Atlanta Area Salaries

[OptimusMaximus]

I am a NYer who will be graduating nursing school this May. I am doing research into a possible move into GA. I have researched a couple states but have realized that the salaries listed here for Atlanta area hospitals are from like '06 and older. Does any one have any info into what the area hospitals are starting RN's in '08? Also is the job market difficult for a man looking to work in the O.R.?

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I doubt that the payrates are much different than those posted for 2006.

Be aware that the payrate will be MUCH lower than NY pay rates. But then, the COL is lower there, as are usually the taxes.

Around 2006, hospitals in the Athens area had just broken the $20/hour mark for new grads. Generally, Atlanta facilities may pay a few dollars more, even though some actually pay less than the outlying areas. Admittedly, Atlanta and Athens generally pay better than most of the state.

You will also often find fewer benefits. My friends in NYC, got substantially better pay, cheaper insurance (subsidized by employer), more PTO, more paid education days and generally got time and 1/2 for holidays. Not to mention an hour meal break. In GA, many hospitals do not pay extra for holidays, pay yearly education days and 30 minutes is allowed for your meal break.

Please check on these issues when you make a job decision.

[OptimusMaximus]

I can't believe how low the pay is, especially since the only thing that seems cheaper is buying a home & car insurance.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Georgia is a non-union state. And their nurse's state organization, the GNA, is one of the few that actively works against unionization. If you review their newletter, it has posted antiunion commentary.

(While I am not a fan of unions in general, they could really use them there, in many facilities in which I have connections....considering some of the treatment of the staff)

[yellow finch, BSN, RN]

The one thing I can honestly state about the Atlanta area hospitals is they continually keep up with the average salaries with competing hospitals within the city and suburbs.

I have worked at Kennestone Hospital, which is North of Atlanta, for just over 2 years. In that time, we have had 3 salary increases to remain competitive with the rest. Their weekend diffs aren't as good as the city hospitals, but I'm also not willing to drive in since the extra money would be burned out in gas and stress.

With the newest pay hike, it seems new grads start at $23+/hr. Whether that compares to other major states or not isn't really relevant, because you can't fight it. Just learn to haggle and see what comes of it.

If you're looking to enter the OR, I can't see how it would be all that difficult. There are shortages in every area of the hospitals. The OR can't possibly be any different.

Best of luck to you!