Hello from a newbie

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Aug 15, 2004

There is nothing wrong with expecting to make money in nursing. :nono:

Why does it have to be ALL about helping people - why should salary not be a factor? It is a career choice, not a volunteer position. I am glad that you do not need the money and that your husband provides adequate income for your family, but surely you realize that not all who choose nursing are as fortunate. Why does our society value the least the people it needs the most (nurses, teachers, policemen, firefighters, etc.)????

I will never understand it.

jemb · Aug 15, 2004

It is true that most private offices have much lower pay than large medical centers or freestanding hospitals. Many do not provide benefits either for nurses who need health insurance provided, sick pay, etc. At least around here, most private offices do not hire RNs.

However, there is nothing wrong at all about being a nurse in a private office.

Some nurses who find busy practices that hire RNs remain there for years.

There is also nothing wrong with wanting to make a good living. Many nurses (in my experience, anyway) are either the primary breadwinner of a couple, or the only wage earner in a household, so the mindset is different.

That being said, I think the nurse who made the comment about "you'll never make any money that way" to you was bordering on rude, possibly due to just not thinking before she spoke. (Or she may have been jealous if she knew you had financial support and would not need the money.)

Good luck in your job hunting, and welcome to the wonderful exhausting world of RNs!

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Aug 15, 2004

The OP is an LPN - I'm not altogether sure that the pay would be that much less. I know the difference is often significant for RNs though.

Ari RN, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2004

CONGRATULATIONS on passing the NCLEX-PN.

Good Luck on your job search! :)

RN92 · Aug 15, 2004

Could you be a nurse in a clinicl setting? Yes. However, for your best interest, I would suggest getting at least 1yr of med/surg floor nursing. Think of it as a clinical with pay. Your learning will be very limited in a clinical situation. You need some time in a hospital setting just to broaden your knowledge base. You have put so much time and effort into your career/education...why stop now. ? I did 9months in med/surg and hated every minute of it. But, looking back on it now, Im glad I took the time.

reyna · Aug 15, 2004

There is nothing wrong with expecting to make money in nursing.
Why does it have to be ALL about helping people - why should salary not be a factor? It is a career choice, not a volunteer position. I am glad that you do not need the money and that your husband provides adequate income for your family, but surely you realize that not all who choose nursing are as fortunate. Why does our society value the least the people it needs the most (nurses, teachers, policemen, firefighters, etc.)????
I will never understand it.

i agree with that. heck! i can be a street sweeper, expect to make money out of that and still help people. nobody will criticize me for that. but for nurses, as soon as you say "good pay"...all heck brake loose :rolleyes: .

goodluck on your job search. i hope you find your nitch.

SmilingBluEyes · Aug 15, 2004

There is nothing wrong with expecting to make money in nursing.
Why does it have to be ALL about helping people - why should salary not be a factor? It is a career choice, not a volunteer position. I am glad that you do not need the money and that your husband provides adequate income for your family, but surely you realize that not all who choose nursing are as fortunate. Why does our society value the least the people it needs the most (nurses, teachers, policemen, firefighters, etc.)????
I will never understand it.

Amen and amen!

Welcome and congrats on passing the test for licensure. Good luck and best wishes in your new career.

emsboss · Aug 17, 2004

Why does our society value the least the people it needs the most (nurses, teachers, policemen, firefighters, etc.)????

I will never understand it.As a Paramedic, (manager btw) I will not make $25,000 this year. Usually the FIRST thing I hear when we get to a residence is "what the **** took you so long. Yes, we are under valued, ALL in the medical field are. But, most of us are in it for personal satisfaction also. When I see a former patient carrying out a normal life after an M.I., or, a child that was severely injured in an accident...THAT is (to me) what it is all about. $$$$$ is icing on the cake. Yes, I need money to pay my bills, feed the family and all that, but I feel that the medical field is a CALLING...not just a job. :rolleyes:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

Rare is the nurse who does it for fulfillment, who doesn't need the money to make ends meet or at the least to supplement their spouses income.

Also rare is the idea that the husband is the sole provider. Many people feel it's a family obligation to support each other rather than the husbands.

Congratulations on passing NCLEX and good luck in whatever you do.

Boo439 · Aug 17, 2004

Congrats on passing your exam!! I am going into nursing to be able to make more money than I was before I started school. I went to be a CNA strictly to make money. I had no people skills and really no desire to do the work. I was thrown into a situation of being on my own after being supported and not having to work. I had a friend who was a CNA and he said he made enough money to cover his bills. I went and here I am. After working, I realized how much I like the field and that I want to move up and go through more schooling. The money is a major factor to me. I don't think it makes me a bad person to want to get paid well for going to school and getting educated. I don't work at a gas station or fast food restaurant because the pay is so low and so is the education requirement for the job, so it fits. But if I am going to go to school for 2 or more years I think I should be paid accordingly. Sue me.

rollingstone · Aug 17, 2004

You can do as little or as much as you want in this business. Since your husband can support the family it sounds like you can have fun to do as you want. As long as you're happy with your situation who cares what others say. 9 to 5 doctor's office hours with weekends off sounds good to me. Welcome and congratulations.