'Less pay for more work' seems to be the modern corporate motto. With huge competition for every job opportunity, you may not have much bargaining space with recruiters in negotiating your salary. That is, unless you have a specialized degree and the recruiters need you, as much as you need the job, if not more. As a registered nurse, you may find yourself in this advantageous situation. Keep reading to find out more registered nurse salary information.
Gone are the days when nursing was seen as a career for only those who wanted to help others and could endure tough work conditions to do so. Today, nursing is a hot profession and the salaries are increasing too! The reason behind this is probably the shortage in quality nursing staff faced by the healthcare sector. Even today, due to the rigorous and unpredictable working hours, nursing is not the primary career choice for many. But this is already changing, because more and more people are recognizing the rewards at the end of the hard work as well.
As a registered nurse you hold the advantage over licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants both in terms of authority and salaries. And what can get you there? Well, you can become a registered nurse by completing a two year Associates degree in nursing program or a four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing degree followed by passing a mandatory licensing exam. With a license in hand, you can hope to start bringing home some serious income.
The median salary for registered nurses (as per 2009 data) is dependent on where you practice. So, you can hope to earn at amazing hourly rates of:
- $33.73 in California.
- $27.91 in New York
- $26.14 in Pennsylvania
- $25.95 in Texas
Of course, these are median figures and if you increase your level of nursing education and expertise, by becoming an Advanced Practices Nurse, your potential increases to earn much more than the rates mentioned above. Tip: Learn more about a Masters Degree in Nursing!
However, a good salary is not the only monetary benefit you may get by becoming a registered nurse. Due to the shortage of skilled nurses, many hospitals and clinics are offering nurse incentive programs, which could consist of:
- Recruitment bonuses that may go up to $20000! You may get this as soon as you sign on the employment contract
- Relocation and housing assistance if you have to move in order to join work.
- Tuition reimbursement and subsidies on new nursing courses which you may want to pursue after joining work. You may of course have to commit to continue your services for a specific period after completing a specialized educational program.
- Family–friendly work schedules and flexi-timings, particularly if you have kids to take care of.
Overall, the future looks bright for registered nurses. The demand for quality healthcare services will only expand over time and you can easily hope to earn enviable salaries a few years down the line. The registered nurse salary projections are rosier than most other sectors that have been hit hard by global recession. Therefore, you can and should make hay while the sun shines!