Do nurses get paid enough for what they do?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 21, 2005

My point is that unless nurses are willing to very specifically say what would "enough," then discussions of this nature are just whining sessions.

And how better to specifically decide what is enough than to discuss it? No "whining" about it.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 21, 2005

And how better to specifically decide what is enough than to discuss it? No "whining" about it.

Ok, how about the starting salary is fine, but it needs to increase as experience and education increases.

For example, in places where cost of living is similiar to mine, I suggest the usual $30,000-$35,000 for ADN's. BSN's get about $36,000-$45,000.

For every year of experience and of course some allowances for critical care areas, there should be a 2-5% increase of the starting salary. So, in 40 years, you'd make about $90,000 if it was 5%. I think that's right---correct me if I'm wrong.

As far as MSN's, they should make $70,000 to start. If they already had experience, it should start from current salary and go up to at least $160,000

MSN's in education should get at least $90,000 to start. (So should teachers, poor things).

Nurse anethetists should start at $210,000.

There. I gave my specific opinion on what nursing salaries should be.

gypsyatheart · Dec 21, 2005

I am wondering your take on this, because I believe that nurses are one of the most hard working profession, but do they get paid what they deserve? I think I am getting what I deserve by helping people, but others cringe at the though that some bartenders are making more then them. what do you think?

The answer to this question is....absolutely not, no way!!!!

hipab4hands · Dec 21, 2005

I live in what is one of more affordable areas in California. The cheapest home you can buy is about $300,000- that will get you a cottage of about 1000 sq feet .

nursemelani · Dec 21, 2005

Hi Cathy-

You are right in that we CA nurses make good money, but the housing is ridiculous. I am a lowly LVN, working in home health (8hr shifts with 1 patient), so I make only $17 per hour, but when I get my RN, I expect to start at $30 per hour, and after a few years, make more than 40 dollars/hour. There are RNs in the Bay Area making 50 dollars an hour, but you can't buy a home for less than 500,000 there, and those are small homes in not so nice neighborhoods.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 21, 2005

The more of your posts that I read the more I like your style.

:coollook:

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 21, 2005

In the first place, I'm not one complaining about what I'm paid. My point is that unless nurses are willing to very specifically say what would "enough," then discussions of this nature are just whining sessions.
I think we should be paid whatever we can negotiate with those we work for. I've been self-employed for over 20 years. I'm quite satisfied with what I make. Being independent (self-employed or working as a contractor, for example) gives us control not only over our practice, but over what we are paid, as well.
Jim Huffman, RN

You asked us for a specific number, now I am asking you.

WannaBRN4 · Dec 21, 2005

I personally think that when just coming out of college making anywhere from 36,000 to 40,000 is good money. Maybe after a few years of working I could agree with others. I know one thing. I hate it when I hear people say that GN's with BSN should be paid more than those with ADN. The programs are really not that different. In many way the ADN program is harder. It is relatively the same material being taught in less time. If it's a management position that is different, but I have never heard of a new grad coming straight out of nursing school and going into management. I think you should get paid the same for doing the same job. That is just my opinion. No program is any harder than the other. I am in an ADn program and my cousin is in a BSN program and we often study together and her work is no harder than mine.

ShawnetteRN05 · Dec 21, 2005

I personally think that when just coming out of college making anywhere from 36,000 to 40,000 is good money. Maybe after a few years of working I could agree with others. I know one thing. I hate it when I hear people say that GN's with BSN should be paid more than those with ADN. The programs are really not that different. In many way the ADN program is harder. It is relatively the same material being taught in less time. If it's a management position that is different, but I have never heard of a new grad coming straight out of nursing school and going into management. I think you should get paid the same for doing the same job. That is just my opinion. No program is any harder than the other. I am in an ADn program and my cousin is in a BSN program and we often study together and her work is no harder than mine.

Do you think that you would have the same point of view if you were going to graduate from a BSN program?

James Huffman · Dec 21, 2005

You asked us for a specific number, now I am asking you.

The reason I don't give a specific number is because I'm not complaining about it. I happen to think that I'm paid well for what I do.

The reason I pressed for a number from those complaining is because without knowing what someone thinks is "enough," there's no point in the conversation. It's just a vague thing to complain about.

Compensation for any field is determined by a number of factors. Some of those:

1. Location:geographical area, facility location, etc.

2. Nature of practice: some areas are more in demand than others, and can often command greater compensation.

3. Hours worked, days worked, etc.

4. The individual worker's background (seniority, education, certifications, degrees, etc.)

5. The individual worker's negotiating skills: nurses tend to think that salaries are set in stone, but believe me, they are not. Nurses who are willing to take a low-ball salary offer will usually get a low-ball salary.

We also need to remember that "pay" comes in ways other than by a check. I work from a home office, am self-employed, and those -- among many others -- are parts of my compensation. A nurse who is employed gets paid by factors such as job prestige, hours worked, chances for advancement, and many, many other things. We work for more pay than a paycheck. Only by taking all of these issues into account can we -- and it's usually a very individual call -- determine what's "enough."

Jim Huffman, RN

WannaBRN4 · Dec 21, 2005

ShawnettwRN05

Me changing programs wouldn't change the facts. I intend to follow up by getting my BSN. I think I will be able to say it without a doubt after I get my BSN. I know of several students in my study group that are in the BSN program and we study along with one another with no problem, the work they have is no harder to me than my own. Do I expect to get paid more after I receive my BSN,yes, but only because I will have experience. I have seen it said in several forums that if you don't intend to advance on to an advanced nursing degree and don't want a managerial positon then a ADN is sufficient. Though that doesn't mean you can't get a high position with an ADN. I have an Aunt that is an Nurse supervisor and she has her ADN and nothing more(besides over 20 years experience).She has been a supervisor for almost 8 years now and was a nurse manager before that. So to answer your question. No my answer would not be swayed if I were in the BSN program.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 21, 2005

I am sorry to burst any bubbles here, but, do NOT expect to be paid more when you acheive your BSN ----unless you take a position that allows it (meaning more like upper mgt/administrative type position). Most places, the BSN differential, if there even IS one is paltry, like a 1.00/hr raise. WOOPIE.