Salary Ranges for New Graduate Nurses

[KaySpann29]

I am currently in my 3rd semester of nursing school, fingers crossed I will graduate in December, and I had a question about starting salaries for RNs. I have had a lot of clinicals in the clinic/physician's office setting this semester and I really like the different atmosphere it has, as opposed to the hospital, and was wondering if new graduate nurses are able to hired directly out of school to something like that or if they require experience? I would love to work in pediatrics either in a clinic or even something like at home healthcare. Do you know what the pay difference is for something like that? I have heard its quite a bit of drop in pay.

[Dumplins, MSN, RN, APN]

it all depends on location. which you can find your answer in the USA - State section.

as far as the salary drop goes..i'd say it can be anywhere from 5-10 dollars less.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

agree with above post. Expect lower pay in clinic as the acuity is lower

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

This really depends on region. Take a look at the job openings available in your area.

As far as the cushy clinic jobs go, I see them mostly going to very experienced nurses who have done their time. Of course there are exceptions, but those exceptions are based on relationships and nepotism. Further, many of the peds (and other) clinics I have seen are getting rid of RNs altogether and hiring MAs (who call themselves 'nurses') to do all the cares.

Many of my classmates who could not find a job in hospitals are doing pediatric home care. But as above it really depends on where you are looking.

There is a steep drop in pay between new grad hospital nurses and home care nurses in my area. The base pay is about the same, but I get about a 25% increase in pay from differentials, bonuses, and overtime I get in the hospital that I would not receive in home care.

Good luck!