OK, I have a big beef here. I'm currently in my first year of nursing, and I feel like I have to say something regarding nurses complaining about their pay.
Reading these boards, I just came across someone who said they make $34 an hour in Ontario, and they were telling someone that if they're looking to make money, go into accouting or something. THis just floored me!
$34 and hour!!!! How can you tell me that is not making money? Many many nurses who work in Ontario get WAY less than that.
I just really don't understand.
People are always saying, "if you're in this profession to make money, get out because you won't be rich." This is ridiculous. I live in SK Canada, where nurses make $24 starting (I think) or if not, it's very close to that figure. That is considered a WELL paying job. How can you not live comfortably on pay like that? I know many many many many people who make considerably less than that, and they do just fine.
Some nurses say that there is no money in nursing. Has anyone heard of a Nurse Practitioner? I know they don't make millions, but they do make more than RN's, some even make 6 figures. I am going to be one. Once I'm an RN, I'm working in the ER for one year, then returning to school for a 30 week course. YOu don't have to be a genious to do this either.
I know that you have to love nursing to be in it. You CANNOT be in it JUST FOR THE MONEY, but it makes me mad when people say THERE IS NO MONEY. Some areas pay nurses more than others.
I know it's a lot of work, it's stressful, and it's a hard job, and I know that many people (including me) feel that we should be payed more for what we do, but come on people. Doesn't it make you mad when people who make $34 an hour complain they don't have enough money? Do you spend foolishly? The cost of living in Ont is higher than SK, but $34 an hour is STILL much more than many many people in that prov make.
"You don't have to be 'super smart' to be a nurse."
That is one of the biggest misconceptions about nurses, and it drives me crazy. Everyone thinks that it's so easy to be / become a nurse. That is simply not true...atleast where I come from.
I'm just surprised to hear that coming out of the mouth of a nursing student? Have you started the nursing program yet or are you taking pre-req's?
Where I come from, our nursing programs are so competitive, only the top dogs get in.
I am not trying to jump on you, and I don't think anyone else is either. Your posts do, however, come across as being very abbrasive...and when you start a thread like that, people are going argue their oppinion.
Also, I think you have a misconception about how far $34/ hour goes. Especially in Canada! I've never been to Canada, but I know the cost of living is a lot higher there. Just curious, do you / have you ever lived on your own?
It bugs me that as a new grad, I know that I am making a lot less than the nurses I work with. Oh well... those are the breaks! However, I wouldn't like to hear complaining when I make my measly salary go far enough to live on... I'd like more, but I'll settle for less! :-)
Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.
Since the OP's last post indicated she was switching from nursing school to medical school, I presume the issue of nursing wages is no longer relevant to her. Let's put this one to bed (until the next such thread.)
nicuRN2007
240 Posts
"You don't have to be 'super smart' to be a nurse."
That is one of the biggest misconceptions about nurses, and it drives me crazy. Everyone thinks that it's so easy to be / become a nurse. That is simply not true...atleast where I come from.
I'm just surprised to hear that coming out of the mouth of a nursing student? Have you started the nursing program yet or are you taking pre-req's?
Where I come from, our nursing programs are so competitive, only the top dogs get in.
I am not trying to jump on you, and I don't think anyone else is either. Your posts do, however, come across as being very abbrasive...and when you start a thread like that, people are going argue their oppinion.