Pay Rate for Entry Level + Overtime

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2007

I'll try to answer the best that I can.

1) Salary varies greatly depending on where in the US you'll be working. Where I live, a RN with 1 year experience would make around $53,000 per year or around $28/hr. However in a place like San Francisco, CA, a RN may be making around $85,000 or around $45/hr. This is also assuming the RN works three 12 hour shifts per week.

2) Most jobs, nurses start on night shift, but that isn't always the case. Some places may have rotating shifts where nurses work nights for a period of time, then days. Other places may start you on nights and you can move to days when positions are available based on seniority. Or, you may get lucky and find a job on days.

3) Overtime is usually defined as any hours worked above 40 hours per week, regardless of what day of the week it is. Some places offer shift differentials, so if you work nights and/or weekends you get a higher hourly wage.

4) Day shift is usually 0700 to 1900. Most nurses in the US work three 12 hour shifts a week. Some hospitals offer 8 hour shifts though, so those nurses work five 8 hour shifts. Usually work on the weekends is required. I have to work two weekend shifts per month, for example.

Best of luck to you in your studies!!

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 28, 2007

1st - what's the salary avg. or the amount paid yearly for an rn with 1 yr experience at least .? most places have a set wage of x per hour, then 4-6% above the base for each year of experience. where i currently work rn's start at $17.25/hr and then get paid 4% for each year of experience. we also make additional money for a national certifcation you hold (tncc, enpc, cen, ccrn, etc) and our hospital recently went to a pay incentive to have nrp.
2nd - what's the percentual for night shifts or third shifts on 12 hour basis and what's the rotation for those shifts . i suppose 1 day on and another off. we make $2.50 for evenings and $3.05/hr for nights. right now i work every mon, tues, wed night. we have a weekend option that works every other thurs, fri, sat, sun. we only work 12 hour day or nights and our shifts run from 6-6 or 7-7 depending on which rotation you are on. we always work all of our days in a row because that is how our schedule is set.
3rd - is overtime allowed in a hospital unit for example on weekends.? ot is available but you have to work above 40 hours per week and at my current job, that isn't always easy to come by because of our schedules. usually someone must go one vacation for us to get ot. most of us work 2nd jobs to supplement our income and we can because we have set schedules.
4th - are day shifts from monday thru friday the only m-f day shift jobs that i know of where i work are cardiac rehab and or and or has to take call at nights/weekends.

as far as pay goes, when you add up my experience, my shift diffs and my pay for certifications, i make $22.49/hr which in my area of the midwest is extremly good. rn's in this area have very low wages compared to the rest of the country. i also work 2 other er jobs (both prn) for extra cash for various things. i work an average or 1-2 shifts per month at my other jobs. it works out pretty good.

cesarrodri · Dec 28, 2007

Hello Friends ,

I am very glad and pleased for receiving prompt responses from you today. I am sure I will put all my efforts towards my Graduation along with the Exams and now I've got a clear overall on what's like to be a Registered Nurse in US and having a better idea about wages certainly plans can get started here. If not too late at my 35yrs, I hope to achieve my dreams !

Many Thanks to Reno and Mom2michael !

Happy New Year for you all !

Katnip, RN · Dec 29, 2007

As said before, pay varies widely and is usually dependent on the cost of living in an area. People in San Francisco may make a much higher wage, but it's also much more expensive than many other areas of the country where the pay is lower.

Shift differential also varies from one facility to the next. As far as working 12 hour shifts, most places allow some sort of self scheduling, so if you wanted to work 3 days in a row then have 5 in a row off you can. Most places do require that you work at least some weekends. 8-hour shifts are 5 days a week and you still usually have to work some weekends.

Mom2michael mentioned an annual increase of 4-6%. In most places I've seen that's a really good annual raise. Some places only get 2-3% a year. Also, she's fortunate that she gets paid extra for certifications. I have yet to find a place that does that.

34 is not too old to realize your dreams. I graduated from nursing school at 46. Best wishes to you and your efforts.