How Important Is Money

Nurses New Nurse

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Hello, I am a new graduate nurse and need some input about nursing income. I received two offers from two hospitals. An IMC unit and another one from MedSurg. Patient ratio on IMC is 3-4, ratio on MedSurg night shift is 5-6. Now here is the tricky part, IMC unit is at a hospital that pays the lowest in the area with $26 base rate and unfortunately everyone knows this hospital pays the lowest, while the MedSurg position will pay $3 more base pay and $2 more in differential. All my peers are starting with $2 to $3 more base pay and the same in differential. I would like to work in an IMC unit but I feel ashamed about the low pay compared to other new grads in my area. I am really worried others in my field will look down on me. I also have quite an amount to pay back in school loans. Thank you for your input.

Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

I would take the IMC job, unless you absolutely cannot live on that salary. You may start out with lower pay, but you may build a stronger foundation to ultimately reach your goals.

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I would gladly take a pay cut to work on a unit that had ratios like that (3-4? My goodness!) and a good work environment. Right now, a big chunk of my (admittantly not shabby) paycheck goes towards therapy and I can't really enjoy my money when I'm sick and stressed from work.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, unless it's absolutely critical that you need to make as much money as possible, go for the job that will offer you the best experience. That is what the first/new grad nursing job is really about: helping you transition into nursing and laying down a foundation for you to build your career upon. It doesn't have to be the highest paying or have the best commute, it doesn't have to be your dream specialty...heck, it doesn't necessarily have to be in an acute care. But it should offer you a good place to learn the new grad ropes in a supportive environment.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

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Thank you all for the advice, I went with the position I wanted.

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