So you're an RN - you must be earning big!

Nurses General Nursing

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I agree so much so I am leaving the profession(these aren't the only reasons I decided to leave); but last month, I started taking classes to steer my life in a direction as far from nursing as possible... the reasons listed in the thread are only a few- understaffed, not enough pay, overworked, poor hours; incompetent co-workers/bully co-workers, autonomy and nursing judgment restricted... these are some, but definitely not all my reasons. Enough for this response anyway...

To go from CNA to RN, you should expect a significant increase...think about the education you achieved. But it still isn't enough...stay an RN long enough, and that will become clear. No matter where you work, your higher-ups continue to stack work on you but do not add staff or $$$$! It's just become expected...

Yep, you have to have nurses- or do you? As I commented earlier, our automony and nursing judgment is being restricted, mostly because of corporations taking over companies and facilities- they only care about the bottom line. How can you run a "business" based on human lives without considering the humanity angle?

I want to work where you do! Where I work, it doesn't matter if your an ADN, BSN, or MSN- we all work doing the same thing and very few places are willing to pay you for your degree.

Kitty_Forman

5 Posts

My response is usually "well I EARN it!" It's a hard job but I really do love it.

More $$ would always be nice but I already do make more (hourly) than anyone I know my same age and level of education.

I will never be wealthy but that's not the path I chose so I'm ok with that. My husband dose not have a high paying job but with what I earn we can afford for me to work part time to be home more with our kids. We dont have to worry about not being able to buy basic necessities or pay bills. And we even have a little extra for fun things.

A lot of people could not say the same. So forgive me for being corny but most days I feel pretty rich.

guest769224

1,698 Posts

I make good money as a nurse. I make over $60/hr with an associate's degree. I realize how fortunate I am. Paid off all my student debt.

I got to that point after working as a new grad for $22/hr, and after several years as a CNA at $10/hr. Putting my income away for an early retirement. I made a decision to move where it pays better though. I know not everyone is able to do that. Still, it's enabled me to life a happier and less restrictive lifestyle.

Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

I guess money v. happiness is relative.

I thought when I started as a full-time firefighter paramedic, even at $5.29 (yep, 5 FIVE Dollars, 29/00) it was all good, cause "dream job" - ultimately, that was a long time back, but still.

So within a decade and a half ---- still a medic, time on a truck might bring a bit over double PRN.

As a nurse, I got to where I wouldn't put on scrubs for less than $50/hr.

My husband was the real moneymaker! Thank little 7 pound, 8 ounce baby Jesus.

Anybody can ask me anything anytime.

I never get upset, but I don't have to answer.

I just smile.

I might say yep, I'm hoping to get in Lear 70 soon, and a private island with the geography conductive to building the necessary runway. Very important. GOTTA HAVE BOTH!!!

*** NOW IF ITS A PATIENT, I CLOSE WITH THIS ***

"Did you need more crushed ice, maybe check on your pain meds? How about a warm blanket? And what about your family - everyone, ok? Can I get you all anything - well, except pain meds, of course!"

****

I'm from the south.

No, just no.

Deflection is an art form!

:angel:

kbrn2002, ADN, RN

3,822 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

While I do make a living wage, I nowhere near feel "rich." Quite the opposite, in fact. I go through cycles, sometimes I am content with my wages and then the reality that I actually make about the same to maybe little less now than I did five years ago really gets on my last nerve. I'm in one of those it's getting on my last nerve cycles now.

My employer was bought out by a new company that gave us large wage increases (yipee!!), that was great for the short time it lasted. Then corporate probably realized the massive hit to their bottom line that was happening and slowly began whittling away at the money. First to go was the bonuses for picking up shifts. Next to go was OT pay after 8 hours, now no OT until after 40 hours a week. Then the shift differential disappeared. After that charge pay was stopped. Now this year, despite the company putting out a "good news, your insurance premiums aren't increasing next year" letter in November, when annual enrollment was opened our premiums went WAY up, mine more than doubled! I'm worse off now than I was before the big raise. Adding further insult to the injury last year when we got those big raises we were told annual raises would be a thing again, well guess what - it's been more than a year and not even a peep about raises.

doegirl

12 Posts

Considering the amount of stress, responsibility, and effort we put into our jobs, we aren't compensated for squat. Not to mention work schedules that are in near constant conflict with family and private life.

I've always contended that money should be a factor and not the sole determinator of one's career choice.

However, it is also crystal clear that institutions have no incentive to improve pay/benefits if they literally have hundreds of desperate applicants beating down their door to get in.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN

5,879 Posts

I want to work where you do! Where I work, it doesn't matter if your an ADN, BSN, or MSN- we all work doing the same thing and very few places are willing to pay you for your degree.

Could you please use the quote button so we know who you are talking to/about?

Horseshoe, BSN, RN

5,879 Posts

I guess money v. happiness is relative.

:angel:

People often assume that it is either/or, but that's not true. One can have money AND happiness. One doesn't cause the other, but just as making less doesn't mean one is automatically happy, having money doesn't in and of itself make people unhappy either.

johsonmichelle

527 Posts

That is a common misconception that a lot of people make about registered nurses. With a few exceptions, most are make decent money at best. Raises are not common and even if they are given its very little. Those who make six figures usually live in a high cost of living area or work a lot of overtime and/or work in high speciality fields or may have decades of experience. I also think that big bucks is relative to the individual.

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