Iowa - RN Pay - Page 4

Register Today!
  1. Sep 8, '08 by
    I have heard the low Iowa pay may be related to the low medicare/medicade reimbursement rates for Iowa. I feel it is also, as i have stated before, very much related to how nurses are viewed here, blue collar, and the fact that they put up with it. As long as we accept it, the low pay will continue. I hold out hope for change. RN's in more empowered areas see themselves as independant contractors and are very assertive about what they will and will not tolerate from working conditions to pay. My freind who is an OT works per diem in TX for 55 per hour, the going rate! Who do you want at your bedside in a code, and experienced icu nurse or an OT?? Lets get the pay we deserve.




    Quote from stevelord
    Years ago in NJ my wife was making $30ish at a hospital, but worked per diem with Maxim and was making $50. Just three 12hr days a week and she was banking $900.

    One of my best friends did travel in NJ and was getting sign on bonuses and housing allowance...for a cheap apartment he split with a friend anyway. Good bachelor money.

    Iowa does pay IT pretty well though so even though I am only a few years into my career, I hope I can be making good money as I progress.
  2. Sep 12, '08 by
    I am a recent new grad..as of Nov. last year. I accepted a job at the U of I. They pay salary, then you get shift diff on top $3. for evenings, and $3.50 for nights, when you work a weekend you get $2. an hour, and if you work an extra shift you get $10. an hour. all on top of your base salary. My base salary is $47980. which equals out to $27.76 an hour, as a NEW RN. I'm sure your wife would make much more than that. Plus you get awesome benefits, like IPERS, which is state retirement. hope this helps!
    GarrettRN likes this.
  3. Sep 13, '08 by
    Quote from Lylesmom
    I am a recent new grad..as of Nov. last year. I accepted a job at the U of I. They pay salary, then you get shift diff on top $3. for evenings, and $3.50 for nights, when you work a weekend you get $2. an hour, and if you work an extra shift you get $10. an hour. all on top of your base salary. My base salary is $47980. which equals out to $27.76 an hour, as a NEW RN. I'm sure your wife would make much more than that. Plus you get awesome benefits, like IPERS, which is state retirement. hope this helps!
    Lylesmom, I very impressed with your salary rate and happy for you. I heart that U of I pays realy well. However, this salary level is rather exceptional then regular for Iowa. Those folks who do not live in Iowa City have to accept positions with much lover rates.
  4. Sep 13, '08 by
    I too am happy you have this opportunity. The U has always been and continues to be an exception to the norm in Iowa. I currently work for the state in a facility. Would I prefer a more clinical setting? Yes, at times. But if i do it will be per diem and part time as most places just cannot or will not offer a comparable salary and benefits. Good Luck at the U, i have heard it is a great place to work! Hopefully more places in Iowa will follow, but probably not until they are forced by labor shortage which we all know is not a good situation for employees or patients.




    Quote from Lylesmom
    I am a recent new grad..as of Nov. last year. I accepted a job at the U of I. They pay salary, then you get shift diff on top $3. for evenings, and $3.50 for nights, when you work a weekend you get $2. an hour, and if you work an extra shift you get $10. an hour. all on top of your base salary. My base salary is $47980. which equals out to $27.76 an hour, as a NEW RN. I'm sure your wife would make much more than that. Plus you get awesome benefits, like IPERS, which is state retirement. hope this helps!
  5. Sep 14, '08 by
    Thanks MaryNochka, I myself do not live in Iowa City, I actually will be driving 90 miles each way to work there. They are one of the top hospitals in the nation, so I couldn't pass up the opp. to gain so much experience!
  6. Jan 1, '09 by
    I have 16 yrs experience and an MSN (BSN required for my position) and work in community mental health. I make less than $40k a year as a saleried employee and often get stuck 'volunteering' as I don't get overtime or comp time if a client takes longer than planned. The only perk is that I work 8-4 m-f with holidays off.
  7. Feb 27, '09 by
    i am also an r.n in LTC for 11 yrs of experience i make 19.86/hr i am 1 hour east of desmoines. i have looked at area hospitals and their starting wage for and rn is more then i am making now........makes me kinda sad and i work for one of the top nursing home in the area we have a great reputaion and great survey results
  8. Feb 28, '09 by
    I started out as a new LPN in Eastern IA at 19.15/hr. Looking to go back for my BSN just because I LOVE the learning process.
  9. Mar 3, '09 by
    Quote from openseas
    I started out as a new LPN in Eastern IA at 19.15/hr. Looking to go back for my BSN just because I LOVE the learning process.
    If you love it...go for it. I dont think you can go wrong to get your RN.
  10. Mar 11, '09 by
    Here is an example: I have 15 years RN experience, work full time community mental health and earned 37K last year. My son in law who manages a Dickey's BBQ earned over 40K.