Nursing and Money Makin'

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Do nurses really make that much money? Really?

I've stated that other posts why I really wanted to become a nurse. My reasons change time to time, but honestly, I want to be a role model for my daughter. I also need to have something to protect myself incase something should happen to my husband. God forbid.

I see others say, (and please refrain from bashing) that they are in it for the money. That's fine, I'm not forming an opinion. I just want to know what tells you that the money is that good? I have heard two instructors say the pay isn't great. I've been told to expect about $40,000 a year. I'm in STL by the way. $40,000 a year isn't going to be putting me in the life of luxury.

My question is, do I have this all wrong? Is there a way to make more money than I had thought? What's the story, and FILL ME IN! LOL!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

A career in nursing is not going to provide you with a luxurious lifestyle, but it should give you a comfortable income. Salaries vary depending on the area of the country you live in. New grad BSN's at my hospital start at about $29/hour plus shift differentials, while ADN's start at $27 plus s.d.'s. Most hospitals do not differentiate between education (ADN or BSN), but I am at a VA medical center as an intern (making $22/hour as a student).

I don't know what salaries are like in STL... try checking out the regional forums and see what they have to say.

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Specializes in Infusion.

Look at the employment listings at the hospitals in your area. Starting wage here is close to $30/hr. I will say that you may not be able to find full-time work or the shift that you want right away.

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I know what the salary is for our area. I was just wondering why people thought they would get rich from nursing.

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I don't think anyone should expect to get rich from nursing. But the pay seems to be more than adequate, especially with the perks of being able to only work 3 days a week, or at least have a lot more flexibility in your schedule than other jobs might allow.

So the money might be decent, but I think what draws people to the profession more than that is the flexible lifestyle that comes with the salary. You can get paid decently and still have a life outside of work. To many people, that's worth A LOT.

(Not to mention there are lots of avenues for advancement to jobs with higher pay, whether it be management or going for a FNP, CRNA, etc.)

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I don't think anyone should expect to get rich from nursing. But the pay seems to be more than adequate, especially with the perks of being able to only work 3 days a week, or at least have a lot more flexibility in your schedule than other jobs might allow.

So the money might be decent, but I think what draws people to the profession more than that is the flexible lifestyle that comes with the salary. You can get paid decently and still have a life outside of work. To many people, that's worth A LOT.

(Not to mention there are lots of avenues for advancement to jobs with higher pay, whether it be management or going for a FNP, CRNA, etc.)

I couldn't agree w/ you more. The flexibility is such a plus.

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Salaries vary greatly by area of the country. In my city, new BSN grads start around $21/hour. I know other hospitals in Virginia that start new RNs at $14/hour (but you can buy a house for under $80K in those areas).

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Specializes in Infusion.

I am also about the flexibility. I could go back to my old job and get paid about $50K/year but it is 8-5 and no flexibility and a 40 minute commute. I'm not trying to get rich either. I would hope that future nursing students would research the pay before going through all the schooling.

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As I've stated in previous threads, there are better ways to make money AND have more flexibility than nursing.

I worked in mortgage for 15 years and I can tell you that a Loan Officer at a bank works an average of 20 hours a week and make more than $100K/year with very little schooling. It takes a while to build up to this but in the long run they make much more money and the job is easy. And, yes, they still make this money even though the economy is in the tank right now.

Because I did mortgage for 15 years, I've also seen what some business owners can make. I wouldn't know what to do with all their money! I knew one person who made $300,000/month AFTER I audited his tax returns! And, every time I call them, they are playing golf.

I also knew a poker player who made A LOT of money. Don't get me wrong, it takes talent to play poker but this is what he did professionally. He made about $20,000/month and could write off his trips to Vegas.

I don't know why anyone would ever want to go into nursing for the money. It boggles the mind!!!

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As I've stated in previous threads, there are better ways to make money AND have more flexibility than nursing.

I worked in mortgage for 15 years and I can tell you that a Loan Officer at a bank works an average of 20 hours a week and make more than $100K/year with very little schooling. It takes a while to build up to this but in the long run they make much more money and the job is easy. And, yes, they still make this money even though the economy is in the tank right now.

Because I did mortgage for 15 years, I've also seen what some business owners can make. I wouldn't know what to do with all their money! I knew one person who made $300,000/month AFTER I audited his tax returns! And, every time I call them, they are playing golf.

I also knew a poker player who made A LOT of money. Don't get me wrong, it takes talent to play poker but this is what he did professionally. He made about $20,000/month and could write off his trips to Vegas.

I don't know why anyone would ever want to go into nursing for the money. It boggles the mind!!!

Of course there are plenty of other career paths to make better money with better hours...but another important factor, at least for me, is doing something that I enjoy and that I'm interested in. Personally, I have a passion for health and wellness. I'm fascinated by medicine. I also want a job where I can make a comfortable living and have flexible hours. Therefore, I choose nursing :D

Another thing regarding the $$$...and this is just me personally, is that I don't feel a need or desire to make TONS of money. I live very frugally and I enjoy a very simple lifestyle, so to me, $40-$50,000 a year, is a lot of money :) Especially coming from my previous career as a journalist, I'll be living in the lap of luxury with an average starting salary!

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Of course there are plenty of other career paths to make better money with better hours...but another important factor, at least for me, is doing something that I enjoy and that I'm interested in. Personally, I have a passion for health and wellness. I'm fascinated by medicine. I also want a job where I can make a comfortable living and have flexible hours. Therefore, I choose nursing :D

Another thing regarding the $$$...and this is just me personally, is that I don't feel a need or desire to make TONS of money. I live very frugally and I enjoy a very simple lifestyle, so to me, $40-$50,000 a year, is a lot of money :) Especially coming from my previous career as a journalist, I'll be living in the lap of luxury with an average starting salary!

That's what I'm saying. I don't suggest anyone go into the nursing just for the money. As detailed in my post, there are a hundred more lucrative ways to make money.

I also chose nursing because it's something that I enjoy doing and learning about. I, too, do not have to make a ton of money to be happy.

I hear all the time how people want to get into nursing just for the money, not because they like it, or they think it's interesting. If they don't do something they want to be doing, the money isn't going to make up for being miserable. I know....I hated the mortgage industry for 15 years. I did it for the money (kind of sucks you in) but I dreaded showing up to work everyday. Now I'm out, making no money, and couldn't be happier!

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I am lucky enough to have a husband who makes a decent living so my income as a nurse will be a second income. I am a stay at home mom who wanted to go back to school in a field I was interested in, and I love anything medical. The pay isnt "amazing" but added to my husbands income it will allow our family to have a lot more financial stability. I also plan to continue my education and certifications in various fields. In my area APN's make atleast $80,000 a year which to me is more than substantial. I dont think anyone should choose this career if it doesnt interest them, but if it does the pay, benefits, and hours are definatly a bonus.

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