Calif RNs - think very carefully if you really want to become an NP
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What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)
Members are discussing the potential financial implications of transitioning from an RN to an NP in California. Members highlight the high pay and benefits RNs receive in the state, cautioning that becoming an NP may not always lead to increased earnings. There is also mention of discrepancies in reported RN salaries and insights into the differences in pay between RNs and NPs, with some emphasizing the personal fulfillment of being in a provider role over monetary considerations.
If you are an RN in Calif thinking about becoming an NP, please carefully research and think about this. Be familiar with the typical NP compensation. Becoming an NP is not necessarily the way to make more money!
RNs in Calif are paid the highest in the country. In addition, CA has safe staffing laws, providing a better work environment.
I am a PMHNP in Calif, responsible for recruiting for our practice. Today, I had an interview with a new grad PMHNP with several years of RN experience. She told me she is currently working as an RN in the Bay Area, as a perm employee (not 1099), and makes $110 per hour with great benefits. She wanted $120 per hour as a new grad PMHNP (that is not going to happen).
If you are an RN in Calif making $150 to $200K per year or more, there is no point to becoming an NP unless you truly want to be a provider. And you are going to take a pay cut as a new grad NP because you don't have NP experience. Being an RN is very different than being a provider.
Calif pays the highest of all states for NPs, but even for PMHNPs, the typical pay range is $150K to $180K per year. Permanent jobs that pay more than that are rare. For someone who wants to work on a 1099, higher pay is possible, but there would be no benefits.
NP school is not cheap, so please do not incur those expenses without doing your due diligence and knowing what you are getting into.
Specializes in ICU, Neuroscience, Telemetry, Med/Surg.
I am an RN in the Bay Area who has worked for Kaiser for over five years. I am also a new grad NP (adult gero acute care). After much self-reflection, I realized I do not want to work as a provider and am content working at the bedside. It's truly not for everyone.
Also, it is true that some of us make >100/hr (base pay) as RNs in the Bay Area. We do what works best for us.
I'm an ER nurse at Kaiser in the NOCAL, and I can tell you that yes she is definitely making the 110/hr that she says she makes even in the Bay area. We have a robust pay structure. With the new union contract we will be getting substantial pay increases yearly, and by next year in January, I too will be at the $110/hr rate. I only have 4.5 years experience total in nursing, and I'm making more than $100/hr working NOC shift staff nurse II.
I just finished my FNP in January. I didn't get it for the money. I got it as an exit plan. I won't be one of those 60 year old nurses running around in the ED! I will keep my Kaiser job and reduce my hours so that I can work the NP role part time. Then once I'm done with ER, I can fully transition into the NP role preferably urgent care.
So its not always about money. Some of us are thinking ahead.
babyisa, MSN, NP
90 Posts
I am an RN in the Bay Area who has worked for Kaiser for over five years. I am also a new grad NP (adult gero acute care). After much self-reflection, I realized I do not want to work as a provider and am content working at the bedside. It's truly not for everyone.
Also, it is true that some of us make >100/hr (base pay) as RNs in the Bay Area. We do what works best for us.