Salary and benefits??

[MK6babies]

Hi! I was just wondering what the typical salary and benefits are for a NICU nurse. Do you get healthcare? Also, what are the options for hours? Does a NICU nurse typically work 5 days a week or 7 and what are the hours? Thanks!

[preemieRNkate, RN]

Salary really varies from state to state, and even from different areas in each state, as well as by years of experience and different certifications and credentials. Advance for Nurses website (http://nursing.advanceweb.com/) has a salary survey that breaks it up into different categories (national, state, by specialty, etc.).

Most hospitals offer some kind of health insurance, but each place is different, and it's something that you need to research when you are looking for a job.

As far as hours, most nurses that I know work either 8 hour shifts, or 12 hour shifts. Some places offer 10 hour shifts as well. I work six 12 hour shifts in a 2 week pay period. I work nights, 7p-7a. The days I work vary. I have a weekend obligation, and I work every other. Holidays alternate every year.

Like I said, every hospital is different. There are so many opportunities in nursing to find a job that fits your life. Good luck to you!!