ughhh.money.

RhodyGirl, RN · Oct 14, 2008

Try visiting http://www.salary.com and plug in your location. It will give you base salary ranges for your state and any other state you wish to look up.

RhodyGirl, RN · Oct 14, 2008

Also, BSN nurses do not make much more than ADN or diploma prepared RN's. The difference is usually very very small in salary.

HappyPediRN · Oct 14, 2008

India, I realize you now have a child to support but you need to realize this. It's not all about money. You need to go into a career that speaks to you. You will have to do this decades and it's not all that easy to choose a second career and start all over again if you change your mind, though it can be done. Yes, there's job safety in nursing but it's not for everyone and it can be extremely draining if your heart is not 100% into it and even if it is!

You say you want to work in ICU or a surgical unit, but why? Have you ever shadowed on one? Is there something that draws you to them? Most hospitals do not pay nurses more to work in a specialty unit, so keep that in mind. You will be exposed to many different areas throughout clinical. You may think you have your heart set on one area until you experience it or fall in love with a different area. That's the beauty of nursing. But realize that being a nurse means that you willingly and freely take your patients' lives into your hands....it means you care enough to not get out on time after a 12 hour shift, to work every other Christmas and Thanksgiving and take time away from your family. It means doing things that test your moral code and ethics and learning to stand up to doctors to advocate for your patients when no one else seems to give a damn. It is hard work....if it's the money that appeals you please allow me to be the first one to say we don't get paid enough. It's truly about the love of the job for the most part. If you're looking for a good paying job in healthcare, PT & OT are fabulous areas. I also recommend medical diagnostic sonography...they make excellent money and it's an in-demand field. Good luck!

RhodyGirl, RN · Oct 14, 2008

I just took a peek at the OP's post hx.

OctoberBride, you are completely right. India needs to really think this through and realize that it is not only tough to get into and get through nursing school, but it's even tougher to be a RN.

Money isn't everything. It's important, but it is not a good reason to go into nursing. Good luck, India. I hope you make a decision that benefits you in more ways than one, and not just for monetary reasons.

CHATSDALE · Oct 14, 2008

physical therapists are in high demand esp with an aging populace but with a bsn you can find jobs in the administration end of nursing

every thing you learn opens a new door

i know many nurses who with basic RN were able to support and educate their children

buckeyeRN1 · Oct 14, 2008

it varies too much depending on your specialty, your shift, and the state you live in. I would think most places would list the salary range in the application.

indiawhitaker · Oct 14, 2008

I just have always wanted to be a nurse, but I've been rethinking it as of late. I've been considering a career in physical therapy after doing research. I'm only 17, but I know that the major i get a degree in will be the one I have to love. & lately, I've been wanting to major in physical therapy.

HappyPediRN · Oct 14, 2008

I too just looked back at your post history and now you've annoyed me. Maybe you should stay away from message boards for awhile. In six months you have wanted to be everything from an RN, to a dental hygienist, to a CRNA, to a therapist, to an OBGYN (LOL), to an NP. Every single one of your posts has had to do with money except for the four posts you made asking for medical advice about your yeast infections and you regularly post asking the same question about starting salary for a new grad. We are healthcare providers not career advisors and please remember that $60,000 might sound like a good figure but as a nurse it comes at a high emotional expense and personal sacrifice.

RhodyGirl, RN · Oct 14, 2008

I just have always wanted to be a nurse, but I've been rethinking it as of late. I've been considering a career in physical therapy after doing research. I'm only 17, but I know that the major i get a degree in will be the one I have to love. & lately, I've been wanting to major in physical therapy.

Just be aware that PT's are now required to have a doctorate degree for entry into practice. It's called a DPT. The minimum used to be a master's, but this has changed. So if PT interests you, you will need to get a BS in something like kinesiology or some sort of pre-PT program.....then apply to a DPT program. I believe the DPT programs are 2 or 3 years beyond the bachelor's degree.

indiawhitaker · Oct 14, 2008

OctoberBride, I'm 17 years old. I'm not old like you. I have wanted to be many things. THATS WHAT YOU DO...EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS. & of course I care about money. I love money. We are in a recession. Money is on everyone's mind. People are filing bankrupt. We all cant afford to not think about it.

RhodyGirl, RN · Oct 14, 2008

OctoberBride, I'm 17 years old. I'm not old like you. I have wanted to be many things. THATS WHAT YOU DO...EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS. & of course I care about money. I love money. We are in a recession. Money is on everyone's mind. People are filing bankrupt. We all cant afford to not think about it.

I think the point October was trying to make is that nearly every post you've made on this forum is asking the same exact question about salaries. It's fine to explore your options, that's not an issue. But, hey.....what do us "old people" know, anyway? :)