Minimum wage for nurses!

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Just curious, this question came up at work. How many of you would still be a nurse, or choose nursing, if it only paid minimum wage? :uhoh21:

~Crystal

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I would, but I would grip about it! :rotfl:

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

Nope.

I might go to private duty, one case at a time.

But I'd also have to get a job that had good pay, benefits and retirement.

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No way. I've got a family to support, couldn't afford to work for only minimum wage. That would be scary : 0. I do love nursing, and luckily it pays better.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I want to change my answer. Now that I think about it, no. I get nine an hour now as a certified medical assistant and I do not feel like that is enough. Even though I want to have a job that I like so much that I would be willing to do for free, I think when you are not paid for what you are worth you start to feel taken for granted and that can feel horrible, I know I feel like that at work some times. Plus, it would not be worth it to me to work minn wage, thats why I went back to college! :D

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

No way, no how! Why would I want all the responsiblity associated with being a nurse, not to mention the stress, when I could work a stress free job at McDonalds? That would be just stupid... even for people that love nursing. I mean, seriously... would I take a harder job for less money? No way. Would I take a harder job for no more money if I could work a simple, stress free job? Nope!!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, OB/GYN, L/D, NBN.

I agree with the majority...I love nursing, I love helping people and making an impact on people's lives but come on... Who would do the things nurses do, have the responsibility they have and be responsible for the lives that they are for the same amount of pay that a cashier at Walmart who only has to scan merchandise is responsible for? Nurses getting paid less would not make them any less liable for the things that they do.

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Specializes in CIC, CVICU, MSICU, NeuroICU.

Hmmm very interesting.......

Fastfood worker do it for 5.75 dollars per hour

Someone who is actually saving your life?.....

Priceless

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Just curious, this question came up at work. How many of you would still be a nurse, or choose nursing, if it only paid minimum wage? :uhoh21:

~Crystal

not a nurse yet, but as a student, I can definitely tell you that i would not be spending 4 years, and around 12-15k to get an associates degree (not to mention my bachelors work), to be paid minimum wage. :devil: Who ever is thinking this might work better think again! :rotfl:

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

SMK1 that is Exactly what I was thinking. Grocery stores pay minimum wage, and you don't have to struggle through years of pre-reqs.

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No way.

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Just curious, this question came up at work. How many of you would still be a nurse, or choose nursing, if it only paid minimum wage? :uhoh21:

~Crystal

depending on what kind of nursing...

not!! lol

The other poster had a good point about all the pre-reqs, not to mention the intense load in just nursing classes...and my family has had to sacrafice a lot in order for me to become a nurse. Just wouldn't be worth it...if you look at the big picture. Reality speaks pretty loud and kids are expensive to raise.

~J

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