Money question.

[klight99.8]

I will be starting my nursing education soon and I am wondering about salaries. Before you jump to conclusions, no I am not in it for the money. I feel it is my calling and it is something I have been wanting to do for 5 years now but I do wonder about the pay. I'm sure alot depends on where you live and everything, I just want a general idea. I will be starting out as a LVN and go on to an ADN/RN when my children get a little bit older. I also plan on working at night if that makes a difference. I would appreciate any information anyone has. I'm so glad I found this forum! I have found invaluable information. Thanks everybody!!

[ckipp]

This subject is highly dependent on where you live and what your shift requirements are. You can make as little as $11/hour or as high as $40/hr including shift differential, education rewards, etc. I believe the average with a few years of experience is somewhere in the $20-21 range. My hospital starts new grads just above $14/hour.We have a max around $26(Level 3 nurse--clinical ladder). How long it takes to get to the top varies on your annual merit. We have a clinical ladder that adds 8% for level 2 and another 8% for level 3. These levels require significant contribution to the unit/organization.

Some hospitals compress their salaries so the bulk of your annual raises come in the first 3-5 years, then you are "topped out". Then you generally only get more with an accross the board wage adjustment. Our average nurse takes about 8-10 years to top out.

[klight99.8]

Thanks a bunch for the information! I was beginning to think no one was going to reply. I really appreciate it.