Current graduate nurse pay in Knoxville, TN

[NurseAndLovinIt, BSN, RN]

Hi, I am about to graduate in 2 months with my BSN. I live in the horrendous city of Memphis and really want to move to Knoxville. I have heard that Knoxville pays the least in the entire state and Memphis actually has great pay. Ugh, not promising. I'm becoming a nurse because I sincerely have a passion for it. However, that passion has cost me 100k in student loans (complicated involving switching majors). Though my #1 priority is not b/c of the money, I still have to think in financial terms. I plan on working nights and weekends. Will I be able to make more than $20/hr? Is there differences in pay among the area hospitals? If someone could break the pay rates down for me, I would be greatly appreciative!!! Thanks!!!

[W'sMama]

I talked to a nurse recruiter in Johnson City for MSHA.. I believe the starting pay is $18/hr. I don't know if there is a difference for BSN. Did you post in the Tennesee forum??

Good luck!

[caliotter3]

You might get more responses if you post this in the TN forum.