Northwest Indiana Hospitals-pay for new RN grads

[Ihoplover]

Hi - I'm new to the forum and I really love reading about everyone's experiences and helpful advice!!

Anyone who can reply to let me know what a new RN grad will make at the local hospitals (St. Anthony's, Crown Point, Munster Community, Porter in Valparaiso) it would be appreciated. I graduate next spring and am trying to decide if it's worth the drive to work in Chicago. I hear new RN's there make $28-$29 per hr but I don't know if that is base salary or includes a shift differential - big difference especially since the gasoline or train fare has to be figured in to the whole scenario. Thanks much!!

[Hrtnurse14]

Hi,

I recently moved to Northeast Indiana but still work at Community in Munster on a prn basis. Last year the new grads were at 22/hr. For eves add 10%, nights 15%, and weekends $4.00 an hour. I am sure the base has gone up a bit. St. Anthony is usually slightly lower (about 1.00 an hour) and Margarets is usually about 1.00 higher. When considering the city really take a close look at parking rates (they do charge to park at some of the campuses), gas etc. I did interview a couple of times in the city. Financially I came out slightly ahead, but it didn't make up for the loss of time due to travel.

PLEASE interview everywhere you can and go with your gut instincts... that is way more important than money. Try to find a unit that you feel you would enjoy and learn alot from, and most importantly find a manager who seems passionate about their unit. Also, look at patient ratios and the staffing. Do they have a charge nurse, aides, or is it primary care. How will they precept you? How long do you have to orient for? How long do you have to stay on a unit in case you don't like it and will want to transfer.

I know money is very important when your coming out of school, but take it from someone who has done it for awhile, money is not everything.

Good Luck and Congrats!

Hrtnurse1