Can RNs really make this much?

[MiahMSN]

Ok, so I started a CNA program this week as I want to work as a CNA while completing my direct-entry MSN program. My instructor last night whom's a RN/CNS and administrator at Kaiser, said that she has RNs on her floor making over $50/hour after their first year. I know nursing can be lucrative, but I was surprised at this type of earning potential after a year. I'm in Los Angeles so I know Cali can make more than other states, but this really shocked me. No wonder programs are impacted everywhere. I know (at least I hope) most people get into the profession for reasons other than money (although this helps and shouldn't be ignored), but I can see how it could attract those looking to make an excellent salary.

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

A float pool nurse showed me her paycheck stub one time. She works every weekend, and she actually makes $50/hr.

I graduated nursing school in May 2007 and I make 42.50 per hour, but I'm a weekender and on night shift. My base is 24.85. But technically, I make over $67K a year in the far south Chicago suburbs. I ain't complaining.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

A float pool nurse showed me her paycheck stub one time. She works every weekend, and she actually makes $50/hr.

In many areas float nurses make pretty good. Not all hospitals, but the hospital my friend works at the floats gets 7% above base pay for each unit they are trained in...so if you can float to ER, Med/Surg, ICU, and NICU you can make 28% above base pay...at that is at once...they do not have to be working all four units on one shift...it pays to be cross trained!

[rntofnp2014]

I work FLOAT PRN for 28.5/hr weekdays plus 5/hr weekend diff and only an add'l dollar for hours between 3 and 11pm. I normally work 7a-7p....

[Kei35]

I'm in NYC. I graduated in 2007 and all the jobs I applied for had starting RN salaries of $32 and above. New grad salary at where I eventually began work is $38.

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I'm in NYC. I graduated in 2007 and all the jobs I applied for had starting RN salaries of $32 and above. New grad salary at where I eventually began work is $38.

I think both coasts have higher pay. Cost of living and renting/owning a home is outrageous in many of those areas so the higher pay is warranted.

otessa

[Katie5]

To make 50dollars or more in an hour and live in a rent-free home....*daydreaming**

[nicole109]

I live in MD, and in the hospital, working night shift weekend option was making $42 and some change (one of the lowest paying in the city)--that plus my 2nd job during the week, I easily brought in 6 digits last year. I have been a nurse for 4 years and have my BSN. There is certainly money to be made in this field, but you get out of it what you put into it. Base salary at my hospital was only $24--so there is a big difference in salary for nurses that wanted to work day shift and very few weekends.

[sunnycalifRN]

To add to my previous post, even though I work in the Bay Area and make around 100K/yr, I cannot afford a house here. Right now, I am the breadwinner (hubby is going to college) so this may change once he is working. I think that nurses should be paid well enough to buy a home for themselves but in this area you need to make a lot of money to afford not only a home but property taxes. It is nice to live here but maybe a little overrated...maybe someday we will move.

You're right about that!! I'm also in the Bay area and what you say is so true!!

I was just vacationing in Tucson . . . I had to laugh cuz on the drive in from the airport, I saw a new subdivision listing homes starting in the $80's!!! Around here, lots of people spend that much for their car!!

In the Bay area, RN's do make an average of $100K/yr, many make $150-$200K . . . but, my little 1600 sq foot 1950's tract home would cost $1 million to buy . . . I certainly cannot afford it. Luckily, I bought it 20 yrs ago.

Most of the new RN's cannot buy a home unless they are willing to commute 90 minutes each way.

[MiahMSN, MSN, RN]

You're right about that!! I'm also in the Bay area and what you say is so true!!

I was just vacationing in Tucson . . . I had to laugh cuz on the drive in from the airport, I saw a new subdivision listing homes starting in the $80's!!! Around here, lots of people spend that much for their car!!

In the Bay area, RN's do make an average of $100K/yr, many make $150-$200K . . . but, my little 1600 sq foot 1950's tract home would cost $1 million to buy . . . I certainly cannot afford it. Luckily, I bought it 20 yrs ago.

Most of the new RN's cannot buy a home unless they are willing to commute 90 minutes each way.

I still cannot believe that with the current real estate market and state of the economy, prices of homes in the bay haven't dropped significantly!

In some of the best parts of LA Country, homes that were selling for over 3/4 million dollars can be found nowadays for under $500K. Very depressing for those of us whom purchased 4 years ago. A family member purchased her home for $520K in 2006 - the house directly across the street just closed for $345K, and similar homes in the area for $290K!! Crazy to say the least!

Why home prices are still absurd in the bay is beyond me. My dad sold his home in oakland and moved to antioch in 2002 and that area has definitely experienced a decline in home values.

[Argo]

central texas, $40/hr. with call, bonuses and OT I was at 130k last year. My house cost me $100k(9 years ago) and my house payment is $950/month

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

central texas, $40/hr. with call, bonuses and OT I was at 130k last year. My house cost me $100k(9 years ago) and my house payment is $950/month

Dang, girl. How much overtime are you doing?

[Zookeeper3]

I work nights 3 12's.. so on weekend nights in NC, a bad paying area I make $39 per hour with as much OT as I want to pick up.... I have 15 years exp. and could make more else where, but I'm happy with that.

our new grads start at $22/hr and there is an averaged $3.75 per nights and additional $3.75 per weekend hour.

yeah, you need to go to school.