and everyone's... OK with this?

Published

lots of hospitals are paying like this:

http://www.mercysiouxcity.com/rn-wages Strangely, people want to either deny that this is the state of things, or say "we should be grateful." No we shouldn't... not for what we do

*edit: sioux city has a cost of living index of 87.5 compared to a national average of 100

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What is the cost of living compared to the salary?

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Specializes in Hospice.

Its iowa? I aussume fairly low cost of living ...........but it is sad. I have one year of experience and make more than someone with 25 years on that scale

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Don't know about the rest of the chart, but as far as the first few years go, that's what RNs make at med-surg hospitals in my area.

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Specializes in Gerontology.

I guess I'm stupid but I'm not following you .

Of course, I am Canadian and things are a lot different here.

What are you upset about? That an experienced nurse makes more than a new grad?

Or the crappy wages? I don't know how this compares to other places in the US but here in Ontario, I have over 20 years experience and make over $40.00 an hour base pay - more for being in charge, shift differential etc.

Also - what is included in the salary? Do you get health insurance - I understand this can cost a lot in the US if you have to pay on your own. If health insurance is included, then you should factor that in.

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I see nothing wrong with the scale, that is typical for union shops. However I see plenty wrong with paying registered nurses $19 an hour.

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cost of living is 87.5 (vs us average of 100) http://www.city-data.com/city/Sioux-City-Iowa.html

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

I'm OK with it. I make about that much and I still come out ahead compared to people who make more in a high cost of living area. Shift differentials for nights and weekends also make my average pay per hour $6-$7 dollars higher than my base pay.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

nursing pay should be based on merit and performance, not years.

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Specializes in anesthesia, nursing labor research, philosophy.

well, living in an area with a COLI score of 126.4, i wouldn't be able to afford to live off of the wages i would make in sioux city. it's definitively on the lower side. sad for the hard work we do.

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cost of living is 87.5 (vs us average of 100) http://www.city-data.com/city/Sioux-City-Iowa.html

And are those salaries 87.5 % of the average salary?

Rural or urban?

IF so, what's the problem? :)

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what's the problem? :)
I swear... these people keep turning up, and I can't believe it.
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