Can RNs really make this much?

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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.

After their first year? Doubt it.

However, after several years.

Can do it. Absolutely, and not even specializing with an advanced degree.

That's why going for an ARNP for some is a step back in pay.

You haven't read many of the posts in this thread then. Yes, it is more than possible after a the first year and even starting pay, in Northern California.

To the person who asked about cost of living. While it is expensive when compared to other parts of the country, it is manageable in Southern California. Now for Northern Cali, it really depends on the area you chose to live in. I went to Berkeley for undergrad and you can find some reasonable areas in certain parts of contra costa county (surrounding cities of Berkeley), but if you are trying to live in the City (short for san francisco), making $50/hour and more is needed!

Again, I think cost of living should be a factor, but the the huge differences in pay as stated in this thread is baffling. But then again, when you're mortgage is only $800 as opposed to $2500+, then making under $30 wouldn't cause that much strife. Just my opinion.

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Here in Canada (Ontario) it is between $29 to $30 start not including shift differential. I think it also depends on what department you work (i.e ER, OR, Med/surg etc).

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In southern maine, new grads start at 22-23/hr. There is no nursing shortage here, with many new grads unable to find jobs. All RN's, and hence their patients, would benefit from a Union representation. No raises last year, yet new facilities being built. RN's are not guaranteed their hours, so when census drops, we are called off and have to take personal time. Crazy patient ratios, making good nursing care almost impossible. Often we work without CNA's. The basics get done but that doesn't give you a feeling of success. For sure, you don't get paid nearly enough for the stress and responsibility.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

"i have been offered travel jobs to hi, but the pay has never been more than $19./hr- less than half of what reg staff makes per hr there. the agencies' take on it is that travel nurses in hi are "paid in sunshine and beach." sorry, but sunshine and beach don't pay the bills."

look into queens medical center honolulu if you got at least one year experience. you need to be okay with union, and you will be paid accordingly (50/hr). best yet, you can get full benefits with at least 20 hrs per week, i think it's state law here. traveling probably takes out the cost of living from the hourly, and if that's true, no one should consider it. however, if you are looking to uproot from the mainland life and can tolerate about 25% increase in cost for near everything, it's alright. after all, it is an island and most products are shipped in. i love it in hawaii, but it's not for everyone. another local hawaii agency to look into is called altres staffing, pay is starting 45$/ hr for at least one year experience and also full benefits. hope this gives everyone something to consider.

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Specializes in Home Health.

The best pay I have seen in in agency nursing, but I have not seen pay rates at $50 per hour.

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I'd settle for a nursing job any nursing job in reach of my area. I'm in a lease till September. I live in seattle average pay is 23$ low rent is 1000 per mounth. I got lucky and found a small old one bedroom near an industrial area so I can make it for now. Funny things to me is though Seattle is very expensive but we average pay that's near the same as the rest of the state. Not that I've found openings in other cities in Washington for first year nurses. I suppose if I were nto passionate about nursing I would have given up in school but I didn't. I wish my license and degree got more respect then it does. What ever happend to investign in employees even new unexpirienced ones is more finacially and figurativly benificial in the long run???

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

As you can see with job options are available to the experienced rns paying more than a grad job. This is what causes the problem. A lot of places were training new grads that would bail on them for the money after a year or two was up and they were trained. Kinda six for the training facilities.

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In Charlotte, NC the pay sucks. A new grad starts making $20/hr and after a year a pay raise is like 30 cents.

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We should set up a permanent survey on this website with bar charts separated by state.

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In Charlotte, NC the pay sucks. A new grad starts making $20/hr and after a year a pay raise is like 30 cents.

Now that type of pay for an RN, I don't care what the cost of living is, is insulting! smh

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Now that type of pay for an RN, I don't care what the cost of living is, is insulting! smh

Vote with your feet. I'd be interested in seeing the best place to work as an RN in the US with factors

such as pay, cost of living, quality of facilities, and treatment by mgmt correlated.

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I wonder if hospitals have in mind "the cost of living" when they are charging the patients...?

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