will universal healthcare ( in the usa) cut RN pay?

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I been hearing this debate off and on for a long time about how if Obama gets universal healthcare to go ( if he gets elected of course)though in the US that nursing pay will be cut dramatically. I would think this has to do with the fact that we would all be working for the government and that there will no longer be competition. There are many people in my nursing class that said they will leave nursing if thats the case. I also talked to several doctors that said the same thing about medicine in general. Im just curious if anyone has some good info about this. Thanks

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
I haven't read this whole thread but many nurses in the UK actually have a better hourly rate than the junior doctors.

I am in a senior nurse position and I earn the equivalent of 70,000 US dollars every year. I am more than happy with that.

How much after taxes?

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The money we make may not equal pay desired, compared to other professions. But, we do make descent money. Also, I'm sick and tired of people saying get out of nursing, if it's all about the money and not caring for people. Can it be both? Last time I checked a caring heart did not pay the bills!!!!

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You have to pay someone to do this job, period. The Truth, you will pay taxes to a government who sold you down the river along time ago and you will die one day, that is guaranteed, that is it. You or anyone else, have nothing unless it is given to you by someone else, whether payed for by time or money.

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The day MAY come that I need help but I will NEVER need help from the government and I will NEVER need your help. You are not my brother and you are not my keeper.

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chazer67, who are you, posting that comment to? Is this for those who are for SnOBAMA or the comment right above your?

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Sorry, that post for AdvocateforSafety...those who rely on government to take of them become slaves of the government.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Closing for cleanup.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

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Specializes in General nursing, ER, ICU.

Hi, I am reading with interest the comments and concerns regarding universal healthcare in the USA.

In Canada there is always endless discussion around the health care system. I believe that we are very lucky to have a health care system that allows for all to be cared for regardless of personal ability to pay. I will add that the RNs get paid very well (hourly wage about $36) pay into a pension fund and have medical, dental and extended health benefits.

LPNs start at about $25 and personal care aids start at around $18 hour. Because all these health care workers must belong to a union to work in BC they all pay into a pension and have the same benefits as the RNs

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Hi, I am reading with interest the comments and concerns regarding universal healthcare in the USA.

In Canada there is always endless discussion around the health care system. I believe that we are very lucky to have a health care system that allows for all to be cared for regardless of personal ability to pay. I will add that the RNs get paid very well (hourly wage about $36) pay into a pension fund and have medical, dental and extended health benefits.

LPNs start at about $25 and personal care aids start at around $18 hour. Because all these health care workers must belong to a union to work in BC they all pay into a pension and have the same benefits as the RNs

Well those pay rates beat my location AND a pension...

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
That clinic might not but there are other places that will. I will give you an example. My friends son had a peridontal disease and no $ to fix his teeth. She went out and searched and found out that the Masonic lodge donated $ for kids medical needs. So the Masons paid for her kids teeth to be fixed. There is help out there you just have to get off your lazy butt and find it. I had my son when i was 16 and I will soon graduate from college. Just because your poor does'nt mean you can't better yourself. I did.

This is a very good point. There is a thriving volunteer mentality in America. I have no problem with people taking advantage of freely given support, in this form.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
What you do have to bear in mind is that you get an excellent pension, guarenteed payrises within your payband til you reach the top of that band, it is very difficult to be sacked, and you have excellent sickness and 6 weeks paid holiday every year.

I don't think you can compare the 2 systems equally it is like comparing apples to oranges. Having read many of the threads here I don't think nurses in the US have much better a deal than UK nurses

And how much does that cost you each year, in taxation?

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