Average Pay for a new nurse

Trinh · May 27, 2009

Where are you located? Seems low but nursing homes do pay less and it also depends on where you are.

JerzeeMike · May 27, 2009

Hi all! I am a new nurse that has been applying to jobs since december. I had my first interview at a nursing home a few days ago and was conditionally offered the job. Its 7-3 and Monday-Friday, which is a plus for me. The only problem is that I could've sworn she said the pay is $17/hour. My sister who is an LPN told me that that is too low and I shouldn't take the job unless they agree to raise the pay.
So what do you think? Would you take the job, or would you ask for different pay?
Thanks in advance!

I suppose that depends on where in the U.S. the job is located. Here in NJ $17.00/hr for an RN is ridiculous and I wouldn't have bothered with them. I just graduated in December and I just accepted a position for $26.00/hour + shift differential. In the Southern states I understand that salaries are considerably lower but the cost of living is significantly less as well so it's all relative. I'd listen to your sister since she probably has a better insight into salaries for nurses in your area.

jayde_RN · May 27, 2009

Yes I'm in Tennessee. They are running my background check and want my to start orientation on Tuesday. I could've sworn I heard her say 17. Do you think I should call the guy in HR and verify, or would it be better to wait for him to call me after my background check comes back?

Thanks again!

Trinh · May 27, 2009

I'd call and verify what you think you heard. You may have some negotiating room if they are having difficulty hiring nurses. Here in Maine nursing homes hire day shift at 20 per hour. Still crappy but it's almost impossible to get into a hospital here as a new grad unless you are already employed there. And even then positions are few and far between due to this recession.

Good luck.

OhBoy123 · May 27, 2009

Be happy you were offered a job! I have had friends who turned down jobs for one silly reason or another, and are currently unemployed. I just graduated with my BSN and have had no interviews so far!

sunbeach73 · May 27, 2009

I'd jump on that job!!!! My first nursing job 2 1/2 years ago I started out in the hospital making $12.50 per hour. That was like a slap in the face. I even had IV certification. I was taking a pay cut of $2.50 per hour. I did data entry prior to nursing. Now I'm in an ALF, don't make a whole lot more an hour, but right now I love my job.

chinaka · May 27, 2009

Jayde RN go to salary.com and you will find comparisons on the information that you seek ;-)

LinzyRN · May 27, 2009

I'm a new grad in Texas where the cost of living is not that bad. I got offered 23.50 an hour at the job I accepted. The lowest I was offered from a different hospital was $21. If anything, you can get the experience you need and get a higher paying hospital job later on. $17 is not ideal for the work you put in for school but a lot of my classmates don't even have jobs.

lunden · May 28, 2009

wow, i work as a certified hemodialysis tech and make $17.20. i just got accepted to nursing school this fall and i def. don't wanna hear $17.00 when i graduate. only u know your finances and whether that will be enough for you. with jobs being so hard to come by who knows what i would do in that situation, but it does seem a bit low for a RN. good luck with your decision

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 28, 2009

Based on the fact you've been looking for a job since this past winter, I would take the position without hesitation.

Employers have the "ball in their court" now, so to speak. If you don't take the job, I'm sure there will be a long line of other people willing to take it.

Best to you in whatever you decide!

-Diane

evilolive, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2009

I started at $22.10/hr as a new grad RN in a small nursing home in MA. Supervisor diff. bumps that $2/hr, and an extra $2/hr for doing nights. It's fair for nursing home pay around here. I know I could make more in a hospital if I could find a job in one....but you have to make do with what you have, sometimes. Good luck! Oh, and as an FYI, new grad LPNs make about $18/hr to start in my facility.