and everyone's... OK with this?

1 lots of hospitals are paying like this:
http://www.mercysiouxcity.com/rn-wages Strangely, people want to either deny that this is the state of things, or say "we should be grateful." No we shouldn't... not for what we do

*edit: sioux city has a cost of living index of 87.5 compared to a national average of 100 Last edit by tater.jake on Sep 6, '11
What is the cost of living compared to the salary?

Its iowa? I aussume fairly low cost of living ...........but it is sad. I have one year of experience and make more than someone with 25 years on that scale

Don't know about the rest of the chart, but as far as the first few years go, that's what RNs make at med-surg hospitals in my area.

I guess I'm stupid but I'm not following you .Of course, I am Canadian and things are a lot different here. What are you upset about? That an experienced nurse makes more than a new grad?Or the crappy wages? I don't know how this compares to other places in the US but here in Ontario, I have over 20 years experience and make over $40.00 an hour base pay - more for being in charge, shift differential etc. Also - what is included in the salary? Do you get health insurance - I understand this can cost a lot in the US if you have to pay on your own. If health insurance is included, then you should factor that in.

I see nothing wrong with the scale, that is typical for union shops. However I see plenty wrong with paying registered nurses $19 an hour.

cost of living is 87.5 (vs us average of 100) http://www.city-data.com/city/Sioux-City-Iowa.html

I'm OK with it. I make about that much and I still come out ahead compared to people who make more in a high cost of living area. Shift differentials for nights and weekends also make my average pay per hour $6-$7 dollars higher than my base pay.

nursing pay should be based on merit and performance, not years.

well, living in an area with a COLI score of 126.4, i wouldn't be able to afford to live off of the wages i would make in sioux city. it's definitively on the lower side. sad for the hard work we do.

Quote from tater.jakecost of living is 87.5 (vs us average of 100) http://www.city-data.com/city/Sioux-City-Iowa.html

Quote from xtxrnwhat's the problem?

Quote from xtxrnWhat is the cost of living compared to the salary?