will universal healthcare ( in the usa) cut RN pay?

Single payer is not socialized medicine. It is socialized finance. See PNHP.org for an extensive discussion about the differences.

Don't worry the cut in your pay will be offset by the increase in your taxes. Socialism always brings everyone (except those making the rules) down to the lowest common denominator. So get ready for massive tax increases and very stagnant wages.

I agree with icyounurse -- and to add to that...

In the US, the concept of universal healthcare seems very fair. It's fine and dandy to say "I don't want to take a pay cut in exchange for universal healthcare for all US citizens." Then think about the grand scheme of things. In the ED, we see a lot of the problem with NO healthcare, and the non-effectiveness of public aid. People go without, or with minimum, and then when they get really sick, and are on their death bed, we treat them and invest tons of money just to care for them until they die. Who pays the bill?

With universal healthcare, at least everyone will have the same opportunity to maintain their health. I think the best part of the movie "Swing Vote" was one of the lines that essentially said, "If the United States is one of the richest countries in the world, why can't we afford to live here?" And furthermore, why can't our own citizens have healthcare? The young and the old are struggling, all with health problems. Kids are diagnosed with cancer before they are even walking. But the wealthy, who could still maintain their lifestyle on a small pay cut, are concerned that universal healthcare might make a little dent in their annual salary?

Sorry, that's awful selfish. This world has become SO self-centered... everyone out for themselves. "It's all about me." Makes me SICK. The only place that people are guaranteed to be seen and treated, no matter how bad or minor their illness, is the ER. That's really sad.