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.

A "luxury" 2 bedroom apt. with 1200sqf living space costs upwards of 2000/mo. in the Bay Area.

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yeah, the average I've always heard out here is $35-$40/hour starting. Yet, when I hear of the huge differences in salary amongst states, it perplexes me. $22/$23 is such a huge difference compared to $35/$40+. Yes, cost of living is a factor, but when the work is the same, the pay should be the same, regardless.

*then i pinch and remind myself that life isn't fair, so why should salaries be......right?* SMH :rolleyes:

I disagree. Cost of living SHOULD play a role in what you earn. People only need so much.

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A "luxury" 2 bedroom apt. with 1200sqf living space costs upwards of 2000/mo. in the Bay Area.

My brother was a doctor there and decided to move South because even he was having a hard time with the outlandish prices.

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I disagree. Cost of living SHOULD play a role in what you earn. People only need so much.

That's subjective and a matter of personal opinion. We may live in the same area, but what I need may be different than what you need.

But true, cost of living should play a role, but not the only role.

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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.

People like to mention that it is cheap to live there to me, but I know better.

I've decided to live in NC to get my degree. As soon as I'm done, God willing, I will be moving away.

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Not to be brash, however if you have been a nurse for that many years and with your educational background, the question is why are you only making 32 hr? I would try management jobs because I am a true believer that nurses should be getting their due pay. We put up with so much. I have only been a RN for 5 years and now work as a Nurse manager in substance abuse. GOOD LUCK TO YOU, BUT YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BE MAKING MORE.

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I disagree. Cost of living SHOULD play a role in what you earn. People only need so much.

I disagree. You should earn based on your skills, and qualifications and responsibility level along with other issues being looked at as well. I wont work for pennies on the dollar and believe with education, earnings should continue to grow. Please! why go to school to be a nurse. Just volunteer your time and leave others alone.

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I disagree. You should earn based on your skills, and qualifications and responsibility level along with other issues being looked at as well. I wont work for pennies on the dollar and believe with education, earnings should continue to grow. Please! why go to school to be a nurse. Just volunteer your time and leave others alone.

I don't think you understand what I'm saying. Let me elaborate. Does a person who can purchase a three bedroom house in one state need to make the same ammount as a person who can purchase an exact replica of said house for twice the ammount in a higher priced state?

Like it or not, the cost of living influences your paycheck. In California where homes are more expensive, nurses earn more to cover those costs of living than nurses in Arkansaswhere the cost of living is very modest.

This is simple economics. Where you live and how much it costs to live there influences your earning potential.

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Are we factoring in that jobs are being destroyed everyday and everybody is jumping on the bandwagon to be a nurse these days and hospitals are cutting back everyway they can? So I expect to see that Nurses will be making less and less. Supply and demand and I see that there will be a glut of nurses soon, and hospitals can have their way with us.

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"Like it or not, the cost of living influences your paycheck. In California where homes are more expensive, nurses earn more to cover those costs of living than nurses in Arkansaswhere the cost of living is very modest.

This is simple economics. Where you live and how much it costs to live there influences your earning potential."

This is mostly true but doesn't explain why nurses in Iowa are consistently the worst paid. We donto have the cheapest cost of living but get the worst pay. I think the Medicare reimbursement has a lot to do with the low wages. There is definitely a trickle down effect to nursing.

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Anyone know what LPN's are making out there?

And if it's easy to convince a man to move? :lol2:

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i disagree...high cost of living or not with 6 kids i need all i can get .......

i disagree. cost of living should play a role in what you earn. people only need so much.
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