DnThomts

Really? I did ICU nursing in Denver for awhile and didn't make $30 / hour. And I liked Boulder. Any openings at the dentist office? :rotfl:

I personally don't have a problem with Xray techs making $18 an hour or more. They provide a skill just like nurses do for exchange in economic value. New nurses will tend to make in the $18 -$25 dollar range. But after a few years (depending on what type of nursing and region you will be in) you should be making significantly more. I know that nurses who have children and families to support are going to be less limited to the much bigger dollars becuase they have to devote their extra energy and time toward their famlies. But I myself am a traveler and have the extra time to work extra shifts, etc. I don't know any xray techs who make what I make. I know nurses who make upwards $ 150,000 per year. And keep this in mind about wasting your time in nursing school. Granted Xray techs are needed and they do serve their purpose, but when push comes to shove, hospitals will take a nurse over xray techs anyday. I actually in a private conversation with one hospital administrator I knew back in the day was told point blank. " We could pack pt's in the ER and from doctor's offices all day, but if there isn't a nurse up that floor or in the ICU, or wherever, we can't do anything for them and can't make money off of them." And a hospital is a business. Even nonprofits have to make money to operate. In otherwords, we don't necessarily have to get an xray today, but if there isn't a competent qualified individual with the prescribed skills to care for this pt as insurance companies ( and any attorney) will demand then we can't do anything for them. So to answer your question. Trust me. The Rn behind your name will ultimately serve you very well. So don't get discouraged.

Longest- 2.5 years. Shortest- about 15 minutes. Got hired for home health once. Walked out of the office,sat in my car and realized "What the hell do I want to do home health for?" Walked back in, thanked them nicely, and resigned on the spot.

I often work 4 12's a week. Usually depends on the person on how they stack their days. I do try 2 on 1 off 2 on. Working nights it keeps my body from flipping out as compared to working 4 in a row ( for nights anyway ) because you end up sleeping all day when you finish your 4th so that puts you sleeping 5 days ( during the day) a week. Some people can handle it if you are a natural night person but it will tear your body apart if you're not and you're continousley doing it. Have worked 28 in row once for 4 week contract. Money was great!!! Body hates me still to this day. Doubt I'll ever do that again.:imbar

Agree with tho old nurses. If you've worked in the hospital for more than a few years you can just about bet that you've already got mrsa. Won't be long before it will be considered "normal flora ". By the way, don't run out and try to get tested or cultured for it. I've known nurses who got nasal swabs "just to see" and sure enough they had it. The problem- the manager found out and they had to take time off from work to get it treated even though they weren't sick. Can't work with sick patients if you have it. Don't sweat it. Believe me, in this business you're going to be exposed to a lot of things and not even know it. Good luck.