Highest paid nursing field?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2007

Thanks for all the info you guys! Thanks for backin me up. Im really not trying to seem like Im money hungry but money is what puts my childrens food on the table. Money is buying the healthier food than just unhealthy cheap food. Money is being able to afford that organic milk(that I like to give my kids but too expensive) Anyways, Im just trying to see what area would be smartest to start with money wise,being I have no preference at the moment. Thank you all.

I think what some of us are trying to say is, and I'm sure you understand this without a lecture from me, is that while money matters, sometimes we have to pause and take other things into consideration. I see nurses jump ship from one hospital to the other for .50 to 1.00 an hour. Years later because they job hop and go after the money they are in the middle of their potential salary range, whereas I whom have stuck with the same facility (moved around within the hospital) am maxed out.

Also what we are saying is that sometimes choosing an area soley on money compromises what we personally find fulfillment in. I've been offered raises to go into management and all the money in the world isn't worth it. Yes, money keeps me in organic food/milk, pays the bills, etc. and is very important, but why do something I know I'd be miserable in to make top dollar? I was also offered a 5% raise if I would go into critical care. I'm not interested in that and in fact if I stick with my current job and finish my BSN I'll get a 5% raise then.

I am interested in teaching and I know that if I were to do that full time I wouldn't make much more money than I am now. In fact I might make less, which is why I probably won't do it full time. I can't let that be the sole factor in my decision. I'm not willing to compromise and take less, but I also need to realize that for 40 hours a week I need to be happy.

Money absolutely matters in life, but sometimes a few cents extra isn't really a wise decision in the long run.

You can maximize your salary by advancing your education, getting into management, specialty areas, working for an agency. Giving up your benefits and going per diem (although as I said I make as much as the per diem nurses in my hospital simply by sticking around and getting raises.)

God bless the nurses who answer a higher calling and don't care what kind of money they make. I wish them well. That's not me. :)

Trauma Columnist · Jun 15, 2007

Nursing is a career that can change with you as you go thru life. As many posters have stated, CRNA is the highest paid advanced practice RN. I worked as a staff nurse for 12 years before becoming an APN. I didn't do the advanced degree for the money, though I do expect to be paid more since I have invested in a higher degree. That said, I did the advanced degree to give me some more flexibility. Especially as you age (gasp), you might want something else or be able to cut down to part time. The advanced degree gives you more money so part-time might be possible.

(Ugh, I hate writing that I'm getting older!)

GilaRRT · Jun 15, 2007

Nursing is a career and I equate Nursing to a service. We are paid to provide a service to our customers. A vital service, but a service none the less. I do not see a problem with people who want to maximaze their income.

I understand there are many people who feel called to Nursing and would provide Nursing care because they feel this is a higher calling in their life regardless of the working conditions or money involved. I respect that view. However, like other people have stated, I define myself by what I do away from the office. I have hobbies and a family. When I puch out, my Nursing hat is hung on the door and I simply become a husband, a mountain biker, a hiker, and many of the other things that define me as a person.

I understand that people will look at me as a sell out, I see this as simply being pragmatic. This view simply allows me to look at Nursing as a job, I do not bring work home with me and allow the nasty stuff to ruin my life and relationships. It is simply a job.

NoeIssa · Jun 16, 2007

I think what some of us are trying to say is, and I'm sure you understand this without a lecture from me, is that while money matters, sometimes we have to pause and take other things into consideration. I see nurses jump ship from one hospital to the other for .50 to 1.00 an hour. Years later because they job hop and go after the money they are in the middle of their potential salary range, whereas I whom have stuck with the same facility (moved around within the hospital) am maxed out.
Also what we are saying is that sometimes choosing an area soley on money compromises what we personally find fulfillment in. I've been offered raises to go into management and all the money in the world isn't worth it. Yes, money keeps me in organic food/milk, pays the bills, etc. and is very important, but why do something I know I'd be miserable in to make top dollar? I was also offered a 5% raise if I would go into critical care. I'm not interested in that and in fact if I stick with my current job and finish my BSN I'll get a 5% raise then.
I am interested in teaching and I know that if I were to do that full time I wouldn't make much more money than I am now. In fact I might make less, which is why I probably won't do it full time. I can't let that be the sole factor in my decision. I'm not willing to compromise and take less, but I also need to realize that for 40 hours a week I need to be happy.
Money absolutely matters in life, but sometimes a few cents extra isn't really a wise decision in the long run.
You can maximize your salary by advancing your education, getting into management, specialty areas, working for an agency. Giving up your benefits and going per diem (although as I said I make as much as the per diem nurses in my hospital simply by sticking around and getting raises.)
God bless the nurses who answer a higher calling and don't care what kind of money they make. I wish them well. That's not me. :)

Thanks thats not me either!

Agnus · Jun 16, 2007

New grads tend to start out pretty much all the same no matter what speciality they start in. The reason is because you have no experience at all. There fore you are not a asset as much as you are an expense until you have a few years under your belt.

Therefore I suggest you find an area you are passionate about and enjoy and start there. In time you will make more money but seldom as a new grad for going in to one specialized area.

whitebutterfly · Jun 27, 2007

oh wow! it's a quite long discussion.thanks for the input everyone. I'm a new grad too and that question is not hard to raise as a matter of fact. Learning about salaries are part of the whole. I noticed that most of the people have assumed a lot about the question that's why it brought the question to a more, higher and intricate details..anyways, it's just a simple question. maybe yeah, having an idea about it won't hurt after all- after all things has been considered. :)

stellsbells · Jul 3, 2007

I work in dialysis and here's what I can tell you. I work for a nonprofit. I understand the for profit companies pay more, but only slightly. I started 6 months ago, right out of school. I make 24$ an hour - base. I also make $2.50 on top of that for evening differential. I cant do 5am. I also make an additional $2 for charge shifts. Holidays are time and a half, coming in to cover a shift on your day off is double pay. Overtime is ALWAYS available. Enough about pay. You either love dialysis or hate it. If you have the interest in it, volunteer. I volunteered before nursing school, not because I loved it, but because I needed volunteer hours. I fell in love. Don't let anyone tell you money is not important. That person can pay my student loan bills and then we can have a talk.

maggijo · Aug 25, 2007

see below.

maggijo · Aug 25, 2007

Obviously people go to school to get better salaries. I was just saying that it seemed like thats all she cared about. I myself decided not to be a baby machine so I can't relate to whole supporting the family thing.

A "baby machine"?? Wow, you're feisty!

dkspudette · Aug 25, 2007

Can you tell me how to get into dialysis work? Do you work in a hospital setting or for a dialysis company. I am a new grad very interested in working in dialysis. Thanks

godhelpme · Oct 10, 2007

Is money all that matters? I agree with wren that you should do what you like. I doubt you'll starve being a nurse of any kind.

I might with $60,000.00 in school loans with a master's degree making the same amount of money as an associate degree prepared nurse!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 10, 2007

I might with $60,000.00 in school loans with a master's degree making the same amount of money as an associate degree prepared nurse!

Yet another reason I'm glad I don't owe a dime for my ADN!

I get the same money as anyone with a Master's doing the same job I do. Then again, not sure why someone would go to the trouble and expense of a Master's for a bedside job anyway.