Are you in Nursing for the Caring or the Cash?? Be Honest

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Jun 11, 2004

For me, I entered nursing as a career for many reasons. First and foremost was because I have a passion to deal with people. As I explored my options (when I was younger), I discovered that nursing was a growing field and I could achieve entry-level with an associates degree, rathering than spending tons of time on a bachelor's degree. In addition, I felt that nursing was a stable and flexible profession that would serve me well throughout the years and help me start and raise a family. I gave pay rates and wages high consideration when I decided to become a nurse. I knew coming into nursing that I would not make the wages of a banker, lawyer or stockbrocker, but I expect to receive compensation that is fair and equitable for the professional services I bring to my employer.

Fast forward through 21 years as a nurse and I am still glad that I am a nurse. My pay is ok, not great and certainly not what I think I am worth. I have the same passion to care for people that I had when I was 18. But, I have also matured and realize now that if I advance my education, I can advance my earning power in nursing as well. There are a lot more nursing opportunities today then there were when I was a kid.

If I have one regret about nursing, it would be that we as a group of professionals are not cohesive in our ability to effect change for our profession. Hopefully as times passes, nurses will begin to recognize their value and unite to effect great change for the profession of nursing. And yes, I am very proud to call myself an RN.

TweetiePieRN · Jun 11, 2004

I am currently pursuing my BSN, and I interact with alot of nursing students on campus and for the most part all I hear is "you can make major money in nursing" or "I'm going into nursing just for the money" and to me that is the wrong reason I don't know how long you been nursing but even you know we are underpaid and if they are going just for this reason then honey they are in for a rude awakening and when I say students, I'm talking more about non-degree students not LPNs, and I am not knocking them I'm just letting them know we don't make this big money as we are perceived, at least most nurses I know don't, but the stability of knowing you have a job and caring for your patients is a plus. :)

Pay out here is really good for nurses (RNs)! We start out at over $30 (a few dollars more) an hour and if we work extra shifts...we get $15 dollars an hour on top of the base pay!! Sadly and unfortunately, LPNs don't make much out here. I made more as a CNA than the LPNs were getting paid. BTW my CNA pay base rate was $17 an hour (on a weekend I would be making over $20/hr!).

For the record: I did not go into nursing for the money. I had NO IDEA how much a nurse got paid. I always enjoyed taking care of people, teaching people, and learning. I always wanted to work in the medical field. I chose nursing because I liked the flexibility and all that the profession represents! I figured nurses made $20 an hour. That was just fine for me, since my career choice had nothing to do with the income amount. Before I graduated nursing school (about 2 wks ago!), I found out how much I will be making as a new graduate RN...I thought it was a mistake...No mistake!!

Truly_Blessed · Jun 11, 2004

Wow...that's funny, everywhere I go(in my area) LPNs make 6 to 10 dollars more than cashiers. But, then again I live in a part of Texas that offers ok pay to try and keep nurses in the area(I guess that's why, not sure)

It can't be for the money 'cause cashiers get paid as much as most LPNs.

TweetiePieRN · Jun 11, 2004

Wow...that's funny, everywhere I go LPNs make 6 to 10 dollars more than cashiers.

Cashiers working for Safeway out here are in a union. They make over $20 an hour!!

UK2USA · Jun 11, 2004

If I am honest then I have to say that I chose the career for the caring. However, after 10 years of working alongside agency nurses (who earn 3 times what I do, and work half as hard :angryfire ) I decided that I needed the best of both worlds. Ultimately I cut my standard shifts from 13 per month to 8 per month. I fit these shifts into the first 2 weeks of each month. Then, for the last 2 weeks of each month I work 8 agency shifts. By doing this I get 4 nights each week (and avoid the heartache of changing from days to nights and back again) and earn double what I was initially. The unit I work for don't seem to mind, I guarantee them that I will be available for all 16 shifts.

Since I have done this a number of colleagues have followed suit - apparently the staffing budget has taken a huge knock, but to be honest - I don't care, only another month until I leave to come to the USA with a healthy amount of savings behind me.:chuckle

PS: just noticed that I have made a century (100 posts)

Truly_Blessed · Jun 11, 2004

That's crazy, wow! I guess I am naive. I had never heard of cashiers being unionized. Well, guess that proves I am not in it only for the money...suprises me, even! If it was between $14/hr LPN, or $20/hr cashier....I would still be an LPN.

Cashiers working for Safeway out here are in a union. They make over $20 an hour!!

TweetiePieRN · Jun 11, 2004

That's crazy, wow! I guess I am naive. I had never heard of cashiers being unionized. Well, guess that proves I am not in it only for the money...suprises me, even! If it was between $14/hr LPN, or $20/hr cashier....I would still be an LPN.

I actually think it is ridiculous for a cashier to make that much money! How much brain power does it take to punch some keys in. I used to be a cashier and only made $5.35 an hour.

Truly_Blessed · Jun 11, 2004

I just want someone to honestly answer this question: When someone says their #1 reason for wanting to be a nurse is the steady income, why they are automatically put in the "in it just for the money" box? Just curious. I mean, is it supposed to be one of these "higher calling" situations for everyone who enters nursing, in your opinion?:)

Truly_Blessed · Jun 11, 2004

Yes, I worked as a cashier forever, and I never made above $6/hour. LPNs here start at $8/hr more.

I actually think it is ridiculous for a cashier to make that much money! How much brain power does it take to punch some keys in. I used to be a cashier and only made $5.35 an hour.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jun 11, 2004

I'll be honest: it's both for me. I'd always wanted to be a nurse, but it wasn't until much later in life that I learned that it would pay enough to live decently, and that was when I actually decided to go through with it. And frankly, I like the idea that there will always be a need for my services, thus there's some economic security in nursing.

To get paid for doing what you love is terrific; to get paid WELL for doing what you love is even better. I'm sorry, I've lived through some incredibly tough times financially, and I happen to think my $26+/hr. is fabulous! So does my DH, who makes $9/hr. So does my sister, who also has a two-year degree, has worked for the same attorney for 7 years and still makes less than $13/hr. And so would most people in this area, where the average wage is somewhere around $10/hr. and the fastest growing industry is food service. :)

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 11, 2004

neither mercenary or nun.

I got into it for MY own good reasons, for which I dont' feel anyone has the right to judge. Here it is in a simple, succinct nutshell:

I care.

I need to make a living.

'Nuff said.

'Night! :)

dhudzinski · Jun 11, 2004

I went into nursing to help people. BUT it certainly made it nice to get paid...compassion and altruism does not pay the bills. My first nursing job paid $3.75 /hr and after 35 years I make $30/hr that is less than a $1/hr increase per year. I certainly have not stayed in Nursing because of the money. I love what I do and can't see myself in any other profession/career. Although making better money would be a plus!