Show Bedside Nurses the Money

renerian, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2003

Karen I am going to make twice as much in my sales job, without considering any commission I earn, then I earned in home health.

Hands on provider sure do not make enough.

renerian

PediRN · Apr 17, 2003

I'm sorry but I just don't agree with this! More money would be great, don't get me wrong...however, more money does not fix the problems inherent to nursing; understaffing, mandatory overtime, and constantly feeling like your license is in jeopardy. In fact, more money might in fact make these problems worse, being that this additional money has to come from SOMEWHERE. You can be sure its not coming from CEO or MD salaries.

Geeg · Apr 18, 2003

I think we need to take all the money we can get, since I have little hope of conditions improving. All you here is how desperate everyone is for staff, but still nobody is SHOWING ME THE MONEY!!!!!!!

liberalrn · Apr 19, 2003

Interesting article. I did notice that ratio is actually a bigger concern (85%) than money (82%). Money has jumped up to the number 2 spot. I would never turn down more money!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2003

Originally posted by PediRN
I'm sorry but I just don't agree with this! More money would be great, don't get me wrong...however, more money does not fix the problems inherent to nursing; understaffing, mandatory overtime, and constantly feeling like your license is in jeopardy. In fact, more money might in fact make these problems worse, being that this additional money has to come from SOMEWHERE. You can be sure its not coming from CEO or MD salaries.

I agree. Better staffing and respect are what's most important to me right now.

Brita01 · Apr 20, 2003

It's definately not about the money to me. I could have so much money in the bank right now if I wasn't constantly turning down the agency jobs that offer big $$. I'd rather work for less money at my less stressful job where I don't have to worry about trying to care for too many patients. When are hospitals going to understand that what we really want is to work with a smaller ratio of patients so that we can give them good care?

mark_LD_RN · Apr 20, 2003

i think more money would help.mainly by drawing more people to nursing. but there are plenty other issues that need addressing:)

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 20, 2003

Originally posted by Brita01
When are hospitals going to understand that what we really want is to work with a smaller ratio of patients so that we can give them good care?

This, too, is my biggest beef. I hate feeling like I'm a "whirlwind" around my patients, and that they are on an assembly line.

I enjoy spending time teaching my patients, but never is there time for that anymore.

Money helps, but it does not erase my disappointment over not being able to give them what they deserve, nor my desire to give them more.

xantha31669 · Apr 20, 2003

I agree with the sentiment that nursing is not about the money, but I read the article and it does make a big point about the fact there are a lot of professions you can go into and make more money. Teachers in my town make alot more than nurses and only have to work for 10 monthes. If someone is trying to decide between two jobs that are equal to them in terms of everything but pay, the higher pay will win out.

If you know you are going to face the same issues in regards to staffing, etc., why not take the higher pay to do it.

The other issue I run into when I say what I am in school for is that most people seem to think all nurses do is wipe behinds. Very few teenagers seem to want to do this for a living. Education about the whole picture of a nurses duties is also needed to bring young people into nursing. This is just my opinion, and I am sure other people feel differently.

Lori

jadednurse · Apr 29, 2003

For those of you who don't feel that money is all that important, that respect and recognition is much more important., let me ask this: You don't see the lack of parity of nurses' salaries w/ their experience and responsibilities as disrespectful and lack of recognition?

As for how to come up w/ the funds to increase the nurses' salaries...I recently worked at a hospital that had daily breakfast buffets in the doctor's break room. Their annual budget for this little luxury was approximately $45,000. I found this out from one of the attending physicians there; he too was a little surprised at the amount of money that was being spent in this manner.

Am I the only one who thinks this is NUTS?

jadednurse · Apr 29, 2003

For those of you who don't feel that money is all that important, that respect and recognition is much more important., let me ask this: You don't see the lack of parity of nurses' salaries w/ their experience and responsibilities as disrespectful and lack of recognition?

As for how to come up w/ the funds to increase the nurses' salaries...I recently worked at a hospital that had daily breakfast buffets in the doctor's break room. Their annual budget for this little luxury was approximately $45,000. I found this out from one of the attending physicians there; he too was a little surprised at the amount of money that was being spent in this manner.

Am I the only one who thinks this is NUTS?