Moving to Charlotte & so confused!

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Specializes in Oncology, Apheresis, Clinical Research.

Hi everyone!

I've been an RN for 7 years, 6 of which I've spent in here in San Diego, CA (the other one in Ohio). My husband recently got a great job offer in Charlotte, NC (he's an engineer), so we will be moving across the country from San Diego to Charlotte at the end of May. We're really excited--Charlotte seems like such a great place!

Anyway, I'll get to my point: I had a phone interview with a manager from a dialysis unit in Charlotte, and she mentioned the pay, and I'm wondering if it is a fair/good offer. I have tried to research nursing salaries in Charlotte, and have come up with so much conflicting information that I'm so confused! Various salary websites say different things (I've seen average pay listed as $51k annually up to $72K, depending on the site, for an infusion/oncology/dialysis nurse, which are the areas I work in). I've even spoken to a couple of hospitals, but I got such a huge range that I still don't know what to think (one woman said they pay RNs between $20/hr-$34/hr, but couldn't really get more specific; I understand there are many factors involved, so I thought I'd ask some actual nurses).

San Diego is in its own world, when it comes to the economy. I currently make $39.15/hour for a day shift position in as an apheresis /infusion /oncology RN at a university hospital (outpatients), which may sound like really good pay, but it isn't actually, when you pay $1775/month for a 900 square foot apartment and gasoline is over $4 a gallon. So I obviously know that I will be making far less than my current salary, and have no complaints about that since cost of living is so much more affordable in Charlotte. However, like anyone else, I would like to make fair wages, so I was wondering if anyone could please help me out. :D

What is a typical salary for an RN with 7 years of acute care experience looking to work in a large hospital (for instance CMC inpatient or outpatient infusion center giving chemo or dialysis treatments)? Are salaries often "set in stone" (for instance, at the university where I work, we're union, and they have a "step" program, so you'll be paid a set amount no matter what, based only on how many years you've been a nurse)? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much! :bow:

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Specializes in NICU, PACU, Pediatrics.

I live and work in Charlotte and the salary you were quoted is right for a RN1 they have a different scale the 2's make 10% more and the 3's 10% more then that...but you start as a one...I moved here from OH and with my experience was placed at the higher end of the scale for a 1. They also offer incentive for extra shifts as well as shift and weekend diff. Hope that helps

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Specializes in Oncology, Apheresis, Clinical Research.

Thank you very much for the information! I really appreciate your feedback--it's been really tough for me to get an idea of a typical pay scale, since it varies so much by region (and I think I made the mistake of scaring one potential employer off by quoting a salary that was too high because I just took a shot in the dark and guessed, which wasn't a good idea but was my only choice at that point!). Now I at least have a general idea to work with ($26/hr is where they said I would start if I do get the job). Thank you again!

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KLeigh,

Good luck on the job hunt. Let us know what happens with the move.

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