Low starting pay for new RN?

[09NewGrad]

Hey guys/gals,

I'm not meaning for this to sound like complaining, I'm sort of just wondering if it's a low hourly wage to start at. I just got hired last week and found out the starting wages are 19.60/hr. When I figure that rate per year it comes out to just under $34,000 per year. This is less than my spouse makes who is in her first year of teaching at a grade school, who we thought made bottom of the barrel salary. I guess we can't really complain as we're both newly out of school? I also checked several websites and most reported that the median average salary was quite a bit higher, this is why I'm surprised. Please add your insights.

[bradleyshanetaylor]

I am as well from southern illinois. Vienna to be pin point. I work at lourdes, but when I was shopping around 2.5 years ago, starting pay was anywhere from 18-21 an hour depending on where you worked as an RN. Just remember that this is base pay as I assume. After I started I recieved extra money for working in critical care and other incentives that pushed my pay to over 20 hour. This year to date, I ahve kept track of my hours, and I ahve worked approx 90 hours less than what would be full time 40 hrs a week, and with some over times some weeks to try and lessen this gap im making approx 24 hour. You have to remember to this pay is based on 36 hours a week, and I know your sign other is putting in mroe than 40 hrs week preping and things for class.

[bradleyshanetaylor]

forgot to add in as well shift dif. I currently work days and have no desire to go back to nights, but the job i turned down on night was ICU charge and I would of took a 8 hour raise and making approx 30 hour. Just work hard and get all your credentials ACLS, PALS, TNCC, CCRN, etc and your salary will increase as well with different positions in just a few years

[rags]

You need money to relocate....I have yet to see a job willing to pay for me to relocate when there are so many ppl already in the area who are fighting for the same position. I have $92 to my name...so that kinda ruins any chance at relocation.

Actually... they will give you money to relocate. I moved less than 500 miles 3 years ago and received $2500. They still offer relocation bonuses as well as tuition reimbursement in places that are still in need of nurses (and those places do still exist) or have higher turn over ratios. It might be worth your time to look into other locations.

rags

[NewAggieGrad09]

Actually... they will give you money to relocate. I moved less than 500 miles 3 years ago and received $2500. They still offer relocation bonuses as well as tuition reimbursement in places that are still in need of nurses (and those places do still exist) or have higher turn over ratios. It might be worth your time to look into other locations.

rags

Alot has changed in the economy since 2006...but I will keep looking. Thanks for the advice!

[lsw1956]

In Louisiana some hospitals are offering sign on bonuses and every graduate in my class had a job waiting on them when they got out. It is strange to me to even think of no nursing jobs available after graduation.

[rags]

Alot has changed in the economy since 2006...but I will keep looking. Thanks for the advice!

Yes it has! However, my hospital does still offer as well as others in my area. I honestly haven't been looking in other states (currently love where I work) but know we cannot be the only state out there still in constant need of recruitment incentives. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for you and nature is telling you to "broaden your horizons" you might be surprised with what you find.

Good luck my friend. I know there is a job out there just waiting for you to find it!

Rags

[NewAggieGrad09]

Yes it has! However, my hospital does still offer as well as others in my area. I honestly haven't been looking in other states (currently love where I work) but know we cannot be the only state out there still in constant need of recruitment incentives. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for you and nature is telling you to "broaden your horizons" you might be surprised with what you find.

Good luck my friend. I know there is a job out there just waiting for you to find it!

Rags

Thanks! What state are u in? Sorry if you mentioned it before lol

[HIRN]

I live in Southern California and got hired in Jan 09 nas a new grad. Starting rate was 30.55 with a $2.75 differential from 3-11 and a $4.10 differential from 11-7. I now make $31.55 as starting rate. I am blessed that I got a job but a lot of nurses still struggle here because of the cost of living.

[MishRN378]

28.00 in Mass.

[secretlovers]

I am a new grad (May 2009) with a BSN in SE Wisconsin. Had a job lined up 2 months before graduation. My starting pay was $23/hr + $2.75 sift diff, 36/hrs/wk in the ED. =$48204.00/yr

[rags]

Thanks! What state are u in? Sorry if you mentioned it before lol

Not sure I did mention it so no worries on missing it! Silly on my part. I am in Wyoming.

[Sharawnda]

Actually, it's about the same amount as the pay you made in '91, if you allow for inflation:

http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl

In my area of Florida, new grads start at about $18.30 plus shift diff... with inflation, about the same as a decade ago (so we haven't gained a thing, but considering the economy, I don't think we can expect much).

Still, it's no wonder that there is little if any loyalty among new grads, who typically move on to greener pastures after a year or so (contrary to previous years, no sign on bonuses are paid).

Hospitals are so short-sighted... a huge nursing shortage will occur in a few years (but I digress).

DeLana

In terms of the nursing shortage, I will be starting nursing school next year, so I am hoping by the time I graduate they will be offering me a position that pays decent. I think the recession is expected to be over around 2012...