pay comparison/cost of living

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2014

I work at an HCA facility in the Denver area and OT is frowned upon unless we are really short staffed. No travel benefits.

Dray-jk · Dec 25, 2014

Wow, sad to hear Im just trying to see when I become a nurse will I be able to make as much as working here, maybe it's just my Hospital that has more than enough OT.. Parrallon here pays really good.. But I guess you guys dont have that out there... Thank you for the reply Merry Christmas..

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2014

We do have Parallon, but the pay is less at HCA than other facilities in the area. A classmate of mine works at the VA and makes $10 an hour more than I do, we graduated and passed NCLEX the same day. Also, be warned, getting a new grad position in the Denver area is not easy. If you did not clinicals here and thus have no connections it is very difficult. Further away from the city is easier by a little bit, but I have heard that the pay is even lower. There are some new grad residencies that are highly competitive, but obviously more new grad friendly. You may want to apply at University, or at Children's. HCA has a new grad program as well, but they make it difficult to figure out how to apply for it. Many of my class who are working got their jobs due to connections made during clinicals. ALL of us bypassed HR and walked our resumes in to the NM, the online application process weeds out new grads and no human ever sees the application.

Swedish Hospital is the HCA facility most likely to hire new grads, but everyone I know who got hired there bypassed HR. I also know that Centura is more likely to hire new grads, and I think it pays slightly better.

Dray-jk · Dec 25, 2014

I would start working here first, as I bust my rear for my Nurses, and to prove I'm a asset. I been with HCA for over 2 years now and am told I have a job waiting for me at my facility once I have my RN license meanwhile I tech on the weekends . Game plan was to get a year under my belt then simply file transfer to Denver HCA facility no real need to reapply. We have many people from all over the U.S. transfer in anyhow, I just like the fact that here you can pick up extra cash whenever you want pretty much just call in and ask or check open needs.

So I think Id have a job lined up, if there was an opening that is and pass the interview, Just want to make sure and try to see if I can pick up an extra shift easily as many of my RN friends pick up at least an extra shift every other week or more.

Thanks for all the info helps me see thing I otherwise couldn't have unless I was there, and yes anyone at the VA here makes bank too.

zeusandapollo · Jan 1, 2015

I'd clarify and get it in WRITING before moving. Just FYI.

zeusandapollo · Jan 1, 2015

not really any VA jobs except occasionally, poor pay, people not treated well as I'm told. Colorado as a whole does not pay well, and does not keep up with HIGH HIGH cost of living. Nobody probably told you that, but it's TRUE.

cmh918 · Jan 7, 2015

The cost of living here is 2-3x greater than what my home state is; and the nurses pay doesn't get any higher. I've seen starting pay as high as $27, but most are about $25 or lower from what I've read (no experience myself there). I moved here right after nursing school because my fiance is here, but didn't realize how difficult the market for new grads can be. Also, BSN is almost required in a lot of instances. Being able to transfer would be a wonderful benefit...