What is the complaint with nursing salaries?

grannypatches, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 12, 2005

I can understand many nurses wanting increased pay. Thats normal. But for me and my sister what nurses starting wages is something we have never seen or earned in our lifetime. My sister is a critical care nurse and started making 30.00 hr. straight out of nursing school. She says she will never be rich but she will never be poor again as long as she can work. Both of us have struggled over the years raising kids and making ends meet. It was hard. She did not entered the nursing field for money. It was a dream of hers that she finally accomplished at 35 yrs. of age. I am starting on my dream now. Nothing is more rewarding than helping people get through difficult times. My sister said nurses deserve more than they earn due to their responsibilites. But if she never makes much more than she does now she will never complain. She is just happy not be hitting rock bottom anymore. Merry Christmas!!

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 12, 2005

I can understand many nurses wanting increased pay. Thats normal. But for me and my sister what nurses starting wages is something we have never seen or earned in our lifetime. My sister is a critical care nurse and started making 30.00 hr. straight out of nursing school. She says she will never be rich but she will never be poor again as long as she can work. Both of us have struggled over the years raising kids and making ends meet. It was hard. She did not entered the nursing field for money. It was a dream of hers that she finally accomplished at 35 yrs. of age. I am starting on my dream now. Nothing is more rewarding than helping people get through difficult times. My sister said nurses deserve more than they earn due to their responsibilites. But if she never makes much more than she does now she will never complain. She is just happy not be hitting rock bottom anymore. Merry Christmas!!

Well, according to my calculations, for a 36 hour work week, that's $1080. I wouldn't complain about for a minute. In addition to all the aspects--job security, a profession where you help others in a time of need, interesting procedures, using skills etc. I know nursing is gonna be great! Thanks for your response.

hipab4hands · Dec 12, 2005

It depends where you live. In California, $30,000 will barely pay for a studio apartment and your basic needs.

In other parts of the country, you can live nicely on that type of salary.

honeyb111 · Dec 12, 2005

I've been wondering the same thing actually. Here in East TN the basic starting pay for a new RN is $35,000 a year, that's without any differentials. Heck, my dh only makes $40,000 a year in the army and he's been in for almost 10 years now - and that doesn't vary by location so if we live in a high cost of living area we still get the same amount. We've been a 1 income family for 10 years (since my daughter was born) so almost doubling our income will be a windfall to us. And compared to the $10,000 a year I made wayyyy back when....shoot I'll be a rich woman once I start working :lol2:

jaxmom63 · Dec 12, 2005

I am so glad someone finally asked this question. I worked as a CNA for 8 years, then worked in a Dr.'s office as a secretary until I got laid off. I love the medical field and especially patient care. I went to nursing school because I knew there would be a job when I got out. I live in a very economically depressed area. I didn't find out what kind of money I would be making until I was in my 3rd semester. I graduate in May with my RN and I will be so blessed to be able to support myself and my son on what around here is very good pay. I guess if I lived in a higher cost area, I would not be as excited. I have struggled for the past two years and just to be able to buy shampoo AND conditioner in the same shopping trip seems like a luxury to me.

EMMY

icugirl33 · Dec 12, 2005

I think it's a darn good starting salary for a job that doesn't require anymore than an Associates Degree. Nurses make more than a lot of the other occupations in the healthcare field and beyond that requires a lot more education. If you want to make more money, either work ot, give up benefits & go pool, or go back to school & become an ARNP, CRNA, etc.......

angel337, MSN, RN · Dec 12, 2005

it all depends on who you ask. when you get out of school and start working...you're going to say to yourself "oh, now i get it". yes, most nurses do make good money, but believe me you work veeeeeeeeeery hard for it. some harder than others. I think i make decent money, especially considering i used make $4.25-$10/hr through out my employment history before i became a nurse. the salaries for some nurses do not equate the responsibilty of the job, so this is why there are complaints. but considering how hard it is to get jobs now, even when you have a degree.......i am grateful for what i have.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 12, 2005

It depends where you live. In California, $30,000 will barely pay for a studio apartment and your basic needs.
In other parts of the country, you can live nicely on that type of salary.

But wouldn't the salary be adjusted to California's cost of living? I know they make more than here. For example, in New York, starting salary is $60,000, but there you pay $400,000 plus for a two bedroom house as compared to TN where you'd get a 5 or 6 bedroom with all the extras for that much money.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Dec 12, 2005

I've been wondering the same thing actually. Here in East TN the basic starting pay for a new RN is $35,000 a year, that's without any differentials. Heck, my dh only makes $40,000 a year in the army and he's been in for almost 10 required and recommended booksyears now - and that doesn't vary by location so if we live in a high cost of living area we still get the same amount. We've been a 1 income family for 10 years (since my daughter was born) so almost doubling our income will be a windfall to us. And compared to the $10,000 a year I made wayyyy back when....shoot I'll be a rich woman once I start working

I'm sayin. :clown:

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Dec 12, 2005

You know, once people start making more money, they spend more too. Like instead buying a hamburger, you start buying a double cheesburger.

You get my point. The bigger the expences, the less money you have left. But I know after I graduate, I will be so happy to pay my bills on time for a change. That's a luxury that I can only dream about right now. :rolleyes:

EdBSN09 · Dec 12, 2005

I've been wondering this same thing. A $35,000-$40,000 starting salary in this area is definitely in line with many other occupations, and out ahead of a good number of them. According to Salary.com, the average RN in St. Louis makes, excluding overtime, $55,000/year. At my hospital, the staff RNs top out in the mid twenties per hour, and float nurses top out in the mid thirties. More opportunities await in management or advanced practice.

Of course it's hard work. That's an accepted fact. But construction jobs are also very hard work. Miners, mechanics, and people in manufacturing also have very hard jobs. Many of these people start out making less money than we do, and make comparable wages once they gain experience. Most of them also deal with demanding, backbreaking work. Most of the time, they're also out in the elements. These types of people also do not enjoy tremendous job security. Many of us, however, will enjoy the climate-controlled comfort of a healthcare facility, unparalleled job security, and good opportunities for advancement. Yes, nursing is a hard job. But every field carries its own problems and difficulties. They're not unique to nursing, and they don't warrant starting at $35/hour fresh out of school. Some facilities have poor working conditions. When conditions are poor, it's time to move on. Again, this isn't unique to nursing.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are plenty of ways conditions and compensation could be improved for our field. But I also think we need to count the (many) blessings we do have.