In today’s economy, the registered nurse salary a pretty competitive compared to the other jobs out there. I want to share with you the average registered nurse salary, how it differs from other job salaries and how one can get the so-called “biggest bang for the buck”. I want to discuss with you the average salary of a registered nurse, the benefits of a nurses work life and how you could enhance your salary as well!
The average registered nurse salary is approximately $50,000 a year. An example of registered nurse that could earn this salary is a graduate of an associates degree In nursing program, that is working the day shift fulltime as a floor nurse at a hospital. In addition, there is a benefits package that is available to the majority of these full time workers. Benefits include health insurance, and paid vacations, holiday and paid time off (PTO). Most employers even offer tuition assistance or a 401 k. Examples of full-time workers include three twelve hour shifts a week (7A-7P) or working five days a week 7A-3PM. Can you imagine having this salary and benefits and having off four days a week?
A registered nurse salary could even be as much as $75,000! For instance, many nurses will work two twelve hour shifts and be off for two and then on for two. They will instead end up working four days a week. This means an extra 12 hours a week, 48 hours extra a month. Shift differential will also affect ones salary. Those working the night shift and weekends can make an average of $10 dollars more than hour! You may commit to only working three twelve hour shifts a week but will have the option of always picking up more days leading to overtime. Currently there is a shortage of nursing. Nurses often complain that their employers are begging them to always picking up extra shifts. With the desperate need to put more nurses on the floor, some nurses get offered bonuses for picking up shifts.
A registered nurse salary may vary based on other factors. For instance the salary may include or not include benefits. If one chooses to not have health insurance, the salary will most likely be higher than the norm. Some registered nurses will be hired as what is known as a “pool nurse”. This means that they work when needed. The benefit of this is that these nurses can be hired as a pool nurse at several hospitals with the increased guarantee of hours each week. Most nurses have the flexibility of making their own schedule when they are hired as “pool nurses”.
A registered nurse salary can be increased by also obtaining further education or certifications. Specialty nurses will generally have a higher salary. Nurses not only may be offered tuition assistance at their place of employment but may also receive a raise when obtaining additional education. Not only can additional education raise a registered nurses salary but can also provide them with the opportunity for a promotion. Imagine starting as a registered nurse with an associates degree in nursing, advanced to a masters degree, picking up additional shifts and may even certifications.
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