Denver, nursing, pay etc... just some info

[cwilhelm1977]

I always see a lot of people asking about pay and what it is like to live in Denver and the surrounding area. So here is my low down.

1. Almost all the hospitals want BSN, they are going magnet status. So if you have an ADN, God help you!

2. I work in a nursing home in Brighton, and I make 6P-10p $28.50 and from 10P-6A $29.25. Starting base pay (days) make $27

3. WSi a temp service is offering me $30 (there around) to work night shift at various nursing home in the Castle Rock and Parker area.

4. Cost of living. Very expensive! I live in Aurora near Parker, my rent is 1325 and I'm told is cheap. Yes, that's cheap considered 2 bed 2 bath go for $1500-1600. You want to rent a house $1800 (basic, cheap looking house) to $2500 is average.

5. Denver Health will only hire BSN and start pay for a new nurse is $27. I don't know about experience.

So, you have to look at the cost of living vs what they pay. Not that great considering how much housing is. You will probably have to have a 2nd job or least a spouse that makes decent money to live nicely here. It's beautiful but it's to damn expensive and the job market is tough. At least for a new grad or ADN people.

Anyone else with input?

[klone, MSN, RN]

5. Denver Health will only hire BSN and start pay for a new nurse is $27. I don't know about experience.

That is actually incorrect. Perhaps for their new grad program, but for experienced nurses, they do hire ADNs.