Avg. pay for RN in an outpatient eye surgery clinic??

Published

Hi y'all,

I'm an RN with a BSN that has approx 9 years experience in acute care in various settings (Adult medical oncology, med/surg/tele, post-partum/gyn, labor and delivery). I have not worked for 2 years 3 months (to look after family). Been looking for work since beginning of this year and I had an interview for a post partum job in a non union hospital last month night shift. That was on the 22nd and I have not heard anything about it since. Having said that I've been looking on craigslist for jobs and found the following job: (BTW I live in the bay area, California)

R.N. position available for busy outpatient eye surgery center in Antioch. This position is ideal for the person that doesn't want to work nights or weekends. Must be available 5 days per week. Hours start at 6:00 A.M. Mon. thru Fri. Prefer candidates that live within a 20 mile radius of our Antioch location. Salary Nego. references required.

I have an interview tomorrow and am curious what should I expect in regarding pay scale for outpatient surgery. Although I have had exposure to the OR circulating when I worked L&D have never worked outpatient let alone eye surgeries. She did say when setting up the interview that they do not offer benefits but offer 401k, sick and vacation pay and paid holidays. Thoughts anyone on pay??

I really am trying to not work night shift but it's so hard here in the bay area right now in finding jobs (even for an experienced nurse would you believe!) And L&D isn't for me, just was too stressful and nights was ruining my health. Also any thoughts of type of questions i should ask at this interview at an outpatient surgery clinic??

Thanks everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology/Home Health CM, OB, ICU, MS.

I worked for about a month for an eye surgery outfit. It was 10 blocks from my home, so I thought it would be convenient. The pay was quite a bit lower than market. They also had at least one serious quality-control issue (not labeling containers of sterile fluids that go into eyes, after they were opened - with the date opened).

Then, I felt they were rushing me (ie, using me rather than investing in me).

In all, it was run by doctors for doctors, so nurses were seen as expensive, with unnecessarily high standards. So - that is ONE nurse's experience, but I think when you work for Doctor-owned companies, it is fairly standard.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, how did this interview go and when was it? I'm possibly up for an interview in post partum for probably the same non union hospital (is it in WC?) and I've been contacted by the Antioch eye practice. What were your impressions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@ DukeGal09

- I interviewed at the antioch eye practice some time ago and to be honest I wasn't really all that impressed. No benefits at that time, maybe retirement plan after 1 year of working there, low pay, and didn't look all that nice. Only thing good about it was the hours, m-f etc but the amount of hours were not guaranteed so couldn't tell me if it were to be 2 days a week or 5 days a week (even though the craigslist ad said to be available 5 days a week). Good luck to you ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Snuggles33! I am interviewing Wednesday, and I appreciate that added input. The hours are tempting, the benefits don't matter too much (I'm just per diem not, benefits through my husband), but I'm concerned what the pay will be an more concerned I will commit to be ready 5 days a week and won't get any work. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also out of curiosity, where did you end up working?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I ended up working for Kaiser. How did the interview go at the eye clinic. What did you think of the place?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm noticing no one really gave an answer to what to expect as far as wadges. Can anyone tell me a ball park? Is it at least $30ish?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.

Hi Shayna, in response to your question I would guess in the $26-34 range (aiming a little low and a little high, maybe more like $28-32?) depending on the facility. It is different than bedside nursing and (in my opinion) much less stressful. I took a paycut when leaving the bedside but really enjoy what I do now. :)

I would imagine pay might be a little higher in the Bay area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion