How Much was your First RN Paycheck?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm just wondering. I'm not trying to get in nursing for the money, but I have heard a lot of other nurses complain about how low their income was as a new nurse.

Specializes in Perioperative / RN Circulator.
20 hours ago, Leader25 said:

I dont exactly remember I am sure it is in my closet somewhere.

I recall looking at it and saying to myself it is so little ,it is hardly worth it doing this difficult job.After I switched hospitals and unions,it grew better. But then prices went up again,everything cost more,seemed mostly just breaking even. Never understood how someone with a same bachelors degree but in a different field can charge $100/hr as a counselor or life coach and we rns have to fight to get a bathroom break or justify OT.

Counselor probably requires a license, I guess it depends on the state and how you bill yourself. I think life coach just requires you to be able to sell yourself as someone people believe can improve their lives.

I think an experienced nurse with good communication and marketing skills might make an excellent life coach.

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As LPN new grad 1984 I was paid $6.50/hr. Yikes!

As RN new grad 1991 I was paid $14.50/hr (Still Yikes!)

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Specializes in Med-Surg,Tele,ICU-Step Down, LTAC.

The actual paycheck I remember the exact amount $596.29...I was too happy! I left that morning with my check in my hand, went to the bank to cash it and went to Macy's and purchased my mom her favorite perfume just as a thank you for all her help during the journey of becoming a nurse.

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Specializes in acute care, ICU, surgery, vasc.surgery,trauma.

7.71 hr in 1984 in a southern state

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Specializes in Workforce Development, Education, Advancement.

In 1998, I was making $14 an hour.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I’m a new grad BSN in North Carolina and make $27/hr plus night and weekend differentials.

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Specializes in ICU.

In 1997, a friend started her first (and only) RN job at a LTC. She made $13/hour in Ohio. When I started my first job in 2012, $20/hour.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

2018 in Utah, $25.25

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Specializes in ER.

$14 AN HOUR (and change) in 1990. I went out and bought myself a cardigan I'd been eyeing and felt super rich in the big city.

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$29/hr in 2005.

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Back in 1989, I took home £600 a month which is about $850. It seemed like a lot at the time and I was completely self sufficient, and paid my own rent and bills. What helped was that my rent was only £120 a month for a one bedroom apartment. Those were the days.

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