I can't really speak to much. I am a new-grad working at Washington HOspital Center, and the starting salary for a new graduate was a little over $27/hr. WHC is a hospital with nurses in the NNU (union) and a set pay scale (I don't know what the salary would be for your level of experience off hand).
The pay in DC is terrible when you consider what the cost of living is. I'm not a new grad (they credit me with 4 years RN for my 8 as an LPN and 2 as an RN) and my base pay is $30 and change... Which is $2/hr more than Augusta, GA. I pay SIGNIFICANTLY more for housing here as you might imagine. I'll say that I haven't found the people to be bad, but I was born in California so maybe I'm used to the pace.
Travelers do get payed more, but I would definitely contact some that know the system because those that I work with have some pretty variable stories regarding their companies and how they are reimbursed re: housing, etc.
redicedtea
46 Posts
I'm a critical care RN from Los Angeles for 6 years and will be relocating in DC mid next year. I heard from some of our RN travelers that although DC is a great place to live in, pay is not that great, which makes me really nervous. I make about $45/hr in LA, and wanted to know where salary is roughly In DC. Would you advise to consider being a staff RN or is compensation better as a travel nurse. I am particularly interested in applying at George Washington university hospital, but open to others too. Any advice?