olddognurse

It's relative. I just retired after 47 years of nursing, with a BS. I was recently teaching at $27./hr, and that is the highest I've ever been paid. I've worked 60 bed med/surg wards, classrooms, Infection Control, physician offices., military facilities, small towns, large cities etc The money was never what I was there for, but I have found in recent years that Financial Assistance professionals have essentially called me a liar since the "average" is $35. hr. So, you do have to watch out for your future! Of course, I also remember moving from Arkansas to Texas and taking an increase as a staff nurse, moving up to $3.27/hour. So, where you live, the type of facility, the job (ICU's, etc., pay more than staff nursing, for instance), all play a roll. Biggest thing to ask yourself is whether you're happy and fulfilled in the job you're doing, and can you live now and put aside money for the future. Good luck and enjoy!