$25-$30 bucks an hour is peanuts!!

Nurses Career Support

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Someone said nurses get good pay-$25-30 an hour???? In the pharmaceutical world, where they employ lots of nurses I would say for a senior person $40-55 and up is more the norm.

Why so pharmacists and Physical Therapists command $75K right out of school--they used to make LESS than nurses.

Hi there,

I'm an RN, but I want to become a phramaceutical sales rep. Do you ladies know what I need to do to pull that off?

I know nurses work for pharmaceutical companies, do you know the steps to take to become one?

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I am just indicating how nursing experience is valued outside of nursing. Thats all. I did not call them poor saps--you did. So whats your point?

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Don't want to upset you guys but my hubby is a plumber and makes $36.

Yeah, but i bet he doesn't get POOPED on as much as we do!! ;)

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Specializes in Emergency, Outpatient.

Nurses are paid low because "we don't do it for the money" a pet peeve of mine. If I didn't do it for the money I would be a volunteer and I think every nurse that says that phrase is harming nurses. We are educated professionals providing a service and should be compensated. If you don't do it for the money then be a volunteer. I have a family to support.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Well, I think nursing is one of the few areas you can be fully hirable, have good career prospects, and make $30/hr to start with just an ADN degree! And the beauty is you can travel, do registry, specialize, consult, and make much more. I think it's still a profession where women can pull themselves up in life.

I'd like to see the profession grow without losing that aspect.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

This is a very old thread..opinions may have changed within the last 4 years...

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Well, since pharmacists attend school for 5-8 years, depending on degree, maybe.

And all of the Physical Therapy (not assistant) majors that I know of require 5 year degree.

I was going to school for PTA/OTA. I wanted more of a career and more pay so I looked into PT. PT's are now required to have their doctorate. I also thought I might do OT but their rate of pay here is lower than an ARNP with 5 years of schooling. Nursing, with only 2 years of school, has good pay. Not as much money to pay back when done school. At 46, this factor was one that I had to take seriously.

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well said.

nurses are paid low because "we don't do it for the money" a pet peeve of mine. if i didn't do it for the money i would be a volunteer and i think every nurse that says that phrase is harming nurses. we are educated professionals providing a service and should be compensated. if you don't do it for the money then be a volunteer. i have a family to support.
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not in every state. from my understanding, they are moving towards this notion but it's not a requirement.

i was going to school for pta/ota. i wanted more of a career and more pay so i looked into pt. pt's are now required to have their doctorate. i also thought i might do ot but their rate of pay here is lower than an arnp with 5 years of schooling. nursing, with only 2 years of school, has good pay. not as much money to pay back when done school. at 46, this factor was one that i had to take seriously.
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Specializes in LTC and Public Health.

Ok- this is interesting- What are RNs making in various specialties and areas of the country? I work in long term care as day shift charge, and make $21 per hour.:uhoh3:

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Specializes in school nursing,cardiology,and mental hea.

After 25 years as a LPN,I obtained my AASN,I was a CNA for 4 years.Now, working in hosp as RN. I make 21.45/hr.Makes me wont to cry.Such low pay for all the responsibilty.I really could have remained a LPN.

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Heavy Siiighhhh.

While I may not agree with the facts of low Nursing pay:

From The US Labor Statistics BB:

The minimum length of postsecondary study currently accepted for a US Bachelor of Science of Pharmacy is five years of academic study.

The minimum length of study for a PharmD is two academic years of prepharmacy courses leading into four years of Pharmacy, which equals six years. In addition, many students opt for a Ph.D in Pharmacy or undergo an internship which may tack on a year or two (I know a couple).

In Addition,

In 1992, the majority of Accredited Schools of Pharmacy in the US voted to make the PharmD degree, the degree required to be a practicing pharmacist.

And, as of 2005, the BS in Pharmacy degree will no longer be offered.

Uuuhhh - sounds alot like 5-7 years to me...and quite soon to be at least six years minimum.

Please feel free to check the stats - they are easily available on the US Bureau of Labor BB.

And while you are at it, check on Physical Therapy requirements. The people I know from several Florida programs all went five years (FAMU).

Kind of resembles our "3 year long with prerequisites that we do not get credit for" Two year Associates in Science degree.

Of course, people that go to school that long (5 to 7 years) do not want to deal with the ........stuff...... that we do.

And...FYI..PhePhe, it is Carolina or Caroline or Caroladybelle.

Please be so kind as to use it.

That is exactly what I was going to say. And for those who think it is easy, just look at some of the prereqs... University of Maryland school of pharmacy: Chem 1 & 2, Organic Chem 1 & 2, Stats, Calc, Physics 1 & 2, A&P 1 & 2, Microeconomics, and you need to have a bachelors. Some colleges may only require two years of pre-pharm. So depending on the program you are looking at 6-8 years of full time school.

Physical Therapy: You have to go to graduate school also. George Washington has a 3 year program. Here are their prereqs:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (two semester sequence, or one semester of each; human focus preferred)
  • Physics (two semesters with lab)
  • Chemistry (two semesters with lab)
  • Biology (two semesters with lab)
  • English (two semesters: one composition, one literature)
  • Statistics (one semester; mathematical focus preferred)
  • Social Sciences (two semesters: must include psychology beyond the introductory level)

All applicants must show evidence of completion of a bachelors degree prior to matriculation into the program.

So again, 7 years of study.

Longer school = higher pay. Nurses who go to graduate school make really good money too. Ask any NP or CRNA for example.

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