New grad pay, opportunities, etc

CandyGyrl · Jan 8, 2010

Depends on what you consider good money. Where you are now and where you'd like to see yourself may help you to determine what its worth to you. Would I like to make $350k+ a year YES! With hard work all things are possible but realistically, I live in Michigan, the economy is tough and I have a husband who's been laid off and 2 mouths to feed SOOOOO... lets get to the point.

I am a new grad. I graduated in late August, landed a job during my last semester of school and began working as a intern in September passed my State boards in early November and Now I'm officially R.N. :nurse: when I came on as a G.N my pay is the same as a New Grad R.N so it did not change once I became official. I'd make close to $40k a year working 36 hours a week if I worked no overtime or holidays (virtually impossible in nursing) With overtime and holidays maybe about maybe about $50k- $70k and this is just my first year. :rolleyes: You will get annual raises as time goes on. Except right now hospitals are taking a big hit in this economy and alot of hospitals like mines aren't giving raises right now. In addition you can take a contingent position or work with an agency or home health care as a 2nd gig, after you get a little more experience in 6 mos - 1 year depending on how comfortable you feel. Some nurses I work with work full time one place and contingent (minimum of 40 hours a month) somewhere else and they make $70-$100K easily. There are also advanced nursing positions that hold higher salaries of say $90k-$175k which is where I'd eventually like to be.

Just know that it is not without hard work, and trust me you earn every dime of it. But I now have a financial freedom that I've never had before and it may not be much money to some people but I feel like I do pretty O.K. :smokin: I can hold down my household, pay bills, buy gas and groceries, treat myself and even put a little something away each check for a rainy day. The hard work was well worth it... (on my days off at least).

mmh2 · Jan 8, 2010

Good to hear CandyGyrl! I make good money now as a dental assistant but am at the top of the pay scale and there are zero opportunities for advancement, no raises (any more, that is) and no bonuses. I have not had a raise in 4 yrs and for some of my co workers it has been closer to 10. I have it easy because I don't work holidays and only work 2 sats a month from 8 - 1 and it can be hard work but not nursing hard. Not anywhere close. LOL I am not complaining, I know I am very fortunate to have a job at all when others have been without. I am looking for more though. More fulfillment, more opportunites, more flexibiltiy and of course, more money! I know it will be a long,hard road...and hopefully I will think it was worth it. Esp since I'll have student loans to pay!! LOL

CandyGyrl · Jan 9, 2010

Good luck to you! Just know scheduling is flexible once you're seasoned-- Part time