Trying to get an idea of pay rate in my area

classicdame, MSN, EdD · May 1, 2014

See if there is an AHEC in your area. Area Health Education Center. It is a non-profit that exists on grants (mostly from govt) to assist/inform the public about healthcare related education (becoming a nurse, MD or learning how to deal with diabetes, etc). The one in my area has information on their website about all sorts of jobs, where you go to get the education, what the salaries are, and so on. Call local health dept if you cannot find a listing or google AHEC

Clovery · May 2, 2014

I work in LTAC hospitals in south jersey and philly. I am an RN with an ADN, currently pursuing BSN. I just finished my first year of nursing, starting rate was $27.50 in both places. Nights and weekends ~$4 differential. LTCs pay similar in south jersey, not sure about LTC in philly. I know Virtua hospitals have a union and pay is based on years of experience. For a new grad it is $30/hr and goes up each year. Tuition reimbursement around $2500 per calendar year, after a designated period of time worked there (usually 6 months or 1 year).

amberbay_19 · May 3, 2014

Thanks so much for responding Clovery! I actually may work at virtua as a CNA so its good to know what their starting pay is for nurses. Is that for an RN with ADN or BSN?

Clovery · May 3, 2014

I'm pretty sure the pay is the same for ADN and BSN. I had an interview there and they wanted to see proof of enrollment in a BSN program in order to be considered for a entry level staff RN position. If you want to work at Virtua as an RN, getting a job there as a CNA is a good idea. I've heard it's hard to get into Virtua as a new RN because so many of their positions go to internal applicants, like CNAs graduating with their RN.

Swellz · May 3, 2014

Hey, I work in Philadelphia. Started as a new grad BSN in a magnet hospital at $30.65/hr. I get 10% extra when I work nights, though permanent nights has a larger differential from what I'm told. No sign-on bonus or loan forgiveness. Nonunion. Good call getting a job early; almost everyone I know who worked as a tech/CNA/extern were kept on when they graduated!