An Acceptable Pay Rate for a New RN in Philly?

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Hello All!

I am a new bachelor's degree graduate RN and I am in the process of looking for my first RN job. Would someone be able to tell me what might be an acceptable starting rate for an RN who lives in Philly (Phila., PA)? Although I would be grateful to find a job, I won't feel comfortable accepting an RN position that pays less than $27/hr (56,000-57,000/yr). Is what I'm looking for a bit unreasonable? Is it wrong for me to feel as if I shouldn't have to accept anything based on how far I've come to get to where I am now? I just don't want to accept a pay rate that is either the same or less than what I used to make before I spent years in school to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

In some facility's in Philly, that is the starting pay; granted there are other health systems that pay more, but they are highly competitive to get into; as well as you may be looking at base pay, not including off shift and weekend differential included, which changes the dynamic; and not including clinical nurse ladder participation, which could vary from 5-10+ percent; depending on healthcare experience.

In short, take not only account of base pay, but off-shift pay, and weekend rate; and the salary with vary.

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In some facility's in Philly, that is the starting pay; granted there are other health systems that pay more, but they are highly competitive to get into; as well as you may be looking at base pay, not including off shift and weekend differential included, which changes the dynamic; and not including clinical nurse ladder participation, which could vary from 5-10+ percent; depending on healthcare experience.

In short, take not only account of base pay, but off-shift pay, and weekend rate; and the salary with vary.

Thank you very much LadyFree28 for this advice!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

No problem!

To add:

I'm not sure you will be able to negotiate your pay; I was an LPN making tons of money, took a pay cut after life got in the way; when I became a new grad and accepted a position where the starting pay was what I was making as a LPN with over five years experience.

Now that I have some experience, I am about to accept a position where my base pay is the amount that I made as a pool LPN; however, that is my base pay, guaranteed hours, and not including weekend rate, and off-shift rate, which will certainly change my annual salary.

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