New RN Grad's First Job - $23/hr. Is this a rip off?

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So after 3 months, 50+ applications to hospitals, doc offices, agencies, nursing homes.... I finally got my first job as a Registered Nurse at a nursing home and rehabilitation center in Chicago. The pay is $23 per hour with benefits or $25 per hour without benefits. I have heard from other people that the starting salary for RNs in Chicago is usually $25-27 per hour. I was so desperate to get a job so I accepted the offer but of course, I asked the DON why it's so low compared to other places. She tells me that I am new with no experience. OK, I just graduated so fine, I understand.

I started the job 3 days ago. I am appalled to see how they practice nursing!! I know that clinical theory is very different from actual practice but my gosh (!!) I see so many things screaming lawsuits and citations. Also,

I come in at 7am and I am on my feet (NO KIDDING!!) non-stop until 1230pm. At 1pm, I'm back on my feet until 3. Basically, I give, give, give medications. They don't even take vitals. They told me that if they stop and take them, they'd be there all day and they don't pay overtime.

For the past 3 days, on my way home, I feel so dejected and depressed. As soon as I get home, I put my feet up and nurse my achy feet. As much as I would love to keep on applying for hospital jobs, I have no energy left in me to do so. It's only been 3 days---- and I'm already complaining. WOW. It's soooo not like me.

Anyway, I just wanted to vent. And I guess, I'd like to ask around... is $23 per hour for RN job too low? I know there's recession and all and I'm so desperate for a job. I am beginning to think that it's not even worth it. Before nursing school, I made the same amount per hour and I was sitting. Am I giving up so quickly?

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You are correct that the average pay is $25-$27/hr with benefits BUT the economy sucks! You are lucky to have a job since alot of my classmates are still trying to get an interview since December. Just try to work where you are for at least 6 months so you have some experience when you apply for another job elsewhere. I have a friend who works in a nursing home and all she do is pass meds all day :bluecry1:

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The pay sounds right for a new grad Chicagoland to me. It sure does sound like your job sucks though. Maybe you should look for another?

-b

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I wish I could tell you something different, but you are making more money in Chicago than down here in the extreme southern part of the state. All of the nursing homes that I have had the displeasure of working for pay $18-$19 an hour and I am sure the cost of living is way lower here.

I extend my sympathies to you while working LTC. It is the never ending med pass, charting, etc, and yes as you described..things that would bring the state down on a facility and pass out citations like candy. I cringe every time I walk into a nursing home. I guess maybe the burn-out has made me feel this way.

Also, I know the feeling of being on your feet all day and hurting so bad when you get home and being so exhausted you can't do anything else. I wish you luck in finding a really good job that you deserve. LTC is not for everyone and I have come to the realization that it's NOT for me.

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Specializes in post surgical, tele, icu.

I agree it sounds about right. I had 2 years expereince when I moved to Chicago and made 25 at Swedish. I now get 28 base at another place with 3.5 years experience.

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Thank you all for the responses. Although a nursing job is not my first choice, I appreciate the fact that I do have a job. I will look at it as a stepping stone to a better job someday. As far as the pay rate goes, I have a friend who just got a job at a hospital for $26/hr with benefits. She's a new grad as well. $3 more per hour would be great for me but I will get there, I will get there :)

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OMG...sorry, but this is exactly my life to the T too. I just started at a LTC facility last week. After the first day I went home crying. I graduated in May. Passed the NCLEX my first try AND have 2 years of experience as a PCT. This is the only job I could get after countless applications too. After 2 day there, I feel nothing but defeat and am counting the days to my first paycheck so I can quit. I know it's not right, but I just cant bring myself to give such unsafe and dangerous care. The passing meds to 60 pt's on my own and trying not to make an error haunts me. I just can't do this with a clear conscious...and I'm only getting 20 an hour so you are doing better than me. Hopefully soon we will both get out of this and move onto the beginnings of making our dreams a reality. Good luck to you girl!

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Specializes in Neuroscience/Neuro-surgery/Med-Surgical/.

Nursing home pay for new grads sounds right $21-23/hr

Hospital pay for new grads $24-26/hr

Clinics pay for new grads $19-21/hr

At least from my experience in downtown chicago......

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I just started as a new grad at a LTC facility. I make $22/hr and no shift differential. I live in a fairly rural part of Illinois. I have about 25 residents to myself to pass meds, do assessments, charting(lots of medicare), admissions, and treatments. I have 2 CNA's on my hall. I feel overwhelmed with all that I have to do. I think I will get faster as time goes by. I already have. I am becoming more organized. We don't always have a desk or bridge nurse as we call it. As far as your salary, I think it is reasonable.

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and by the way what you described is the name of the game with nursing homes/ LTC facilities. that is how they all are, heavy on med passes, hard work, but it does get easier when you learn the job better, trust me, hang in there.

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

Your lucky. In some parts of the country nurses are starting at $21.00 with benefits so I would say the salary you are getting is about right for your area. I live in the Seattle area and they are paying about 23-25 up here but it cost a BUNCH to live up here.

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23 is not enough for chicago. The northside chicago nursing homes pay 24-26. I know this first hand because I live in Chicago and work at one and have friends that work at others.

im telling you, i will get you a job tomorrow for 25-26 if you have a clear RN licience in the state of illinois

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