Kalispell Montana

I lived in Helena, Montana and the pay for nursing staff is low there. Same kind of response from nursing schools there I'm living in Texas now, where the pay is more commensurate with the cost of living

Montana has the second lowest average income of the 50 states, we are also ranked number 26th in cost of living. West Virginia is the only state with a lower pay scale. The last Republican Governor of the state was noted for telling Montana workers that the low wages were offset by "our 'low cost of living' and the 'privilege' of being able to live in such a wonderful place". He is now the current head of the Republican National Headquarters.

Montana's wage scale for most professions run at from 45-65 per cent of the national average. Some professions that require college degrees run a little higher. Hi-Tech (i.e. Computer Networking Engineers etc.) have been forced up by the lack of candidates to between 90 and 95 percent of the national average.

In order to improve our quality of life (pay to cost of living ratio), I think that more people need to become more knowlegable and active in our political processes.

It must be frustrating. I just finished a travel assignment as an ER nurse at an Indian Hospital in Browning Montana and the rates wern't bad. But I did hear from the local nurses your same concerns. The group that I did the travel assignment with may be looking for my replacement. Let me know if you would like their name and number.
Good luck to you.

I worked overtime but make $30.00 per hour. I don't think our Director of Nurses would tell anyone they should be glad to work here because it is a pretty place. She has been working to keep us up with the national rate of pay, and we live in a beautiful place near mountains and clear lakes. WE VOTED DOWN THE UNION!!!BECAUSE OUR DON TAKES CARE OF US.

hi stat! it's nice to hear that! i was offered with 18/hr as starting salary.i made a 21/2yr contract in missoula. is it a good start? i will bring my family with me,my husband and 2 kids.if the visa retrogression will be lifted,hopefully,we'll be there this year or maybe next year because i want to finish my Master's Degree.

you mentioned that you made approx. $98K, and I am assuming that that included quite a bit overtime. I was curious to know what your experience level is, years at Kalispell, and what the typical "normal" shifts are for RNs. any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

Would you happen to know what the flight care nurses are making? Also, correct me if I am wrong, one must work at Kalispell for at least 5 years before qualifying for this position?

hello from visalia ca i currently work in the ed as a ed tech just applid to two colleges in helena mt i need most general education but still would like to work when myself and family move there in about mid summer 2006 would like to meet some friends in the same area and going in the sames direction as myselfplease respond thanks in caly

Hi,
I live in Kentucky, but work in Ohio. At our hospital (Christ), we make $18 an hour to start, plus a $4 an hour shift differential for night. There are bonuses available for working on your off days if you are called and they are desperate. Local Northern Kentucky hospitals are similar in their approach.

I had heard when I was near Browning, MT last year, you can earn up to $80,000 working for Indian Health Services. From what I understand, there is not a lot to do in/near Browning itself, so there is no place to spend that $80,000! For me, that is very appealing, since I can't keep a dime in my pocket! I do realize this was verbal info, given from a 'friend of a nurse' there, so I take it with a grain of salt.

Best wishes to everyone!