New Grads- what starting rates are you seeing?

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I have been contacting nursing recruiters lately to see what the options are for me when I graduate.

A lot of them have sent me packets with applications, etc. ALL of the ones I have seen so far have the " salary desired" slot. Or they tell me they have "competitive rates". Well, I don't know what the competitive rates are :)

So if any new grads from the last year or so can tell me what the going starting rates are that would be helpful! Thank you!

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I am not a RN graduate but I have classmates(ADN-RN) that graduated in June and they getting $23 base one other started at $24 base. I work at hospital in area and BSN-RN gets the same starting rate.

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The rates for new graduates are in the $23-$25 range in the Washington Metropolitan area with WHC starting their new grad rate at close to $26, and many other hospitals at around $24 (ie Inova, Sibley).

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Thank you both!

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Specializes in Transplant - Liver & Kidney.

BSN grad at Hopkins $25/hr w/rotating shifts.

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Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

Forgive me for this piece of unasked for advice- As a new grad, you have a functional basic knowlege of nursing care. The rates in the metro DC and Baltimore area are similar 24-26/hr. Rather than compare money at this stage of your career, ask yourself what job will prepare me for long term goals and make me the best nurse possible? The answer is the job that supports your training for three months to a year depending on the area of practice (med-surg, ER, Transplant, etc.) Money will come after a year of practice in any specialty, as you can work agency or move to a higher paying hospital. I say to the nursing students and newgrads I precept- take punishment in a high acuity teaching hospital setting and learn to take care of the sickies, then when you leave, anything you do will seem easy and your peers will respect the type of practitioner you are.

Not a lecture, just a thought:)

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To Ready4crna:

I agree with your saying "I say to nursing students and newgrads...take punishment in a high acuity teaching hospital setting...."

Given a choice between working for a high acuity teaching hospital and a lowe acuity/non teaching hospital, I would choose the former. The job may be more demanding and tiring, but it will pay off in the long run.

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I do appreciate your input but I certainly don't hope you think I was asking so I can go out there and find the highest paying job to boot. The point was they are asking ME to fill out salary desired...and I had literally *no* idea what to put down.

Thankfully, as it is, we actually had a lecture last Friday that actually touched on starting rates +benefits+ etc. The starting rate in the B-more area ran from $22 ( northwest) to $25 (mercy)...that's w/ out any shift differentials....so at least now I know what I can write down and not grossly over-ask or under-ask.

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To BoonersMom:

Also, keep in mind that it is perfectly OK to put down when asked on a form what salary you desire, something like "Negotiable" or just leave it blank. Also, to tell you the truth, I doubt it that one can really negotiate the rate since the rate is usually the same for all new graduates. And many hospitals will have a predetermined rate based on your years of experience. I think, but I could be wrong, that staff nurses are among the jobs for which rates are not as negotiable as for other jobs.

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Forgive me for this piece of unasked for advice- As a new grad, you have a functional basic knowlege of nursing care. The rates in the metro DC and Baltimore area are similar 24-26/hr. Rather than compare money at this stage of your career, ask yourself what job will prepare me for long term goals and make me the best nurse possible? The answer is the job that supports your training for three months to a year depending on the area of practice (med-surg, ER, Transplant, etc.) Money will come after a year of practice in any specialty, as you can work agency or move to a higher paying hospital. I say to the nursing students and newgrads I precept- take punishment in a high acuity teaching hospital setting and learn to take care of the sickies, then when you leave, anything you do will seem easy and your peers will respect the type of practitioner you are.

Not a lecture, just a thought:)

Great advice....that's why I'm applying to all university medcenters. It is good though to have an idea about what kind of pay we should be asking for. A great teaching hospital is fantastic but we still have bills, especially paying back student loans.

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Specializes in TCU, LTC.

I know LPN's in MD can make around $24/hour + differentials if you look around. I'm sure RN's can do similar or better on a med-surg floor. Ask for $25/hour, seems reasonable.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, ICU.

Your new grads have it nice, I work in Knoxville, TN right now been out of school a couple of years and was started at $17 and hour offered similair at other hospitals, never got over 17.50.

And I am an RN and an EMT-IV

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