift also requires, IMO, more observation and monitoring skills then other shifts, because you may not have much staff to back you up. I think observation and monitoring would be crucial assets for a CRNA to have. I recommend that you do regularly take the time to closely study your options or alternatives and objectives. Opportunites in nursing are wide ranging and your interests may change as you progress. Best wishes.

hmsrn1201 · Dec 19, 2001

When you graduate with your ADN, your seniority in a hospital will help you immensely get your "Dream job", let alone the fact that there is a nursing shortage out there! I have worked in L&D for 3 years and just graduated 2 days ago. I got a 7a-7p full-time position. Working hard thru nursing school will count for something, plus my hospital paid for ALL of my school, and will continue to pay 70% for my BSN at Michigan State and my master's beyond that. I believe in teaching nursing, there aren't enough educators anymore..... forget about the money. Nursing is about the love for the profession-the world will ALWAYS need us!:)

Teshiee · Dec 20, 2001

I don't say forget the money because if they start paying nurses 5.75 an hour that love will go out the door, nurses will definately go into something else! Money is part why we choose nursing but it shouldn't be the most important. Nursing is to diverse to really be miserable. Too many areas and different jobs one can do.