Hello, After being a dental assistant for 5 years, I realized I needed to increase my income in order to provide better for my daughter, so I quit my job to pursue nursing. This is my first year of nursing school and I will graduate in December 2015 with an associates degree in nursing. I have been doing some research online about the average salary of an RN in St. Louis and have been disappointed. Most sources report that the starting salary is somewhere between $18-$22/hr, which is what I was making as a dental assistant! I'm scared that I'm wasting my time and putting myself through hell for nothing. Does anyone know if these figures are accurate or if I have the potential to earn more than that? I am looking into either Children's (BJC) or Cardinal Glennon (SSM) for employment upon graduation. Any information/advice is MUCH appreciated!