How much should RNs earn?

[rn4ever?]

Just for fun and out of curiousity.....with all the hard work that nurses do and every thing that we have to deal with while at work, how much do you think should a nurse earn annually and why? (Please be realistic with your numbers )

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Honestly I think I am decently compensated as a fairly new RN. I make 37/hr working nights, base pay is 32.30 approx. I live in a cheaper part of California, and bring home 2k every 2 weeks.

I think minimum RN's should start anywhere would be in the low to mid 20's ( I know cost of living is going to vary, but I think somewhere around there is a good base). And experience should always result in higher wages.

Experience is invaluable on a unit and us newer nurses often look to these nurses for advice. A nurse with 20 years experience is probably one of the most valuable assets to a hospital.

[LETRN]

I live in an area with an extremely low cost of living, and we start our BSN prepared nurses at $17.75. While that is low IMO, it is a fairly decent wage for this area. It does bother me that 4.5 years of college that cost me nearly $45K brings the same wage as my husband, who has a 9mo tech certification in HVAC. Oh well!