Salary shock post hurricane katrina

[cenote]

Having graduated in May '05 from Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans, I began my career as a nurse in July. With barely 4 weeks on the floor, Hurricane Katrina hit my city. My hospital was nearly destroyed and won't be reopening until mid 2006; my home was flooded to the roof and I lost my car.

I evacuated to Lafayette, Louisiana, 2 1/2 hours west of N.O., where I have family. Needless to say, I have little left but my emerging skills.

Unlike most evacuee nurses, I can't work agency or PRN, since I lack the necessary experience, so I took a staff position at a local hospital. The problem? Salary shock. I am horrified that a city as prosperous as this oil town of Lafayette, pays starting RNs

I don't know how anyone stays here (or anywhere else for that matter that puts such a low value on their nurses) for their careers unless forced to do so by circumstances . . . like me . . . for awhile . . but it won't be for any longer than it takes to get my training and recover both financially and emotionally. Both will take longer due to the pathetic pay.

[Town & Country]

Get licensed in other states, more options then.

[PMHNP10]

Having graduated in May '05 from Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans, I began my career as a nurse in July. With barely 4 weeks on the floor, Hurricane Katrina hit my city. My hospital was nearly destroyed and won't be reopening until mid 2006; my home was flooded to the roof and I lost my car.

I evacuated to Lafayette, Louisiana, 2 1/2 hours west of N.O., where I have family. Needless to say, I have little left but my emerging skills.

Unlike most evacuee nurses, I can't work agency or PRN, since I lack the necessary experience, so I took a staff position at a local hospital. The problem? Salary shock. I am horrified that a city as prosperous as this oil town of Lafayette, pays starting RNs

I don't know how anyone stays here (or anywhere else for that matter that puts such a low value on their nurses) for their careers unless forced to do so by circumstances . . . like me . . . for awhile . . but it won't be for any longer than it takes to get my training and recover both financially and emotionally. Both will take longer due to the pathetic pay.

To answer your question about how "hospitals can get away with this?"; the best I can respond is that they get away with it because we as nurses allow them to. It is unacceptable; noone should accept it. Unquestionably it's a travesty. Unfortunately without a strong union to fight for you or without nurses uniting to demand what they deserve, it is what it is and always will be. I hate to say it, but welcome to the world of nursing, such as it is. I'd encourage you to get through this time because there are greener pastures out there. My heart goes out to you and I wish you luck.