How much do NURSES make in Houston? (school, oil)

[Houston3]

You will probably start at around $43,000.00 a year... That's what my daughter and niece both started at about 18 months ago.. I don't know where these people are getting $50,000.00 starting right out of school. My daughter now makes around 56,000.00 a year now and she works for one of the major hospital systems in the medical center. And those are for 36 hour weeks, three twelves. I guess I'll send her this blog.

[LostInHouston]

Originally Posted by Houston3

You will probably start at around $43,000.00 a year... That's what my daughter and niece both started at about 18 months ago.. I don't know where these people are getting $50,000.00 starting right out of school. My daughter now makes around 56,000.00 a year now and she works for one of the major hospital systems in the medical center. And those are for 36 hour weeks, three twelves. I guess I'll send her this blog.

My wife is an RN with a BSN (4 year) degree and most definitly made over $50k right out of school. $43k for 36 hour weeks works out to under $23/hour... that's pretty low for starting RN's, maybe she only has a 2-year associates degree (not sure how much of a difference that makes)?

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by LostInHouston

According to my wife (who is an RN) the most important thing to do is first decide what area of the hospital you want to work. You'll burn out very quickly if for example you take a job working with the elderly if you don't like adult care.

That's great advice. I have several family members and acquaintances who are RNs and they say the trick is to pick a specialization where you care, but not one where you care so much that you get emotionally exhausted and burned out.

I know two RNs who moved into areas other than direct patient care because they were getting tired. Now one does hospital administration and one does some type of analysis for medical cases involving malpractice lawsuits.

[Houston3]

Originally Posted by LostInHouston

My wife is an RN with a BSN (4 year) degree and most definitly made over $50k right out of school. $43k for 36 hour weeks works out to under $23/hour... that's pretty low for starting RN's, maybe she only has a 2-year associates degree (not sure how much of a difference that makes)?

She does have a two year degree but will be getting her four year degree in a couple of years but like I said she works for a major hospital system in the medical center and she was told it paid the same. The four year you can just go higher up there, like a supervisor. Now that's what they told her when she went to work for them. I'll have a talk with her... no need to let all of that money get away..

She went to nursing school and raised three kids at the same time.

If you don't mind my asking how much is she making now and how long has she been an RN?

[Supermac34]

I guess there is something to be said for choosing a career that is not only in demand, but also is an essential service that you provide. I guess teachers and nurses can pretty much work anywhere in the country.

I know several nurses and they are extremely awesome people. Its a special breed to take care of people when they are at their absolute worse.

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by Supermac34

I guess there is something to be said for choosing a career that is not only in demand, but also is an essential service that you provide. I guess teachers and nurses can pretty much work anywhere in the country.

I'm not sure that teaching is in high demand. I've met a lot of teachers who couldn't land a job. It must depend on the grade level and subject matter in which one has expertise.

Nurses, on the other hand, seem to be able to find a job in about 30 minutes.

[ErikU19]

We are traveling down next week to interview for RN positions...I will let you know what they offer! (RN, 4 Year/Bachelor Science Nusring, Emergency Room, 3yrs Experience)

[esni]

Starting out you should make around 60K per year in the Houston area. This site has more info about how much registered nurses make:

http://nurse-schools.info/blog/regis...t-and-earnings

[lhafer]

Originally Posted by esni

Starting out you should make around 60K per year in the Houston area. This site has more info about how much registered nurses make:

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make? • Nurse Schools - Online Source for Nursing School & Career Info

I looked at that website and I believe that it accounts for RN salaries across the nation. So nurses on the East and West coasts make way more than here. Like RNs in NY make like $70k/yr starting. But then the cost of living is WAY more than here. So in the end I think they suffer a little more. Here in Houston, the cost of living is significantly less and the median salaries more, thus providing for better living styles. But you will not be making $60k walking out the door...probably more like $45k, $50k if you are lucky. But the raises come quickly, especially if you are good at what you do!

I am a nurse w/a Bachelor's Degree, work in the Medical Center at a very large hospital, and have been working in the NICU there since 2004. I am currently making ~$68,000. So who ever is getting $60k right out the door is darn lucky! I started out at $21/hr (~$42kish) and have gotten raises every year.

I could probably make more if I bounced around hospitals every now and then to up the ante, but I just don't want to do the interviewing it requires!! I really enjoy my job, and the hospital I work for. I have moved into a Mon-Fri day job, working on a long-term special project for the hospital. I have enjoyed the change of pace moving away from patient care. I still apply my nursing knowledge, just in a different way.

At my hospital, the pay is equal for ADN vs BSNs. The difference is the level you can achieve - manager, assistant director, etc requires BSN degree.

[jimboburnsy]

As others have said, new RN's will come out of school at around $50K. If you are interested in pursuing further education it may be in your interest to try and get an ICU position. I know that CRNA programs require some ICU experience, not sure about nurse practitioners.

I also know an occupational nurse who works for a major oil company bringing in $85K. That's not bad scratch.