Nursing Pay Question?

danielle2000, MSN, RN · Feb 10, 2015

My first nursing job in Northridge, CA as a new grad was 19.50 in the year 2000. Nurses receive higher pay with experience. As far as degrees and certifications it also varies.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Mar 19, 2015

Adjusted for inflation, my starting rate in the 80's was the equivalent of $18.50

considering that new grads in Chicago are making about 50% more than that, that's pretty good.

Highly experienced nurse will make close twice that, before differentials and such.

Also consider that even in the depth of the Great Recession, RN unemployment rate ran around 2% vs a peak of 10% for everyone else.

BeentheredonethatRN · Mar 20, 2015

For me , it was just being at the right place at the right time. In the beginning , I just kept looking for something better ,and finally found it. It's not perfect ,but back then I was listening to Napster , and now watching Netflix between pts . So, kool. Got my BSN from Chamberlain -then my Cert. and make $50 plus an hour. Not bad -not bad at all . But always looking for something better-always !

calivianya, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2015

RN is seriously zero science applied. Kind of disheartening all though I respect nursing care.

I use science every day. Very rarely does a MD come up to evaluate my patients; if something is going down I'm really expected to figure out what it is myself. Docs come in the room for intubations and line insertions, and that's about it. When they ask me what I want, sometimes I have to admit that I don't know what the best option could be, what do they think about what's going on with the patient? My patients have so many things going on that figuring out exactly what is causing their symptoms can be very challenging. If you are disappointed by the lack of science you can always try a different area. MICU in particular is always tough... it's depressing, but I like to work my brain, so I don't see myself stepping into a different area any time soon.

elkpark · Mar 20, 2015

If you're not using science every day, you're not doing it (nursing) right.

allnurses Guide · Mar 20, 2015

It largely depends on what state you work in. I California wages are significantly higher but so is the cost of living. I currently make 32.00/hr in LTC. But have made $37.00/hr. I think my very first job out of Nursing School paid 28.00/hr. You have to remember that where I come from an average 2 bedroom apt runs about $2400.00/mo

raises come with time on the job and a demonstrated willingness to work hard with a smile on your face.

hppy

Libby1987 · Mar 20, 2015

It largely depends on what state you work in. I California wages are significantly higher but so is the cost of living. I currently make 32.00/hr in LTC. But have made $37.00/hr. I think my very first job out of Nursing School paid 28.00/hr. You have to remember that where I come from an average 2 bedroom apt runs about $2400.00/mo
raises come with time on the job and a demonstrated willingness to work hard with a smile on your face.
hppy

Another area of California pays $42+/hr and you can rent a nice 3 bd house for $1,200 - $1,500.

allnurses Guide · Mar 21, 2015

Another area of California pays $42+/hr and you can rent a nice 3 bd house for $1,200 - $1,500.

Alas that may be true but I am currently nailed to the Los Angeles basin by marriage, a child and grad school - Plus we have my husbands income so we are ok. I was just letting the op know that wages varied by location.

Hppy

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 21, 2015

Like others have said, nursing pay varies depending on where you live.

I worlk in the Northeast US and started at 26.00 an hour as a new grad, and that was almost eight years ago. I am now into the 40.00 an hour range, but the cost of living here is also high.

Annie

Libby1987 · Mar 21, 2015

Alas that may be true but I am currently nailed to the Los Angeles basin by marriage, a child and grad school - Plus we have my husbands income so we are ok. I was just letting the op know that wages varied by location.
Hppy

I'll be in a similar situation when I move to the Bay Area, it's either single income where I live or dual income in more expensive area.

blondenurse12, MSN, NP · Mar 21, 2015

If you want higher pay, work for a unionized hospital. I started out as a BSN new grad in the ER in the Midwest around 2008 and with my night shift diff, I was making $22/hr. They froze our wages so for the three years I was there, I didn't get a raise. My second job was an ICU at a union hospital and I started at $32/hr with a night shift diff. Non union hospitals have no incentive to treat their nurses well or pay appropriately, if you live in an "at will" state. If you don't like it, they figure you can leave.

allnurses Guide · Mar 21, 2015

If you want higher pay, work for a unionized hospital. I started out as a BSN new grad in the ER in the Midwest around 2008 and with my night shift diff, I was making $22/hr. They froze our wages so for the three years I was there, I didn't get a raise. My second job was an ICU at a union hospital and I started at $32/hr with a night shift diff. Non union hospitals have no incentive to treat their nurses well or pay appropriately, if you live in an "at will" state. If you don't like it, they figure you can leave.

I am actually content where I am - We own our home free and clear and our needs are simple - if we were to move it would actually be to a more rural "off the grid situation" Not I'm not a survival nut but just year for a much simpler way of life. I was raised on a subsistence farm and living the city life just makes me tired sometimes.

Hppy