RN Salaries?

Sorry for the silly question. I recently applied to an RN program in california (Mount St. Mary's College ADN Program). I am ecstatic of finally doing what I feel in my heart is the right fit for me after many years of putting it off. I currently work in the computer/IT field and doing pre-nursing courses on evenings and weekends. My question is: What is the average salary for nurses? I know it varies from location, years of experience, etc..blah, etc..blah... But...in all honesty (for RN's), what is your annual income? Where do you work, city, etc? At my current job I am making 40K, so I'm just curious if nursing will be a big step up or down in the financial dept. Thanks for reading, Norma G. Los Angeles, CA Lap RNY: 8/30/04 255/219/150

In So.FL newly graduated RN's working in the hospital usually start anywhere from $36K-$42k/annual depending on shift, etc. After one year med/surg experience raises can be good. My niece was RN/AS with about 6 yrs experience and she took on a management nursing position and they paid for her BSN and her annual salary now is around $80K. Good luck. I've started a second career in nursing as well. LuvitsunnyV@goal

Hi. I work in Chicago. I have a BSN which lets you make more $$$. A BSN nurse can make 49-56k. I'm on the higher end. If you just get a RN/AS (Associate in Science Degree in Nursing) you won't make as much. That's a fact. A BAchelor always always makes more than an Associate. Also, I'm going to go to school to become a Midwife...that's more money. Also, I make good money because I'm bi-lingual. I also do homecare on my free days. It's good to be a nurse ... Gracie

I work in western maryland for the state of MD I make around $50 K as an Associate degree RN

Wow, maryland pays good. Then again, how long have you been working as an RN?? It all depends on how many years too. I make that money and only started two years ago! Norma, Hopefully you got some answers that you wanted to know, but remember that it does depend on where you live, the cost of inflation and living. and other things, like ur years of experience and so forth. Take care, Gracie 270/229

You're 24 an a nurse...damn girl, you rock! I'm 25 and just starting. I decided to do computer science and programming in school *** don't ask) thinking the income would satisfy the urge to "help people" and be a nurse, but suuuuure didn't. Started nursing this year and should be done in 2yrs or so....feels like a long time, but in 2yrs I'll be 27 no matter what I do. I was checking out your profile and just thought I'd say hello and check in with ya. Thanks again for your input on this nursing forum topic. adios, norma g.

Good question Norma! I work for a hosptial in Northern California and since I'm in Payroll I have access to the RN salary scale. A nurse here at my hospital can make anywhere from $47K to $71K depending on level of experience. A nurse fresh out of school working full time no overtime will make the $47K as a base pay...then there are additional pays for inpatient care, speciality care...stuff like that. I can't wait until I am a nurse...but sadly it still won't happen for a few years. I still have 2 more semesters (not including the one I just started) of general ed classes and pre-requesites. I'm hoping to enter the ADN program in the Spring of 2007 and graduate with my ASN in 2009. For me it will be a big step up in the financial area...as I'm only making $28K a year. I am going to get my ADN first...then go back and get my BSN because eventually I want to be a Midwife. Wish me luck! Kristy Lap RNY 8/3/04 254/154/140

Congratulations on deciding on Nursing...its a great career. The pay these days is a lot more than when I started. It used to be about $20K - $40K for new grads and nurses with minimal experience. Once you start to enter management or specialty nursing (L&D, ICU, Dialysis nurse, CRNA, NP etc) the salaries really jump up. These days I've heard of nurses earning $70K especially if you work for a Registry (kinda like an Employment Agency for Nurses where they send you to different hospitals for individual shifts or for contracted periods of time). I myself straddle both Nursing and IT careers. I am what you call a Nurse Informaticist and I love it. Think about specializing once you get some experience...it will really be worth your while. Good luck Norma

Not a silly question at all. I live in San Jose, Ca. I work two jobs one is full time at an outpt. clinic and the other is per diem at a local hospital. My total income last year was 90k. My hourly is 42 - 48 an hour. Follow your dream and you'll be happy. By the way if you go to nurseweek.com they have more info about $ (salary wizard). Good Luck! Val

Thanks again for the info Valerie. Just sent ya over an email, and congrats on your 1 day anniversary! This end of the month will be my 6month anniversary and can't believe it. Keep in touch! norma g.