question about salary in the US

ibnathan · Nov 16, 2006

I will be graduating in December and I live in Bakersfield Calif. which is approx. 2 hours away from LA. Starting wage for new grad RNs is $23-26 hr. If you work an extra day a week equals out to about $500 a day or 25,000 extra a yr. Cost of living is decent and it is cheaper than L.A. but is beginning to climb. The recruiter at the hospital that I will be working at said that they have numerous RNs that make 150,000-200,000 a year. Personally, after my orientation I will probably work 4 days one week and then 5 the next. Also I have a friend who got a job offer in the San Diego area as a new grad and they offered her $34 dollars, and in San Francisco the starting rate for new grad can go as high as $40 hr. Shoot! Travel RNs make a killing $40-$50 an hr plus double time the 4th shift or after 8 hrs depending on their contract. Plus living expenses paid, car payment paid for, cell phone, electric bill, it is sick, and that is why someday I will travel.Good Luck!

777RNThatsMe · Nov 16, 2006

yeah, even thinking about it really makes me tired, lol. but for some, they just have to sacrifice, i think ill be one of them someday, see im the only one earning, so i think it would be impossible for us to survive in the us with just the basic salary

Well if just thinking about it makes you tired...wait until you run your rear off nonstop for 12 hours straight....for 3 in a row and then rethink you idea of doing 5, 6 12's..... b/c it's tougher than you think -- and med error risks are high.

I have seen very good nurses begin to make more mistakes after the end of 2 12's....let alone 3. We work very hard here...depending on ratios and you cant' forget that - alot of hospitals have very high ratios. Even specialty units. The work is hard. And the hours are long - and you loose time with your family that you CANNOT get back. Think it over. Your personal decison but I recommend you think it over.

And basically, here is the thing ... you need to call different hospitals and ask what jobs they have; what shifts they have; how much if any OT is required or when weekends are required etc.... ask about benefits (health) and cost thereof....

Then explore the cost of living by looking at the DATA not asking people...the net has tons of data (not all correct though

Insofar as you being the only income...I have 2 kids and am a single parent......and I pay our way. And i drive a new car. yeah we dont have alot left over. And I work 3 12's a week. And it's ENOUGH. Especially when it's every other weekend and it turns into a situation where .....you can't go do things with your church group or your friends.... b/c your schedule changes weekly...etc. It's hard to make plans. Some people are on call...you have to consider that. etc...so research hospitals and jobs. Not jus t pay.

But what it comes down to is.... depending on how you spend/live....you CAN make it on 3 12's....or 4. Or whatever. As the only earner. I do it. You can as well. Now if you want fancy vacations and lots of money then no, it's hard on single income.

So....look the data bases but know that it CAN be done if one lives w/out alot of outside debt such as new car etc.

Good luck. I'd rethink the six 12's if I were you. It's not a good thing for patients or family and that is my opinion - to which I have a right. I would never ever ever want any nurse taking care of me that had done even 5 in a row let alone 4....... 3 is pushing...especially depending on acuity of patients and ratios.....its too much. Those who say they are never affected by it ....... (by working too long in a row) are kidding themselves.

Best of luck.

aggieamy5 · Nov 16, 2006

I would not want a nurse taking care of me that works 6 days 12 hours per day. NO WAY!!!!

Many doctors work such hours. My ER resident friend works 60 hours in a week, often working 5 12's in a row. I know of plastic surgeons who even more hours than this. When my father was in the ICU, many of his doctors including his PCP where often working 12 hr days. The PCP would not even get to my Dad until about 10pm at night. We asked him about his hours and he said he just puts in long days, getting to work still at 8 or 9am. He is an excellent doctor and my family loves him. For some people, I do not think that working these kinds of hours necessarily jeopordizes medical care. It seems like some posters have forgotten that countless doctors work these kinds of hours and I'm sure their jobs can be just as stressful and hard. I do agree that this is not for everyone. I could NEVER do this. I tire very easily!

swatch007 · Nov 16, 2006

but somehow ill be earning more right? i mean 3 days of work a week, i dont just wanna stay home for the remaining days. or can you suggest something? thanks.

Many people from different countries thought life here in the U.S. is easy. Here we work like a horse: fast-paced, overloaded with patients and family complaints, paperwork and many others. In spite of exhausted mind and body, we are expected to perform at the highest level. You could lose your license anytime if you are not careful --maybe in yours first 2 months of working here. Unlike in that country, patients and family members of your clients here are ready to sue for your mistake/s faster than you can blink. So yeah, you have to take a break to recharge your body and mind before you go back to work. I did not mention that you might not have time to use a restroom because you will be very busy. Soon you'll be burned out

and regret coming here if you miss looking at the big picture other than $$$$.

sammyrn · Nov 16, 2006

Many doctors work such hours. My ER resident friend works 60 hours in a week, often working 5 12's in a row. I know of plastic surgeons who even more hours than this. When my father was in the ICU, many of his doctors including his PCP where often working 12 hr days. The PCP would not even get to my Dad until about 10pm at night. We asked him about his hours and he said he just puts in long days, getting to work still at 8 or 9am. He is an excellent doctor and my family loves him. For some people, I do not think that working these kinds of hours necessarily jeopordizes medical care. It seems like some posters have forgotten that countless doctors work these kinds of hours and I'm sure their jobs can be just as stressful and hard. I do agree that this is not for everyone. I could NEVER do this. I tire very easily!

With all due respect, hasnt this subject been closed in a previous post from you???? I think that many nurses who have the EXPERIENCE and could comment on this from their own perspective know more about working these 12 hour shifts than your subjective view of OTHERS working this. I sure hope we are not stirring a new pot of trouble here!!!!:rotfl: By the way isnt this thread entitled "salary in the US"??????

princess_picklejuice · Nov 16, 2006

We live in Corpus Christi, TX. A new grad here can expect to start off at $20/h and then move up to about $22/h in a year. If you are an experienced nurse from out of country $24/h sounds about right.

Be aware, though, that if you are going through an international agency (I am referring specifically of some Philippine agencies) they are probably charging the hospital that you are working at about $45/h and you will not be eligible for raises through the hospital - more often than not, your paychecks are coming straight from your agency.

Good luck to you.

aggieamy5 · Nov 16, 2006

I was just stating a well known fact about doctors and work. Many of the nurses here seem to forget this fact when people start discussing working many hours and medical care. I know this topic was not about this issue and I'm not trying to restir the pot. So...I will shut up now. I apologize for bringing this up!!

sammyrn · Nov 16, 2006

Here in Illinois at the facility I work the new grad starts out at $24.25, however, within a year new grads will be up to $27.50.(dayshift) There is one local hospital that pays RN's with 5 years experience $42.00/hr. Hope this helps. :clown: