salary questions

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

I am a psych nurse in an outpatient clinic. I have been at this job 1 1/2 years. Prior experience as a psych nurse 1 1/2 years in an inpatient unit. What is the rate of pay that someone with my experience can expect to receive where any of you live? I think I am greatly underpaid and am curious.

What is your level of education & do you have any certifications?

TatianaSidhe,

I have a B.A. and I am ANCC certified. Thanks your help.

Okay, I am in Northeastern Pennsylvania but I currently work in Northern New Jersey. When I started in nursing back in 1990 fresh out of school with no experience in nursing, I had only my BSN. I started at $40,500 or somewhere very close to that amount yearly salary added to that I recieved a 15% shift differential for Sat & Sundays + additional 15% for any evening or night shifts worked. I got 12 paid holidays per years + 4 weeks vacation earened at a rate of 8 hours per 2 weeks & sick leave time at a rate of 4 hours per 2 weeks. I have stayed in the same job since being hired ther in 1990 & am currently earning approx. $75,500 salary per year, we are due for a small cost of living raise perhaps 2% in January. I work night shift so I get the 15% differential on top of my salary + I usually work every weekend so that is another 15% on top of that. I expect to exceed $85,000 this tax year. I work a 40 hour work week- 5/8hr. shifts per week. I work in a federal facillity but not a prison. I don't know what that comes to per hour but it is pretty competitive for psych. I am charge nurse on the night shift for locked psych admissions, some forensic & many court committed patients. It is a rough & often times stressful or violent environment. Our unit census is 24 & we are co-ed.

Last job fair I checked out in New Jersey the basic hourly rates they we offering per diem at local hospitals in psych were anywhere from $30-$40/hour depending on the day & shift worked. The pay rate in Pennsylvania is slightly lower.

Hope this is of some help to you. :)

I can't believe I found someone from east tennessee in this board. I am also from east tennessee so as far as salary, depends on your experience. You should apply at Indian Path Pavilion. Mountain States Health Alliance pays competitive salary for this area. Seems like we are always hiring. Good luck.

http://www.msha.com/

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