Husband and Wife need advice!

[gospel Rn, BSN]

Hello all, we are married and graduating in May. We have been told by many that one of us should receive the benefits while the other decline and take the pay. My question is how much more on the hour should we expect when declining benefits? Starting rate here is $21.00/hr with benefits. We are at the point that we need to start interviewing and we do not want to make a mistake.

[Brian, ASN, RN]

Just wanted to say Congrats to both of you on the wedding and your future graduation and careers as nurses! You've received such great advice so far, keep it coming!

Wow, Look at the outpouring of support! Within a few hours of posting your response, there are over 24 replies! So many thoughtful and helpful responses! This is a fine example of what makes allnurses truly unique, we have such wonderful members!!! (proud founder momemt ) Carry on!

[MA Nurse]

Ok let me clarify. We are both graduating from nursing school in May with BSN degree's. We will be working at the same hospital, people keep telling us that the medical benefits from one will cover the other. So we both do not need the medical benefit as we will both be covered from one of us. I am so confused about this:bugeyes:

My husband and I are both RN's. I get the per diem pay without benefits. He gets the benefits...it covers us and our 3 kids.

I would suggest you just use his benefits and you make the extra money.

I make about $10 more an hour without benefits than my husband does.

We live in Ca., so our pay is a lot higher and we've been nurses for 18-20 years. But, I would think in any state, the pay should be around $10 more an hour without benefits.

[gospel Rn, BSN]

I would like to thank everyone for your advice and believe me it is advice I consider, as you all have been in the nursing world a lot longer than I have.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

hello all, we are married and graduating in may. we have been told by many that one of us should receive the benefits while the other decline and take the pay. my question is how much more on the hour should we expect when declining benefits? starting rate here is $21.00/hr with benefits. we are at the point that we need to start interviewing and we do not want to make a mistake.

my husband and i have worked in three hospitals together, and in every one of them it was cheaper for us to each have our own benefits. even when you have children, it may be cheaper for one of you to insure yourself and the children and the other one to just insure him/herself. it's definitely easier to have your own insurance. plus, some benefits -- disability for example -- aren't offered to the spouse. you could get your own disability insurance but none for your spouse.