money

I went into nursing for the money 25 years ago so I could raise my sons. I'm a damn good nurse, I love what I do and I've always been able to support myself and my family on what I make.

So my answer is: Yes, you can go into it for the money and be a damn fine nurse.

Some people act like it is a crime to try to put food on the table. I am not going into nursing to make more money, but I am leaving teaching because of it. There is a difference. I felt that I was worth more than 12 dollars an hour, and I am just not going to do it anymore. Now if I ever feel that way about nursing, well, I will do something about it. But even with my masters in education I was only going to get about a 1200 dollar a year raise, and I feel that anyone with a masters level degree deserves more, and I see that nursing pays well at that level, and I also feel very confident that I will be a superb nurse, no doubt, just like you!!! Best wishes!

I went into nursing because I saw it as a "career" opportunity. Not specifically for money, but security for my family. While no one's job is totally secure, nurses, teachers, an a few other professions have the ability to find work almost anywhere in the country. That appealed to me, and it still does. We all have to consider why we work, and I think for all of us it is the same reason... To provide for our families needs... And having a "career path" that allows the ability to do it consistently, is where I derive my family's security.

With that said, I do my job well because I enjoy what I do. I take pride in myself and in the responsibility with which I have been charged. As trained professionals we have an obligation to uphold a "professional standard" no matter what our salary may be. When you accept a patient assignment, they don't care about your financial status, but they do care about your professionalism.

If the pros and cons of a nursing career don't come out in your favor, financially or otherwise, then I would find a new field of employment. As for me... I am very happy and intend to be here for a while.

George

Not true in all cases, Pattycakes. As a bedside nurse, it does not matter what level of education you have, you will be paid the same.
In order to get appropriate compensation for your Masters, you will most likely have to leave clinical nursing and go into Staff Development, academia, or research.

Just an FYI.

I just joined theese bulliten boards, and I will admit that I am
stepping into the fray without having read all the posts.
Here's my two cents
I don't really think it matters what your original motivation is for going into nursing, money versus a callling. It's the kind of professional you end up being. It's the difference of just having a job or being a professional, and giving something extra of yourself. I also think that we all move up and down this scale during our careers. I know I have in 19 years of nursing.
Sorry for the funky grammer, I am a day shifter working a night shift, and I am out of prictice on those.