how do i max my income as new grad

military spouse · Jan 24, 2007

I am assuming that "L.I." means Long Island....there is a vast difference in the cost of living in New York and Birmingham Alabama where the OP is located. It is very reasonable to expect to find a home --a nice home at that --for 150,000.00 in Alabama. Not a fancy home - but a nice decent single family dwelling -in a nice area.
As far a property taxes--each county in Alabama seems to have their own formula for taxing its citizens. Property taxes in Shelby Co. Alabama are outrageous! The taxes on a home valued at about $500,000 in that county is less than $2000.00 per year (or at least that is what my parent's had to pay). Just one county to the south in Chilton County Alabama a home with the same value would be less than $700.00 per year (according to my brother who lives there).
Jeez...If I am right in my assumption about L.I.----I could never live there--If property is that expensive --what do you guys pay for a cup of coffee??

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!

Amxixi29 · Jan 25, 2007

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

RNSacht · Jan 26, 2007

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.

CraigBSN02 · Jan 26, 2007

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.