If you make over 100k/year as a nurse

diane227, LPN, RN · Apr 16, 2009

I make 75,000 a year working part time in a small hospital outside Seattle. But the cost of living is high here, especially housing. I never work overtime. My overtime goes to taxes or for union dues so there is no need to work extra.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Apr 17, 2009

As a certified Case Manager, one huge mistake people make is buying a bare bones plan and then expecting Cadillac Service. When you have a health crisis you medical bills can be in the millions of dollars, cheapo plans often cap in the hundreds of thousands. So you end up having a huge health crisis and are saddle with debt. I have found in life you get what you pay for. After living through a major health crisis, I would never get a cheapo plan through a low rated company.

http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml

My husband's employment is Texas based and his insurance is even more expensive than mine with less coverage through a for profit insurance company so I know in the end I am not over paying. His fellow employees are always complaining about their co pays and lack of coverage.

I feel very luck since my state mandates health insurance and my adult daughter is covered while she is attending medical school. Saves her thousands of dollars.

SouthernCarolinaRN · Apr 17, 2009

I work 4 12 hour shifts a week and make just under 100k. I have an Associates degree at present but working on my BSN. I also have 14.5 yrs experience and work in a cardiac tele unit.

Chapis · Apr 17, 2009

Where in Texas?

redranger · Apr 17, 2009

As a certified Case Manager, one huge mistake people make is buying a bare bones plan and then expecting Cadillac Service. When you have a health crisis you medical bills can be in the millions of dollars, cheapo plans often cap in the hundreds of thousands. So you end up having a huge health crisis and are saddle with debt. I have found in life you get what you pay for. After living through a major health crisis, I would never get a cheapo plan through a low rated company.
http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml
My husband's employment is Texas based and his insurance is even more expensive than mine with less coverage through a for profit insurance company so I know in the end I am not over paying. His fellow employees are always complaining about their co pays and lack of coverage.
I feel very luck since my state mandates health insurance and my adult daughter is covered while she is attending medical school. Saves her thousands of dollars.

You should look for work that has great healthcare benefits.

Focus your employment toward companies that offer "No Limit" on Lifetime Maximum Benefits

Always think "Down the Line" and "What if"

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Apr 17, 2009

I have earned over $100k a year for the last few years. I work in a NICU, and I do an OT shift approx x1 a month, sometimes more. We have many mandatory classes and meetings, which means we get paid for attending. I have an ADN and live in the Central Valley of California. I've been an RN since 1986.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Apr 17, 2009

You should look for work that has great healthcare benefits.
Focus your employment toward companies that offer "No Limit" on Lifetime Maximum Benefits
Always think "Down the Line" and "What if"

That's what I gave I work within a world class system and have excellent health benefits ( although expensive). No limit, world wide coverage, and better yet the system is self insured.

That is why we opt for my benefits than my husband's.

massrn116 · Apr 17, 2009

I made over 100k in a small, unionized community hospital in MA. I have been there 25 years, am a diploma RN in critical care. I work an average of 44 hours per week.

athena55, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2009

:yeah:What is your specialty?
how long have you been an RN?
and how many years have you been working?
Do you have a BSN or ADN?

When I was a civilian I worked at the VA Medical Center (VISN3), step 2, grade 8 (when I was first hired in 2006)

At that time I was working telemetry, then switched back to the combined ICU

I have my BSN and have been actively working as an RN since 1975

Didn't do much OT. The VA system in NYC pays very well, especially if you have experience. Yes, "regular" old staff nurses can and do make over $100,000/year

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2009

Not me but at my hosptital in SF Bay Area a new grad staff nurse on day shift working 40 hours a week starts at $98k not including weekend diff or holiday pay. The top of the pay scale workinging 40 hrs/ days makes $128,000. Pretty standard pay in the bay area with a very high cost of living. On my floor with aprox $50 RN's only 5 work full time most are 3-4 days a week.

Yeah...but you are talking about SF...that is one of the most expensive places to live in the country.

jhenderson7593 · Apr 18, 2009

My two cents? (cuz you're all dieing to know, right?)
If you want to pull in 6 figures a year... DON'T go into nursing. Nursing has a lot to offer, but awesome financial compensation isn't it.

Absolutely incorrect. Masters level nursing pays well over 100K. My friend is an anesthetist and makes over 200k per year. Many NP clear 100K and CNS can reach that figure.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2009

Absolutely incorrect. Masters level nursing pays well over 100K. My friend is an anesthetist and makes over 200k per year. Many NP clear 100K and CNS can reach that figure.

Depends on where you live and the type of job you have. I know a PhD nurse researcher (and chair of her research dept) who works for a state gov't in the south. She makes $19. an hr.