How much $ do RNs start out at?

bigal2117 · Jan 12, 2005

Does anyone have information on R.N. Associates program in the miami area, without a crazy waiting list?

shodobe · Jan 12, 2005

I have no problem admitting that I do this job for the money I can make. I care for my patients and take care of them the best way I know and get VERY upset when others don't! I have become very satisfied with the decision I made 28 years ago when I decided nursing would eventually become a very secure, very well paid job. I wasn't disappointed. So for those out there that don't make the money they feel they deserve, move. Too many states are using nurses as indentured slaves and basically pay the same, slave wages. The only solution is to move to an area that pays well. To be honest I know this is not the answer for most of you, it is not easy to pull up roots and move clear across country. I guess I am lucky that I live in a well paying state, California, and can take advantage of this. There is only a small percentage of hospitals out here that would not have an opening in their OR for my skills. This is what I like, to be in demand. I really feel sorry for the poster who has their BSN and only makes a bit over $20 per hour, you deserve much better. This is why I keep wondering if a BSN is worth the trouble, because it doesn't pay. I made a mistake on my previous post and stated the wrong amount for last year, with all my work at two hospitals and my part-time at a surgicenter I will make over $130,000 for the year. I work very long hours and only go home every 9 days so don't think this is just from working 3 12hr shifts a week with a little overtime. You get out what you put into it, results! Also, I am an exception to the rules and what I do doesn't apply to everyone so expect to work very hard to achieve these results. Mike

hellonurse36 · Jan 12, 2005

I will graduate in May with a BSN and am considering moving to NC (I presently live in Texas). Anyone know how to find a job out of state? I figure I will have to make a trip there to visit the hospitals and will try to set up some interviews ahead of time.

Anyone know of good hospitals to work at in Greenville, Durham, Raleigh, Winston-Salem or Charlotte areas?

How early should I start applying? I want to work in ICU/CCU/CVICU etc.

Thanks,

Terri Finney (Ft Worth, TX)

begalli · Jan 12, 2005

I will make over $130,000 for the year.

We have many, many RN's who easily make in excess of $100K/yr. That's including maybe a day of overtime in a two-week pay period. It's not too hard to achieve. Also in CA.

shodobe · Jan 12, 2005

We have many, many RN's who easily make in excess of $100K/yr. That's including maybe a day of overtime in a two-week pay period. It's not too hard to achieve. Also in CA.

Yeah that is true, but you would have to make close to $50 per hour to achieve this and I have yet to find any RN who makes this, unless it is pure per diem without benes. Correct me if I am wrong but this does sound good to me . I make most of my OT on the weekends doing so-called emergency procedures, doubtful, and alot of stand-by hours at $6 per hour. It all adds up very nicely. It just depends on how much you want to work, it is all up to you. What area do you work in? I work in SoCal but live in NorCal. Mike

shodobe · Jan 12, 2005

I stand corrected. Further calculations on my part reveals if you made just about $40 per hour plus the added OT, you could make a bit over $100,000 easily. Still, $50 per hour would be better! I really feel sorry for those that make $20 per hour, that is pitiful and disgusting. Everyone deserves far more than that. It shows a disrespectul attitude by the hospital admin towards their greatess and most important asset, their nursing staff. Mike

begalli · Jan 12, 2005

Yeah that is true, but you would have to make close to $50 per hour to achieve this and I have yet to find any RN who makes this, unless it is pure per diem without benes.

Howdy Mike!

You found one!! Actually, there are MANY in this area.

What area do you work in? I work in SoCal but live in NorCal. Mike

I'm a full time (3 12's/wk) staff RN with full benefits in the SF Bay Area and I make just a bit more than $50/hr (this includes my differentials). I've only been there for four years and came in as a new grad.

Historically, our union negotiates a 6-7% yearly increase and we have a yearly longevity increase built into our base pay as well. So in four more years, I guess I would expect to be making > $60/hr.

Why on earth don't you work closer to home!?

karengr · Jan 12, 2005

Does anyone have information on R.N. Associates program in the miami area, without a crazy waiting list?

If you are already an LPN, have you considered Excelsior College? It's an online program and I'm currently enrolled in their ADN program. They are in Albany, NY and have been granting external degrees since the 70's and are fully accredited. Check out www.excelsior.edu for more information. I did my electives at traditional brick & mortor schools (just completed Microbiology at Tidewater Tech in VA) and transferred the credits, although you can do them online also.

I've been quite pleased with Excelsior, as have other nurses I've spoken with. You have no trouble reaching them by phone, they send out material (FREE) in a timely manner, and everyone I've dealt with has been very kind and supportive. Their study guides for the courses come with a list of recommended books, so you do have structure as to what to study for each exam. They now offer practice exams, which are retired exams, that help you target weak areas.

I plan to get my BSN and was looking to transfer to Drexel University's (Pennsylania) online program because Excelsior had too many expensive clinicals for their RN-BSN program. I spoke with Excelsior a few weeks ago though, and now you can do that work locally, so I may go ahead and get my BSN at Excelsior after all. I guess too many other nurses were shying away from the cost of those BSN clinicals! BTW, there are also MSN online programs out there as well. Just make sure the online program is well established and fully accredited - you can check programs out with your state BON.

Good luck!

Karen LPN

riern · Jan 12, 2005

Dang! I'm a RN with 12 years of experience and my base is 21.08 an hour. GGGGEEEEZZZZZZ I think I'm living in the wrong state. I am in a speciality area which increases my base to 23.08 with 12 years of experience. I live in a small rural community and the hospital I work at is also a small rural hospital. Be wary of the places offering such huge sign on bonuses.....find out why they have to bribe people to come to work for them.

Good Luck

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2005

I became a nurse because I love the show ER...and hopes of finding a doctor husband:rolleyes:

LOL!!!! Yeah, me too!!! My hubby will just have to deal with it. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

vortex72 · Jan 12, 2005

Howdy Mike!
You found one!! Actually, there are MANY in this area.
I'm a full time (3 12's/wk) staff RN with full benefits in the SF Bay Area and I make just a bit more than $50/hr (this includes my differentials). I've only been there for four years and came in as a new grad.
Historically, our union negotiates a 6-7% yearly increase and we have a yearly longevity increase built into our base pay as well. So in four more years, I guess I would expect to be making > $60/hr.
Why on earth don't you work closer to home!?
Dang! I'm a RN with 12 years of experience and my base is 21.08 an hour. GGGGEEEEZZZZZZ I think I'm living in the wrong state

Sounds like good money. However, everything is relative. A dumpy studio apartment in SF costs 1500/month. A house? fugheddaboutit! Unless you plan on working 168hours/week year round!

I make 40/hour with full benefits in TN which is superb money for this area. If you think that moving to a higher paying area will really be more money, then you are sadly mistaken. Be sure you check into the cost of living before assuming more pay really means more money!

tiredfeetED · Jan 12, 2005

Here in Central California, the housing ( or when i bought my home 8 months ago) are cheaper. My hospital pays the least at 25-32$ but the overtime is great. In the ED I work at I can work OT anyday i wish and we have great ratios 4:1 and see 120 pts aday. I agree..get into a spec. area such as ED/ICU, OR.