Does it bother you when someone wants to be a nurse just for the money?

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I have an acquaintance that wants to be a CRNA. No mention of being an RN first or how long it would take her to do it, just wants to be a CRNA. She's mentioned not wanting to work as an RN in the middle to avoid bedside nursing and "butt wiping" and just wants to go and get her Master's. She thinks being a CRNA is easy.

As a nursing student in an ADN program, I value bedside nursing and no matter what my wage may be in the future, I would like to stay at bedside. I don't think this person really knows what nursing is and I think she just wants to be a CRNA because of the money. She never seemed like a caring person, is quick to throw tantrums and has no patience at home. I do wish her the best with whatever career she likes, but it feels like she is turning up her nose at the line of work that I want to do. Does it bother you when you meet people like this?

Specializes in FNP.

It is, and I forgot to add, that's for night shift. I am about to graduate with my MSN, FNP concentration and have begun looking for jobs. The best salary I have seen advertised is $29/hour. So I'll make about $6 an hour more, but it will be weekdays, no more holidays,weekends or call, and less back strain, which is a huge motivator!

I can see the OPs question being applied to some physician specialties, but nursing? I have never met a nurse who makes "a lot" of money. I suspect we have widely differing opinion of what is "a lot."

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

It's really none of my business.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Is that the going rate for RNs in the States?

*** In the area I live, middle America, the upper Midwest, $30/hour is a little less than what new grads just starting their first nursing job makes.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
No, but it's the most I'd ever expect to earn in this area. I earn $23.45 with 20 years exp, BSN and CCRN, lol. It's very regional though. New grads in my area make about $17.50/h. For gods sake, it isn't a money making career. I don't know how anyone could support a family as a nurse.

*** I would like to know what region of the USA you work in.

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Specializes in drug seekers and the incurably insane..

Oh, what an annoying topic...who cares if someone's "in it for the money". Let your compassion and caring pay your rent/mortgage, put clothes on your back, and food on the table. If you're not in it for the money then go live in a nunnery or do volunteer work. Try to live on your "passion" if you can. No one seems to care if an accountant is "in it for the money". Or an attorney. Or even an MD. I say worry about your life and life choices. I agree with what some of the other posts are saying....work is work and life is life. I don't eat, sleep, or breathe nursing. When I clock out for the day I am done. Don't give a rat's patoot!!! I like working with people but I sure as heck wouldn't do it for free!!!*wine

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Specializes in FNP.
*** I would like to know what region of the USA you work in.

Sorry, I don't feel it prudent to disclose such information. You can google nursing salaries and see the regional statistics easily enough.

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As something of a flipside.

I'm 30 year old career changer, unmarried, no children, minimal debt. A classmate in my final pre-req last year informed me that I should be ashamed of myself, trying to take a job away from someone with a family who really needed the money.

I tell you, you can't win.

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I think you need to read the original post. Your reply to me does not make sense.

Thank You,

Pamela

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Specializes in SICU.

Wow! who said new grads make 17.50.... hmm.... RN? Dont quite believe you.....

and by all means people have different measurements for a lot of money, but if you are not making much, why dont you quit and do something else..

I dont mean to be rude, but it REALLY bothers me when Individuals have an attitude of discouraging others from entering their field, i.e ' dont be a nurse, it doesn't pay at all' when You are obviously still in the field...

Its none of your business if i got into Nursing for the money... am i competent? Enough said...

I dont know if im making sense..but its late and i shall therefore make my graceful exit.....

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Wow! who said new grads make 17.50.... hmm.... RN? Dont quite believe you.....
I was attending school in Oklahoma City last year. New grad RNs at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center (OUMC) were being started off at $18.65 hourly. This was fairly recent (2009). Other hospitals in this city were starting new grads off in the $18 to $19 hourly range.

So, yes, many regions in the U.S. do not pay RNs what we are worth.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
Wow! who said new grads make 17.50.... hmm.... RN? Dont quite believe you.....

and by all means people have different measurements for a lot of money, but if you are not making much, why dont you quit and do something else..

I dont mean to be rude, but it REALLY bothers me when Individuals have an attitude of discouraging others from entering their field, i.e ' dont be a nurse, it doesn't pay at all' when You are obviously still in the field...

Its none of your business if i got into Nursing for the money... am i competent? Enough said...

I dont know if im making sense..but its late and i shall therefore make my graceful exit.....

I understand what you are saying, but I know nurses who graduated a year ago and make less than 15/hr.

Why? Because they can't find an RN job. And it has nothig to do with competence; it's just that the jobs don't necessarily exist, so they're working as techs or safety sitters.

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Specializes in peds, psych.

I will say it like it really is for me, i didnt like the crappy pay for being a great cosmetologist but loved the work and field, I hated the job and the pay as a cna, I know everything the rn knows as an lpn and dont get paid for it soooo I am finishing my rn. Yep I am evil lol went on to getting my rn for the money. I hate bedside nursing period wouldnt be caught dead on a floor or nursing home not my thing in the least, however I love the oppotunities I have had in homecare very non traditional nursing roles and different experiences, homes, clinics, schools etc. People go into nursing for many reasons who realllllly cares why if your incompitant it shows up sooner or later, Nursing is great in the flexibility factor it takes all kinds of different ppl to be nurses from the sweet sappy sugary ones to the cold authoritarian kick you in the ass and get it done type. The key is getting in and finding where youuuuuuuuu like it and making it the best fit for you which in return makes you a happy nurse that people and patients will benefit from. I hated kids for like ever! I remember my instuctors saying if you cant stand kids crying you wont want to be a peds nurse. True! well lol when about 5 years ago i saw the peds jobs were paying $25/hr i thought hey I want that money! So long story short I went in to peds for the money and ended up absolutely loving it and i might say being amazing at it (so my employers and patients say!) Really I dont care why your a nurse if your a crappy one it will come out and you wont last. I am sure ppl probably think Im aweful for being driven by the money but anyone honest enough to look in the mirror will agree we all have to work for a living so hence find something that pays you well and rewards you at the same time. I loved doing hair more so than nursing honestly but guess what I didnt make the money I make now either and I didnt have the option to work 3, 12 hr shifts and be done for the week it wasnt steady either. Lastly the services I provide now are so much more rewarding than the hair a nd nails and makeup, I make ppl look good andddddd feel better now! If anyone wants to be a nurse go for it you will either make it or ya wont:)

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