Why do some RNs hate this?

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Some RNs hate when people think they make a ton of money. How come? I definitely wouldn't mind if people thought I made big bucks because it seems like that kind of implies that some people think nurses do way more than just wipe butts and give pills, which in fact they do do a lot more! Let me know what you guys think.

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Specializes in ICU.

I have been a nurse since 1987 and I don't make "big bucks." I don't think a 20-30 dollar per hour range is a lot of money. I make less than just about everybody in my family! I am in the deep south, and nurses here don't make a killing, believe me.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Nurses make an adequate living........the problem that makes nurses angry is that people assume we make a killing and trust me when I say the pay DOES NOT commiserate ;)......I mean commensurate......with the responsibility/work of the job. (purposeful Freudian slip).

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

What Esme said. ^^

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.
Some RNs hate when people think they make a ton of money. How come? I definitely wouldn't mind if people thought I made big bucks because it seems like that kind of implies that some people think nurses do way more than just wipe butts and give pills, which in fact they do do a lot more! Let me know what you guys think.

Everyone who I know who goes on about how much money I'll be making still thinks I'll be wiping butts and passing meds and that's about it - just gloriously overpaid for doing it. Um, no. I don't know what world these people live in, but my starting wage will probably be around $45,000 a year. In what world does that make anyone "rich?". And it sure as heck doesn't warrant anyone assuming I'm overpaid!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

the amount of money one makes is certainly relative. It may seem like a lot to someone earning much less. I believe most nurses feel underpaid for the amount of responsibility and the nature of work they do.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I will start out making gross $38,000 a year. I had to go to school for 6 years in total for my BSN. It's not "big bucks" by any means. Of course, for someone like me who worked minimum wage and at most $10/hour throughout school, it's a gold mine of money. I'm looking forward to starting a point in my life where I don't worry constantly about how I will pay my bills or if I can go do something fun with friends. I'm excited to start planning and saving for a big vacation with my fiance. But it's not rich at all.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The average physician earns 'big bucks' (more than $100,000 yearly).

The average hospital CEO earns 'big bucks' (more than $500,000 annually).

Many unionized auto workers earn 'big bucks' (more than $100k with overtime).

The nurse's yearly income does not even compare to what these people earn. Unless you become an entrepreneur or win the lottery, no nurse is ever going to become wealthy. We do not earn big bucks.

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Skilled, or unskilled, workers make more than I do, and they don't need a college education to command that kind of money, or the respect that goes with it.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I don't get upset when people think I make lots of money (although I may correct them). It does irritate me, however, when they assume I became a nurse BECAUSE of the money. It devalues my passion for nursing and makes me seem shallow.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Skilled, or unskilled, workers make more than I do, and they don't need a college education to command that kind of money, or the respect that goes with it.
Nor do they carry 6 million dollars in just because...
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Specializes in Neuroscience/Brain and Stroke.

38,000? That's awful, what state pays this low?

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