I have a general question to ask, I'm not trying to get too personal, BUT. (there's always a but)
I'm 28 I've been a RN for about 2 years, been working in the ER for about a year, in your average small-town USA hospital, The closest trauma center to us is about 3 hours away. Anyway, I want to leave here, and go back to city life. I moved back home after school to get my feet wet, bank some money, and pay down my student loans, now its time to move on.
I have a Bachelors (BSN) from a very good college, I have 2 years experience, I need to get out of this one horse town before I scream. I guess my question is How much does an RN make in a good "city" hospital?
I realize that it varies by location, given cost of living and such, but I have seen SO many extremes. On certain sites I've seen anywhere from $18 to $50 an hour!? To narrow this a bit, I am wanting to re-locate to the southwest, Ideally the Phoenix or Tucson area(s). I presently am in northern maine, and after our record breaking 300 inches of snow this year, I'm about spent. lol
I read that the 'average' income for nurses is $62,000 a year. WHERE did these people come up with this figure- California or the New England states?? I know of NOBODY who earns that much- the hospitals here whine that 'they are competitive'- average salary here is $35,000-40,000/year. Lately I am hearing that there are no jobs for nurses- yet the media says there is a shortage in the whole of United States.
I live in metropolitan Washington DC area and in my hospital as per diem nurse working 3 12 night shifts you can easily make 75 000$. We didn't get any raises or bonuses for few yrs now, though.
neatnurse- I do expect some areas, such as yours to have a higher income- just due to higher cost of living- but here it is 1/2 of what it is many places! I took a 1/2 pay cut when I came here. Guess I thought the great state of Wyoming would make up for it. Wrong!! It is expensive to live here- this is the most expensive place I have lived. I want to get back to civilization!
neatnurse30
166 Posts
I live in metropolitan Washington DC area and in my hospital as per diem nurse working 3 12 night shifts you can easily make 75 000$. We didn't get any raises or bonuses for few yrs now, though.