APRN vs. RN

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Hi everyone-

I am new to this forum and have a question regarding APRN and RN salaries. My mom is a nursing supervisor and has told me that although APRN's have more education, sometimes RNs make more money because of overtime shifts, differentials, etc... Is this true? I really want to become an APRN, and will be starting an accelerate program soon to be one. That just does not make sense to me though. Where I live, starting APRN's will make high $60k/low $70k. Thanks.

Specializes in ER, critical care.
(Actually, most states only require MDs to complete a single year of general residency (what used to be a separate "internship") to be eligible for licensure and practice. All the additional years of indentured servitude are voluntary on their part in order to make them eligible for boarding in a specialty, and to make them more "marketable" in general (since many/most hospitals require BE/BC as a condition for privileges) -- but, still, voluntary, and, yes, a means of "paying dues" while they gain experience and expertise.)

Since most hospitals require BE/BC for credentialing, calling it voluntary doesn't make it any less required.

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Psych.
(Actually, most states only require MDs to complete a single year of general residency (what used to be a separate "internship") to be eligible for licensure and practice. All the additional years of indentured servitude are voluntary on their part in order to make them eligible for boarding in a specialty, and to make them more "marketable" in general (since many/most hospitals require BE/BC as a condition for privileges) -- but, still, voluntary, and, yes, a means of "paying dues" while they gain experience and expertise.)

These days, the extra residency is only voluntary if one doesn't want to work! :rolleyes: Because medical residents can average 80 -120 hours per week (even though anything over 80 is considered illegal, it's still done), the pay averages to $3.00-$4.50 per hour for this specialized training. The average resident earns from $35,000-$45,000 per year for 3-7 years, depending on specialty and year ranking. This is a set amount, regardless of experience or medical school graduated from. They pay their dues in more ways than we think!

Seriously though, I think that NP's could benefit from a 1 year residency program. Although I think that NP training prepares great graduates, the profession would probably gain even more credibility in the eyes of it's peers. Maybe this training could include business and law classes for the FNP's who want to open their own business, or the ACNP's could learn subjects that could make them more usable/competitive with MD/DO hospitalists. Just some food for thought.

Disclaimer: Considering that I am only on the waiting list for nursing school, but am not even a nursing student, these ideas should be taken with a grain of salt. Thanks God for freedom of speech! :wink2:

CrazyPremed (maybe CrazyPreNP)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

According to salary.com, NPs in my area average about 30.00-40.00/hour. I would say (from what I know my NP friends make) that this is about right.

I am amazed to hear some of these high salaries (170's!)! But I guess it goes to show that where you live makes ALL the difference. (I remember back in 2004 being told not to accept ANYTHING that paid less than 50,000/year and to feel great if you could get 60-65,000/ year ( as a new grad). So probably to get an true sense of salary, use a website that looks at your area only and not the national average.

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According to salary.com, NPs in my area average about 30.00-40.00/hour. I would say (from what I know my NP friends make) that this is about right.

I am amazed to hear some of these high salaries (170's!)! But I guess it goes to show that where you live makes ALL the difference. (I remember back in 2004 being told not to accept ANYTHING that paid less than 50,000/year and to feel great if you could get 60-65,000/ year ( as a new grad). So probably to get an true sense of salary, use a website that looks at your area only and not the national average.

If you want to make $90-135 dollars an hour it's out there.

.......and who wouldn't want to work in a dynamic and interesting enviroment. :D

California
Great opportunity for Nurse Practitioners!!!

XXXXX is a preferred provider of basic medial care services to XXX within the XXXXX. We are currently seeking Nurse Practitioners to join XXX and provide basic medical care within XXX throughout California. We would like to know if you could be of assistance to us in this time of need. Please contact us in order to see how we can possibly implement diversification of your talents with the XXX.

As a contractor with XXX, you will have the opportunity to:

Diversify your talents in a dynamic and interesting environment

Earn a supplemental income of $95-$135/hour (compensation can increase by facility)

Practice nursing in a unique and diversified facility
Eligibility Requirements Include:

Valid medical licensure and insurance

Ability to work 8 to 10 hours/day

Willingness to work under guidelines and applicable laws

* Responsibilities range from performing basic medical care (to determine the physical health status and treatment XX) to providing clinical assessments and case management services. Also entails developing and implementing treatment plans.

* Examination and treatment space, office space for non-treatment activities (dictation, updating medical records, etc.) and administrative/secretarial services, including transcription, are provided by each facility in a monitored or controlled environment.

* Compensation is on an hourly basis and varies based upon experience.

If you are interested in providing basic medical care in a dynamic and interesting environment, and having the opportunity to earn a supplemental income of $95-$135/hour, fax your CV to: XXX

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Specializes in ER, critical care.

Yep... sometimes you just have to be willing to follow the money.

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I'm glad you were able to start near 100K and still are moving up. It's NPs like you that make it better for all of us. What state are you in? What kind of business?

i want to know if ernp was an er nurse first.

that experience counts.

here in nj, rns can make around $45k to start and top out at about $85k, straight time. $100k can be made easily with ot and about 5 years under your belt.

that said, nps START at around $75k. so after about 5 years experience they can make $100 easily, straight time.

so, ya, your first np job will probably not pay more than an average staff nurse/rn, but your potential increases from there proportionate to your experience.

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If you want to make $90-135 dollars an hour it's out there.

.......and who wouldn't want to work in a dynamic and interesting enviroment. :D

California
Great opportunity for Nurse Practitioners!!!

If you are interested in providing basic medical care in a dynamic and interesting environment, and having the opportunity to earn a supplemental income of $95-$135/hour, fax your CV to: XXX

of course California pays this rate. Look what it costs to live there LOL

it only matters what you keep at the end of the month, not how much you are paid (if you know what I mean).

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