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need help from experienced RNs on how i might maximize my salary and earning potential when i graduate as RN in May.
Is it negotiable, do you have to take what they offer?
What is the highest youve heard someone start out at?
I need to make as much money as possible as my wife is a stay at home mom so we will be living off my salary only.
Will i be able to afford a decent house?
Any other RNs just started out and live off one income? I would love to her from you. Can you afford a house in the $150,000 to 175,000 range?
thanks,
matt
If anyone has been successful at negotiating a higher pay rate starting out....please let me know...thanks
Here in Illinois (just outside Chicago) NP's only make about $60...$70k max unless you have experience and shop around a good long time. Seems NP's don't make much more than RN's -- add in the RN's OT and hospital bennies and you might want to stay right there.Am not an RN yet (semester 4/5 for BSN) but at our last clinical, the hospital told us we could work 12 hr shifts (7a-7p) F, S, Su, get 1 weekend off every 4 weeks and the pay for us brand new RN's was $42/hr.
Dear Jov,
Could you enlighten me about which hospital that you are referring to above? I am a nursing student in Chicago as well and I have not heard of pay ranging as high as $42/hr for a new grad.
If you could reply to this or pm me that would be great~! Thanks
What I believe the prior post is referring to is the weekend or some call "the bayer" program. You work every weekend , but get paid for a full weeks work thus is where the 42 dollars an hour comes from. There are several hospitals that offer this, but usually not to new grads. Good luck in your career.
1. Choose a specialization: ER, ICU, OR, etc.
2. Study and work smart during your orientation. Show initiative and brains so you are more likely to be though of for extra shifts AFTER your orientation is complete.
3. After completing orientation, inquire about a weekend contract position on nights. Weekend contracts are payroll schedules that you agree to work (usually SAT/SUN + another day) and in return you get a higher hourly rate, completion bonus, or both. Forexample, a weekend contract usually results in a 35% increase to your base, eg: $21/hr + 35% = $28.35. Your OT hourly rate under that scenario would be $21 + 50% + 35%(base) = $38.85
4. Work ONE overtime shift per pay period, and if your schedule allows, bump that to two (4 shifts per 7 day week). And VOLUNTEER for extra!
That's the most SANE way to may your salary. It allows you to get into the swing of things of being a nurse without driving yourself to burnout.
Of course there are other ways to boost your salary after you gain experience, too. :-)
-Craig
RN, BSN, and others.
military spouse
577 Posts
When we lived in SE Alabama, our property taxes were under $300/yr for a new house and trash pick-up twice weekly was free:roll Boy, it makes PA seem expensive!