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What is the starting pay for a nurse
What is the starting pay for RN's
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
It depends upon where you are in the United States, but the average starting pay is:
* $68,500 dollars
* $68,500 dollars
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
As others have said, starting pay can very greatly depending on where you are. It is also impacted by staffing, if somewhere is more desperate for nurses they will pay more. But I wouldn't expect much more than $30/hr most places though as a starting nurse. Other components that can impact pay are what specialty you work in. For example ICU nurses are paid more than med-surg nurses, but it's also harder for new grads to get into ICU positions. There are also jobs outside the hospital that might pay differently. Home health nursing pay is based on the acuity of the patients you care for and can vary based on what patients you work with. The best way to get good information is to find jobs where you want to work and inquire about salary.
Updated
Marlena’s Answer
Depending on where you live and where you work it can vary. As an RN in New Mexico, if it's a first job, in a hospital you can expect $30/hr or higher, long term care and home health can be anywhere from 35-45/hr starting pay. Most offer sign-on bonuses of $10,000 or higher, some offer higher depending on area and based on year commitment. Hopefully you'll get answers from different locations and states :-) good luck!!!!
Starting RN pay
Sign-on bonuses
Relocation bonuses
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John’s Answer
As a fresh graduate in nursing, your initial salary might be on the lower side of the spectrum. However, don't let this discourage you! Your starting rate is determined by a variety of factors such as the urgency of the employer to fill the position, the department you're applying to, the location of the facility, and your negotiation skills. Generally, the pay scale for new graduates ranges from $25-$35 per hour in most regions, although this can fluctuate depending on the nature of the facility you're joining.
Be on the lookout for institutions offering sign-on bonuses. A larger bonus often signals a high demand for staff in that facility or department. This translates to a high turnover rate and can be a red flag. As a novice nurse, this could also indicate a lack of substantial support following your initial orientation. It might be more beneficial to earn a slightly lower wage in a facility that prioritizes a robust orientation program and provides ample support as you navigate and grow in your new role. Rest assured, with a few years of experience under your belt, your salary is likely to see a significant increase. So, keep your spirits high and remember, every step is a step towards growth!
Be on the lookout for institutions offering sign-on bonuses. A larger bonus often signals a high demand for staff in that facility or department. This translates to a high turnover rate and can be a red flag. As a novice nurse, this could also indicate a lack of substantial support following your initial orientation. It might be more beneficial to earn a slightly lower wage in a facility that prioritizes a robust orientation program and provides ample support as you navigate and grow in your new role. Rest assured, with a few years of experience under your belt, your salary is likely to see a significant increase. So, keep your spirits high and remember, every step is a step towards growth!