Student having doubts about future salary in STL...please help

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Hello,

After being a dental assistant for 5 years, I realized I needed to increase my income in order to provide better for my daughter, so I quit my job to pursue nursing. This is my first year of nursing school and I will graduate in December 2015 with an associates degree in nursing. I have been doing some research online about the average salary of an RN in St. Louis and have been disappointed. Most sources report that the starting salary is somewhere between $18-$22/hr, which is what I was making as a dental assistant! I'm scared that I'm wasting my time and putting myself through hell for nothing. Does anyone know if these figures are accurate or if I have the potential to earn more than that? I am looking into either Children's (BJC) or Cardinal Glennon (SSM) for employment upon graduation. Any information/advice is MUCH appreciated!

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Specializes in ICU.

Last I heard, BJC starts at $20.60 (+$0.30 if you have a BSN), although the word on the street is that we are on a system-wide hiring freeze for new RNs. The job market is pretty miserable. I don't know what it's like at SSM and others, but the patient care techs we have that have graduated and passed NCLEX in May are still working as PCTs because there are NO JOBS, either in the system or out of it. One person I know has applied for jobs in Arkansas and Iowa because it's so dismal around here, and that's even with a BSN and several years as a patient care tech. By potential to earn more do you mean through raises or by doing something like advanced practice? My raise this year was a $0.31/hr. Don't spend it all at once.

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Your sources are right. At SSM, for instance, new grads start @ $21.00/hr for days; $24.00 if you work nights (15% differential for taking on the graveyard shift!). And that is one of the best paying hospital systems in the state. Disappointing, I know. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no money in nursing. I work full time as an RN in an acute care facility and will make 39K gross this year! And I have a four year BSN. A waiter with a GED at Red Lobster makes more than that. One of the reasons for the low pay is that this is largely a non-profit industry (SSM, BJC). Dentistry, because is dominated by for profit interests, pays much better, hence the fact you make the same as a nurse but with much less education. Reconsider your career choice if your primary motivation is monetary. Nursing is hard work, physically, mentally and emotionally demanding; if your heart is not into it (at least partially) you will not last long in the profession, because there are so many easier jobs out there that pay more.

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Specializes in APRN, FNP-C.

Well, after a couple of years of experience you can do agency nursing and make a little more. My agency job pays me $36 an hour for some assignments. I know nurses who work a full time job and pick up shifts with an agency. I don't pick up many shifts because quality of life becomes an issue (I need time for my kids and boyfriend), but there are ways to make more money. I even know nurses who work two full time jobs. If you don't need benefits, then agency nursing may be right for you when you get experience. However, I wonder why you did not consider becoming a dental hygienist if money is your reason for going into nursing. I would think the hours and pay are better for that profession than nursing. However, get a little experience under you, and there are many areas to go into that would pay you more money once you do become a nurse, just don't expect it right away.

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I am starting as a new student as well and have discovered the same in the area. Is this area specific? My mom is a administrator for St Lukes Home health division and she said home health nurses make near $35 + an hour. That might be an option.

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Hello,

After being a dental assistant for 5 years, I realized I needed to increase my income in order to provide better for my daughter, so I quit my job to pursue nursing. This is my first year of nursing school and I will graduate in December 2015 with an associates degree in nursing. I have been doing some research online about the average salary of an RN in St. Louis and have been disappointed. Most sources report that the starting salary is somewhere between $18-$22/hr, which is what I was making as a dental assistant! I'm scared that I'm wasting my time and putting myself through hell for nothing. Does anyone know if these figures are accurate or if I have the potential to earn more than that? I am looking into either Children's (BJC) or Cardinal Glennon (SSM) for employment upon graduation. Any information/advice is MUCH appreciated!

If you want the money in nursing, Itis not in the Midwest, I'm sorry. I would say California (as I have a girlfriend from nursing school making $68/hr in the Bay Area), but her apartment is $1000/mo and she is in Oakland and got a deal. If you are able to move, but want to stay close to the Midwest I suggest Texas, Chicago or even Detroit, where they are offering sign on bonuses. Stay strong. Everyone says that you should not go into nursing for the money, but I don't believe that. I don't pay student loans with hugs and smiles, so I understand the struggle you are in. I am from the west coast, so if you have any questions about pay out there, just ask!

And that other poster was right about Agency. I do it on the side and Make $47/hr. It's the only reason I have not stopped nursing in the Midwest. However, they usually want about a year of experience first.

Good Luck! (In Missouri, you'll need it)

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