New Grad salary only 45k???

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Hi...first time posting but long time lurker here.

An acquaintance of mine recently graduated from NCC RN program and accepted a position at Norwalk Hospital for 45k. Based on my lurkings here, along with my own personal "research", this struck me as extremely low.

I love nursing (yes, I'm one of those soppy students convinced that nursing is a "calling"), and will continue to pursue my RN/BSN regardless, but I also have to be practical. As I'm sure you know, Fairfield County is one of the most expensive areas of the country to live in. I was hoping for at least 10k more. I hope I don't offend anyone with my question but am I dreaming? Is it just Norwalk or are all area hospitals paying new grads in the 45k range?

Should I move to Texas (kidding)?

Thanks...in advance...so much.

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My instructor back in 2006 told me St Vincents Hospital salary is $62,000 a year. $45,000 is very low for a new grad, especially for fairfield county. I heard Danbury hospital pays well.

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I also have a friend that recently graduated from NCC. She accepted a position at Danbury hospital paying 70k.

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Thanks for the replies...70k in Danbury is definitely more doable than 45k in Norwalk. I feel much relief as I cling to a perhaps futile dream of owning my own home around here some day. I don't really know this new (actually soon-to-be new) grad all that well...as I said she's just an acquaintance. Perhaps she's graduating with "only" an LVN and the salary reflects that????

Anyway, thanks again for the replies...and thanks for such a lively, informative board. You guys have already been a great help along the way in my RN/BSN journey!

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Maybe she's graduating with her LPN but I don't think she's doing it from NCC. NCC (nor any other CC in CT) have LPN schools. All the LPN schools are in the State Tech schools (Bullard Haven, Eli Whitney, Vinal etc) or private tech schools (Stone, Porter and Chester, Lincoln Tech)

If she is graduating with her Associates in Nursing I think 45K is quite low in the Norwalk area (low for any area in CT). I know one of the LTC facilities close to me is hiring LPN's at 26-32/hr depending on experience. Even at $26, thats still $54080/yr for 40 hr weeks. Of course thats LTC and we all know that they pay higher than hospitals, but still. I can't see such a low starting rate for an RN, thats only about $21.60 an hour per a 40 hr week.

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Which school are you attending fot your RN/BSN?

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