Anyone excited about your RN life ahead?

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Most of my life I've made chump change, now that I'm on my journey to becoming a nurse, I get overwhelmed with emotion at the thought of the life I will live.

25-40 dollars an hour are a big deal for me since I grew up poor and everything I ever bought (including clothes furniture cars etc.) have been used. The areas I've lived in are not the safest.

I'll be able to afford more things, take care my grandfather, etc.

I'm not even there yet and I almost want to cry.

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Specializes in Heme Onc.

Upward mobility is such an energizing feeling. I'm glad you feel like your choices have lead to the ability to change and improve your life!

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Upward mobility is such an energizing feeling. I'm glad you feel like your choices have lead to the ability to change and improve your life!

Yep, I'm pumped about it! I've spent most of my working life waiting tables, so my pay might not necessarily increase that much, but it'll be more consistent. No more hoping for a busy shift when rent's due, and no more questions about when I'm going to go back to school or get a "real" job. Never mind the fact that most of my restaurant co-workers had degrees, and were serving because their "real jobs" didn't pay enough to put a dent in their student loan debt.

Oh, and benefits are not to be sneezed at. I'm excited to start!

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Specializes in Heme Onc.
Yep, I'm pumped about it! I've spent most of my working life waiting tables, so my pay might not necessarily increase that much, but it'll be more consistent. No more hoping for a busy shift when rent's due, and no more questions about when I'm going to go back to school or get a "real" job. Never mind the fact that most of my restaurant co-workers had degrees, and were serving because their "real jobs" didn't pay enough to put a dent in their student loan debt.

Oh, and benefits are not to be sneezed at. I'm excited to start!

I know right??!!! And the opportunity for raises O_O (albeit meager).

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I'm excited for all of us!!!!

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Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

That's true. As a nurse I have some bad days. However ,I grew up poor as well and thank God frequently for pulling me upwards financially. It really does improve your life tremendously.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I agree 100% having a secure career is a wonderful feeling and many congratulations to all the new grads! Keep in mind to be sensible about your lifestyle improvements because it can be very easy to live above your means.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.

Congrats on this exciting life change! I definitely feel the same way. I've worked in retail for most of my adult life, and now I have a job as an ER medical scribe that makes me feel like an indentured servant for what I'm paid. Can't wait to complete nursing school and be able to afford "adult" things one day!

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Yep, I'm pumped about it! I've spent most of my working life waiting tables, so my pay might not necessarily increase that much, but it'll be more consistent. No more hoping for a busy shift when rent's due, and no more questions about when I'm going to go back to school or get a "real" job. Never mind the fact that most of my restaurant co-workers had degrees, and were serving because their "real jobs" didn't pay enough to put a dent in their student loan debt.

Oh, and benefits are not to be sneezed at. I'm excited to start!

Agreed - Take home pay really isn't that much more than it was when I waited tables, but consistency and benefits are massive pros. I thought I'd be making more, but it's nice to be able to budget and not stress about whether a shift will be busy or a customer will tip poorly.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.
Agreed - Take home pay really isn't that much more than it was when I waited tables, but consistency and benefits are massive pros. I thought I'd be making more, but it's nice to be able to budget and not stress about whether a shift will be busy or a customer will tip poorly.

Yeah, I hope OP doesn't become disillusioned when he/she sees a first paycheck. New grads aren't making all that much. Without a lick of overtime, I bring home around 3000/month, after retirement deduction, taxes, and health insurance/benefits. That includes weekend AND night differential.

It is decent and stable money, but I have heard of bartenders making more than that! :/

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

I am with you guys in a way, I also grew up fairly poor and watched my mom struggle after her and my father got divorced. She had no education and spent her whole life struggling and working two jobs to support a home and us, as well as having to depend on child support or another income from a significant other. I am grateful for her hard work, but it also taught me the value of getting a college education so that I would never have to depend on someone else to support me.

I have two college degrees, I work hard, but I have a reliable vehicle, own a condo, and have my own bed and furniture, and best of all no need for a roommate!

Anne

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I can't wait until I'll be able to afford a one bedroom! I'm still a new nurse and am playing catch up with bills/trying to budget with student loan payments. Hopefully it'll be a reality in the next year!

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