We make SO much $$$

[whipping girl in 07]

My whining on the "What's wrong with nursing management?" thread reminded me of a funny story.

I was just a few weeks out of my ICU orientation, and I was talking to a family during visiting hours. One of them asked about my scrub color (I was wearing seafoam green, most of the nurses that night were wearing navy blue, the color we are supposed to wear). He asked if the different colors meant different levels, and I told him no, actually, we were supposed to wear blue, but I got these off the sale rack and I'm waiting to see if my boss says anything. (I really did get them off the sale rack; top and pants cost me $12!:) )

Then he said, "Sale rack? Why would you shop the sale rack? You're a registered nurse, you must make a ton of money!" I could not believe my ears. I don't know, maybe my paycheck would be a ton of money to him, but it's sure not to me. And for the back-breaking work we do, I don't think we get paid nearly enough.

Comments?

[Lausana]

I haven't seen any nurses on MTV Cribs yet :chuckle

Instead of being a nurse, you need to play one on TV to make the big bucks. :stone (oops, I mean play a Dr.!!)

[MK2002]

Watch out. Those daytime soap opera actors and actresses tend to complain about low wages for the amount of work they have to do! LOL.

[sphinx, BSN, RN]

When I first met my husband, we both worked for the same employer. He worked for the university in computers, I worked for the university med center. We had both been there the same amount of time. We both had bachelor degrees. He made WAY more than I did. I am no longer there, but I gaurantee I wouldn't be getting raising like he gets.....he gets a 7-9% raise every year for the past 4 years. I'm in homecare now......make slightly more than I did in a hospital setting, basepay, then I get "mileage reimburement, cell phone reimburement"-what a joke. Our mileage is like 30 cents a mile, ever check gas prices lately? HA! And we get 36$ a month towards our cell phones. I use mine SOLELY for work, and my bill comes to at least 75$, sometimes more.

Ah well, I love to ***** about this, but do I ever do anything about it? No. What can one person do. There are no nursing unions in this area. Not sure if even that would matter? Sounds like we got it bad everywhere ya look. But do I want to stop nursing? No. Got me over a barrel, they do.

bla.

[ladygal]

Is starting out at 14-16 good?? Geez..I know money isnt everything....but everything costs!

[Audreyfay]

At one point when I was ready to become a crispy critter, I defined a nurse as a waitress who served healthcare.

I think we make about the same as teachers do. However, we work 12 months, and they work 9.

[LasVegasRN]

I don't know what you all are complaining about. Why just yesterday I rolled out of the Jaguar dealership with a top of the line 2002 model and went home to my sprawling 4,000 square foot estate that I can afford quite easily with my nursing salary........... in my head......

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I have quite a few friends that make triple what I make working with computers.The auto workers at the plant where I used to live make more. The garbage men here make 17 per hour.

hmmmmm

Heather your post made me laugh....

renerian

[Kaleigh]

Okay now, let's don't scare the poor MS and AL nursing students. I've been checking into hospitals around Southern Mississippi and the avg. RN starting pay is about 18.00/hour. Also, some hospitals pay up to 2 or 3 dollars more per hour for BSN, not to mention shift differentials. Now to some of you who have actually worked as nurses for some time (I'm still a student), I'm sure that isn't that much money. However, to a strugling student who's getting by on 5.36/hour as a CNA (PRN), it sounds pretty good to me. Also, I'm looking into CRNA school and those salaries sound really good to me.

[RoaminHankRN]

I used to be one that complained about not making enough. But as the years go by, you ask how much is enough? Every one complains they don't make enough but never give an amount that would be fair. If we raised the basic salary to $30/hr for every nurse, there would be someone who would say that is not enough. If you make more an hour will that make your job less stressful? As some say, be glad you have a job that pays. At least you have done something with your life and make a difference.

On another point, how is the nursing profession going to approach management demanding better pay when we can't even get along or agree with others on "many" issues. We are a profession divided that needs to come together and quit the bickering and back stabbing. Act like a professional and you will be paid like one.

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by LasVegasRN

I don't know what you all are complaining about. Why just yesterday I rolled out of the Jaguar dealership with a top of the line 2002 model and went home to my sprawling 4,000 square foot estate that I can afford quite easily with my nursing salary........... in my head......

You poor nurse! I got a 2003, loaded!:chuckle

[gpip]

i agree with all of you we should get paid more for the things we have to do on an everyday basis, but going into this i knew I was not going to making big money unless I went to crna school. I am content with the 45-50k I will make this year with 3 yrs experience this includes shift diff. and roughly 8-12 hrs OT amonth.

[mark_LD_RN]

nurses need more money!

yes the starting pay is 14 to 17 dollars base pay here., with some night and or weekend diff. very little diff for BSN 25 cents to a dollar depending on hospital.