Where do they get their information?

[huggietoes]

I have had 4 patients this week tell me that they are going into nursing or a member of their family is, because they heard how great the income potential is! One mother asked me, "I hope this is not too personal but can you tell me what your salary is" some nerve, huh? She went on to say that her daughter is going to nursing school so that she can make alot of money and be financially independent, "is it going to matter that she is squeamish about blood and poop?" I think it is all of those darned Johnson & Johnson ads. She looked at me like I had 10 heads and a tail when I told her that a local factory was starting their employees (without a particular skill/training/education) at about $2 more per hour, and that is no weekends, holidays and better benefits. Why do people think that nurses "make the big bucks" There have been credit collection agencies hounding some nurses at my facility that are single moms that are also trying to be 'financially independent'. Not only that, but what worries me most is these people that are coming to the profession for the money and not the nursing, my luck I will get stuck working with these idiots! Sorry for the rant, but I just can not take these simple minded comments anymore.

[cannoli]

Where is this factory? Maybe I can get a job there.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I know exactly what you mean...although in the busy level one ER I work at, few people want to come join us! tee hee

[meandragonbrett]

When you all find the big bucks, let me know what hospital it's at, ok ?

[caffine addict]

Hurah !! Hurah !!!

Sometimes I say:

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY ANYMORE!!!!!

I'm still holding onto that Wall Mart Application just for my sanity

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It's all relative. When I was a student I couldn't wait to graduate and make the big bucks that nursing makes. Nursing does indeed offer an income that makes one financially independent. Certainly aren't going to get rich though.

[wayover20]

I guess it depends what "financially independent" means to you. All I know is, it seems the more I make the more I spend to make up for it. I think I'm financially DEPENDENT!

[Linderella]

I want to work at that factory at least ill make more money and maybe have less aggravation,gray hair,acid reflux,etc.

[maggiesma]

Well it kind of depends on where and what type of nursing you do...........I know a nurse who worked as a private duty nurse for an Arab sheik who make 6 figures in a year.......but the "average joe" nurse is not going to make much just starting out.

I think that some people think that "job security" and "high income" go hand in hand......

Nursing is definitely a secure job.:)

[SmilingBluEyes]

they shall experience an awakening upon securing that first job.

for the incredible liablity we face, the money is not NEARLY enough. you go into it for $$$ you will be disappointed.

[colleen10]

I doubt those with the big misconceptions and only going into it for $$ will last very long in their first nursing job or even nursing school for that matter. I can't even begin to tell you how many nursing student our class lost in the first few weeks alone. So many stories of "this is not what I expected."

[babs_rn]

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes

they shall experience an awakening upon securing that first job.

Actually, I think (I HOPE) it wil lhit them in nursing school.