I need help. What is the average pay for a starting RN? I have called several Hospitals and they act line I am asking for directions to the Holey Grail and it is there job to be the gate keeper. I can get no information. I seems as through this entire process of becoming an RN is more designed to discourage people rather than to Encourage. Where can I get a practice test that I need to take before I start my clinicals Where can I get the practice test that I would need to take to pass and get my RN License. I strongly believe in being prepared. If there is such a shortage of nurses why then is so little direct answer information available. Why do the instructors and information seminars tell you its so difficult and competitive, and act like you almost have to be a rocket scientist to qualify, However when I speak to students who are in there clinicals they say it's not that hard. What is the average starting pay? Do I need to take additional classes to be in a specific area i.e. surgical nursing as an RN student or do I Get my license and then apply for a random area of nursing and just automatically qualify after 1 or 2 years of general experience. I have so many questions can someone pleas start by answering these.