No wonder we are getting nursing students who are only in it for $

One2gofst · Nov 8, 2010

That's too bad! I've worked in 2 different states, and in both places, an RN with 3-5 years of experience can expect to make around 65K, if not more. And I'm not talking about NY or CA or other super high COL states.

Better watch saying things like that around here:lol2:

diane227, LPN, RN · Nov 8, 2010

It really depends on the area where you live. I make more here in the Seattle area than I made in Texas but the cost of living here is high.

I don't know about nursing being a calling or having to be. People go into certain professions for various reasons. When I decided on nursing it was because it was interesting, I loved learning about the human body and it was going to result in a secure income. Once I got into nursing I learned that I did have a calling for the profession and felt that I had been moved toward this profession for a reason.

I have had nurses that felt they would like nursing but hated it after they got into it. So you never know. I think that most would benefit from working as a CNA for a while so that they have some understanding of what nursing is like. I worked as a CNA while I was in school and it was a wonderful learning experience for me.

Woodenpug, BSN · Nov 8, 2010

I'm reading this differently. Isn't it about public image. Sincerely, for what we do and the qualities/ skills needed, we are underpaid. Just like everyone else in health care. I think, someone attracted to those numbers, will be disappointed by the fact that you earn that money. It's not altruistic to say that the financial rewards are not sufficient to make the job worth doing.

msavage14 · Nov 8, 2010

i am currently finishing nursing school and i love the clinical setting over the classroom because i am a hands on person. I comprehend some of the work but i actually learn better on hand.... but what ****** me off is the fact that some classmates of mine memorize things for the test but have no idea whats going on in clinicals..... So i asked the question do you enjoy clinicals and some of the replies were i just hate the fact that i have to deal with these sick people and possibly take their problems or illnesses home to my family..... I FIGURED THEN PAYCHECK OVER WEIGHS CARING

Ardneth · Nov 8, 2010

I wish the major media would catch onto the fact that there is no nursing shortage right now. Shortage is defined by a lack of personnel to fill available positions. Currently, there is a glut of unemployed RN's competing for a decreased (due to healthcare cutbacks) number of positions. Advertising otherwise seems unethical and immoral right now because it leads students to choose a career path that may never pay off.

I think it depends on more where you are located. I know where my family is in the north east, there is anything but a shortage. However, I have a friend who got a job at a Kentucky hospital that included loan forgiveness for a 2 year contract because they are really hurting for RNs.

Slightly off topic, but on the same line of thought: Nursing seems to be one of those professions that it's just "wrong" to make money. I like to compare it to farming. It's the mindset of "how dare you try to make a profit on food. That is something I have to have an it is just wrong to worry about money!" Meanwhile, love farming or hate it, you still have to make money and make a living. The same thing holds true with nursing. It seems like the attitude out there is if you're not self sacrificing and willing to take whatever is offered, then you're not a good nurse. As a nurse, all you should care about is people and money should never enter into your thoughts. Get real!

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2010

When you take into consideration that an one can become an RN with as little as 2 years of school (more often 3).. the median pay of 60k+ is pretty darn good, if you ask me.

I think, as with any profession, one should want to do it or they will be absolutely miserable. I don't think wanting a career that pays well, in and of itself, is a BAD thing.

I don't know any nurses who will work for nothing...

klone, MSN, RN · Nov 8, 2010

When you take into consideration that an one can become an RN with as little as 2 years of school (more often 3).. the median pay of 60k+ is pretty darn good, if you ask me.
I think, as with any profession, one should want to do it or they will be absolutely miserable. I don't think wanting a career that pays well, in and of itself, is a BAD thing.
I don't know any nurses who will work for nothing...

I agree with everything you wrote here.

I've never felt underpaid for what I do, and the amount of schooling I needed to finish in order to do it.

JDougRN, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2010

Geesh...nowhere did I say in my original post that nurses are under/overpaid for what we do-I certainly wouldn't do this for free...my original point here, was that a lot of people are going into nursing for no reason other than the expected paycheck. I stand by my original post- You have to be invested (or CARE) about your patients to be a good nurse, IMHO. If you feel differently, more power to you. I haven't met too many good nurses who don't give a hoot. And for the record, I NEVER said we shouldn't be compensated. We do a darn hard job under difficult circumstances, and most nurses really do care about their patients.

The problem I have with things like my original link is:

1. It gives people who don't really want to be nurses the idea that this would be a good professional fit for them.

2. People who have no clue about what nursing entails are in for a RUDE awakening once they get into nursing school.

3. Is it fair to do this to people? They might pay a lot of $ for tuition, only to find out they don't have what it takes to be a nurse.

4. People who aren't cut out to be nurses are getting spots in nursing school that could go to someone who SHOULD be there.

I've had people tell me "Well, it's GREAT money for only having a 2 year degree!" All I can do is shake my head, and think that these same people are going to be in some MAJOR culture shock.

klone, MSN, RN · Nov 9, 2010

Eh, I don't know. I guess I just feel like there's room for everyone - even the people who aren't married to the idea of bedside nursing. There are plenty of other areas of nursing they can get into that doesn't involve a lot of direct patient care, and it's no skin off my nose if someone else wants to get into nursing for the paycheck, but aren't too keen on patient care. They'll find their niche, or burn out and leave.

OCNRN63, RN · Nov 9, 2010

It's really none of my business why someone decides to go into nursing. Really. I don't interrogate my retirement advisor why he does what he does, and if he does it for "the love of it."

FWIW, I don't want some bitter "Martyr Mary" taking care of me if I'm sick. Altruism doesn't pay the rent.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2010

When you take into consideration that an one can become an RN with as little as 2 years of school (more often 3).. the median pay of 60k+ is pretty darn good, if you ask me.
I think, as with any profession, one should want to do it or they will be absolutely miserable. I don't think wanting a career that pays well, in and of itself, is a BAD thing.
I don't know any nurses who will work for nothing...

It is pretty good. For an entry level job (be it a 2 year degree or a BSN for entry) there are very few other jobs where a new grad can make so much. I live in a higher cost of living area, and while I do make in the $60,000 range, alot of my friends who are new grads in their professions are only making in the $30-40,000 range.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2010

I NEVER said we shouldn't be compensated. We do a darn hard job under difficult circumstances, and most nurses really do care about their patients.

My point is to that end, EVERY nurse is 'in it' for a paycheck.. whether they are passionate about it or not.

The problem I have with things like my original link is:
1. It gives people who don't really want to be nurses the idea that this would be a good professional fit for them.
2. People who have no clue about what nursing entails are in for a RUDE awakening once they get into nursing school.
3. Is it fair to do this to people? They might pay a lot of $ for tuition, only to find out they don't have what it takes to be a nurse.
4. People who aren't cut out to be nurses are getting spots in nursing school that could go to someone who SHOULD be there.

First of all, it's up to US to decide what a good professional fit is. Advertising isn't interested in marketing a good fit, they are interested in selling something, in this case, nursing school. Buyer beware!

I honestly think by the time people get to the point of getting accepted to nursing school, they have some idea of what they've gotten themselves into.

Who is to decide who is 'cut out' to be a nurse? Leave that up to the nursing schools/profession and/or the person themselves.

I've had people tell me "Well, it's GREAT money for only having a 2 year degree!" All I can do is shake my head, and think that these same people are going to be in some MAJOR culture shock.

I'm sure there will be people who fit into the box you're talking about. However, I think you're kind of insulting the intelligence of the pre-nursing student assuming they don't research their career choice and weigh salary/eduction into the equation.