Do nurses get paid enough for what they do?

[sweetpea839]

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?

[ShawnetteRN05]

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.

I don't know how the pay goes in your state, but here in WV; my BSN degree pays the same (I'm a new nurse) as a new nurse with an ADN.

[SmilingBluEyes]

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

There you answered your own question. A perfect reason why it was unreasonable to ask anyone else to come up with an exact figure. Thank you.

[James Huffman]

There you answered your own question. A perfect reason why it was unreasonable to ask anyone else to come up with an exact figure. Thank you.

But you don't understand what I'm saying ....

My point is: why do people complain about inadequate pay if they don't have in mind an amount that would be "enough"?

Jim Huffman, RN

[SmilingBluEyes]

I don't think NUMBERS are the answer. We DO have in mind what would be more fair pay. I just don't think enough of us are willing to take the static and take up the fight for what IS fair.

[Brian, ASN, RN]

I just added a poll to the top of the thread, go ahead and vote :)

[selulion]

I have to struggle every day of my life just to pay the rent and get food on the table....if I can be comfortable and secure that the bills are paid, that is good enough for me.