Working in hospitals

[ant2cory]

Hi everybody! Let me start by saying I know it is very tacky and unprofessional to discuss pay but I am really looking for advice and thought this was the best way to find it.

I will be starting nursing school next fall (finishing pre-reques now) in St. Louis. I know it is hard for new nurses to find jobs and I have been told to get a job at a hospital so I have an "in" when I graduate. I currently work as a dental receptionist making $17.50 I support my 2 kids and myself as a single mom. I own a home and must work. If I get a job as a unit secretary or PCT (after 90 days of clinicals) I am afraid I won't make enough to support myself. If I don't switch jobs, I am afraid I will not be able to get a job when I graduate.

What advice do you future nurses have for me? If you work as a PCT or unit secretary do you mind sharing your pay and years of experience to help me make my decision.

I appreciate your taking time to read this and any advice you have!

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Wow. $17.50 per hour for a dental receptionist in my area would be very good pay! Our new grad RN's make about $19. Since you don't know what the future holds, keep your job. Anything could happen, and you could end up not being able to graduate. BTW, a dental receptionist in my area would make half that, or less.

[mssjez]

Rates depend on where you live and work, including what department you are working in. I work as a psych tech in a small local hospital. Our pay is determined by HR based on experience in the field. We make on average $15-$17/hour, and get differentials by percentage. 15% more per hour for working evenings, 25% more per hour for weekends or overnights and the combination of the different differentials for say, a weekend evening shift. I think you should find a position per diem at a hospital as a CNA. You'll get the experience as often as you want it and can do it. If you are busy with your other job and school you can work a shift every other week, or if you are on vacation from school and have more time you can work two shifts a week. It will also allow you to apply for graduate nursing jobs internally when you graduate. Good luck!