Negotiating pay

[seadobe]

I am an RN with 15 years of experience and a masters degree. My current hospital follows a very specific pay scale based on experience. I am moving to either Georgia or Texas where they told me pay is negotiable. I currently make $71/hr. One hospital in Georgia is offering me $45/hr. I understand there will be a significant cut in pay based on the new states cost of living but I don't want to sell myself short. What would be appropriate for me to make in the state of Georgia or Texas?

[jnb1740, BSN]

$71/hr for 15yrs is real good. Is that in Cali?  At 30 yrs in Chicago, at a union hospital, $71/hr is what we'd get with a Master's degree. $65/hr for a bachelors degree & 30 yrs. 15yrs & Masters here at my union, large city hospital would get you about $57/hr.

$45/hr is WEAK.  You'd want at least $10/hr more in Georgia or Texas. At least.