wondering where to go...

Hi guys, I am currently in an RN program, and graduate in December. I have been searching the internet trying to find the average pay scales, and I have had no luck, just confusion. My hubby says he will go wherever I want to go, but I want to know the average pay scales before I do anything. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Amy -31

Hi Amy, the pay here in Texas for new grads varies a lot depending on what size city or town you are in. Our city is about 300,000 people with 2 major hospital systems containing 5 hospitals and starting pay is about $18.00/hr for new grads, for nurses with 1 to 5 years experience...$20.00/hr, for 5-15 years.....$24.00. It also depends on which area of expertise you go into. Cardiac is the highest paid here as we have a major cardiac unit in Christus Spohn. In California and New York and places where there are nursing unions, your pay would be a lot more.

If you want the big bucks... look to the higher acuity areas... ICU, CCU, NICU and then head towards the metropolitan areas. You can check with the boards of nursing for each state to get an avg or look in the Nursing 2004 magazine. They usually have an annual issue that covers that sort of thing. I live in DC and the pay rates are similar to what Andrea stated above. Also keep in mind prn and float pools usually pay alot more than regular full time staff but remember there is usually a catch! Good luck.

Here in california a lot of pay is based on location. ie: Los Angeles County is higher paid (generally) than San Bernardino County. A lot of our hospitals use pay scales depending on years of experience the last scale I noticed in the paper was $21-$27 hr. depending on experience. Also a lot of hospitals give differentials not just for night shift but for certifications for example if you work in ER and you have a CEN you may get a 5% pay differential added to your salary. Unfortunately most companies in my area will not divulge pay unless you go in and meet with them. Hope this helps a little. Ann in SoCal

Hi Amy! I am an RN in Tuscaloosa, AL. Starting pay here is pretty low for new grads...about $17.50 in the hospital. I think one of the reasons it is so low is because there are two hospitals here in town, but owned by one company. Where the money is...travel nursing!! I was an OB nurse, but now I am in pharaceutical research-better $$ and better hours! Best of Luck!

Hey Amy, As previously stated, salaries truely depend on location, location, location...and experience....and whether you ahve a BSN or not. Try to go to salarywizard.com . Then you can search by areas and can get a salary range for that area. I do have to say....I also left floor nursing for pharmaceutical research because the pay is higher and the hours are easier....BUT I was also a traveling nurse for two years and LOVED IT!!! I was making 19.50/hr as a traveler almost 8 years ago, so the pay has got to be better than that now! Good luck! Amanda M.