WHO MAKES MORE: NPs or RNs

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So I was just told that RNs are making more money than NPs because there is a dire need for RNs. Anyone know if this is true? How about especially in California?

Thanks!

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The highest paid RN's will make around avg/below avg NP pay. Remember that NP's can practice independently in some health care settings.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

there has always been a big debate about if NP's salaries are worth the extra 2 years of masters preparation because some RN's do just as well working in the hospital. this is the way i see it... if you do have an NP degree chances are you have a base salary equivalent to what some RN's get only if they work OT and also you may have a better quality job, meaning minimum to none bedside nursing duties. also some NP's have nice m-f schedules depending on where they work. i do know a couple of NP's and they don't make a vast amount more than me but all in all they seem happier with their choice to increase their career opportunities and job satisfaction.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Med/Surg, Family Practice.
there has always been a big debate about if NP's salaries are worth the extra 2 years of masters preparation because some RN's do just as well working in the hospital. this is the way i see it... if you do have an NP degree chances are you have a base salary equivalent to what some RN's get only if they work OT and also you may have a better quality job, meaning minimum to none bedside nursing duties. also some NP's have nice m-f schedules depending on where they work. i do know a couple of NP's and they don't make a vast amount more than me but all in all they seem happier with their choice to increase their career opportunities and job satisfaction.

That is what I have told my husband when he asks whether it's worth me going to grad school. I didn't go into nursing thinking it would make me rich. :) I'd much rather prefer a work environment where I consistantly (with a few bad days, I'm sure) enjoy what I do and can still make it home to my family and enjoy life with them. The schedule (both work and home) and the kind of work a master's degree will afford me is worth MUCH more than ANY pay check. That I can promise you!

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

A lot of it depends on the particulars of the jobs. Some RNs do make more than some NPs.

As other posters have said, though, there's more involved than $$$.

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

It also depends on the geographic area. Where I live, NP's are in huge demand (as our physicians), thus NP's an start out between $80 - $100K base salary in private/group practices. RN's average $60K starting out where I live.

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Specializes in Oncology.
It also depends on the geographic area. Where I live, NP's are in huge demand (as our physicians), thus NP's an start out between $80 - $100K base salary in private/group practices. RN's average $60K starting out where I live.

Sistermike where do you live? Here where I live in illinois starting salary is 44,000 without OT.

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HA! starting pay where I live for RN is 40,000! Where do you live?

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For me, the appeal of becoming an NP has nothing to do with money. As another poster stated, I want a consistent schedule and better working conditions. I would also prefer the day to day tasks of an NP compared to an RN. Some RNs do make the same or even more than NPs depending on the geographic location. However, that RN is typically putting in A LOT of overtime to get there. Also, the earning potential of an NP over time is greater than an RN. As an NP, you may start out with a low salary, but it should increase substantially with experience. Regardless, I would choose quality of life over money any day.

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Specializes in Occ health, Med/surg, ER.

When I traveled to California, I was also told that the NP market is flooded and RNs are much more valuable, esp bedside RNs. Its all up to the individual. My ultimate goal is NP/Education. I dont want to be a staff nurse forever.

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Specializes in NICU.
HA! starting pay where I live for RN is 40,000! Where do you live?

I started out of school at 68K, went to 72K with night diff. HowEVER, I also pay 1675/m rent for a small studio, and groceries, sundries, etc are all commensurately expensive. So yeah, I'm sure 68K sounds like a ludicrous amount, but C.O.L. balances it out.

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