I want to be a nurse but...

...the salary!

Is it as bad as everyone says? is the path to progression long-winded?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not in it for the money, I have worked in the NHS for years but I am starting to wonder about careers where I would be able to live comfortably.

I'm currently holding offers for Law at University but I always keep going back to Nursing as I feel like it would be a career I would really enjoy.

Reply 1

Kevin70

Nursing is drudgery and the amount of hard work and disorientating night shifts do not justify the meagre salary.

Reply 2

moonkatt

Original post by Kevin70

Nursing is drudgery and the amount of hard work and disorientating night shifts do not justify the meagre salary.

What’s your experience of nursing?

Reply 3

Kevin70

You may be able to change from nursing to related areas like physiotherapy.

Reply 4

nurseynurse

Original post by Kevin70

Nursing is drudgery and the amount of hard work and disorientating night shifts do not justify the meagre salary.

Didn't ask whether it's hard work, I asked how are nurses finding living on nursing salary. I work in NHS I am aware of the nightshifts and the strains that the job holds

Original post by Kevin70

You may be able to change from nursing to related areas like physiotherapy.

Again, nothing to do with the topic, I am not interested in changing from nursing but the progression in nursing

Reply 5

Kevin70

Stay in nursing and see for yourself.

Reply 6

username3890778

Original post by nurseynurse

Again, nothing to do with the topic, I am not interested in changing from nursing but the progression in nursing

I’m guessing the salary isn’t good for those that live in London with the high living costs.

Reply 7

deviant182

within nursing your career can go in any direction you wish.
if you work in the nhs and stay as a band 5 then yes you will not have an amazing salary.
saying that, the unions have just stated that the majority of members have voted for the pay rise so with that may come a change in the banding and thus salaries for people.
there is plenty of room for progression, both nhs and private.
I only stayed as a nurse in the nhs for 7 months. the pay for me was not worth the injuries i was sustaining, The stress, lack of breaks and the extra hours I was doing to ensure paperwork was complete, and to support my colleagues where needed.
I now work in a private setting and I currently earn what my previous manager in the nhs setting was earning. the difference in salaries is astounding.
I am able to do a lot more and my pay will only increase with abilities to progress within the company.
So ultimately, It's up to you what you decide. nursing is always going to leave you satisfied if that's what you like to do and yes there are downsides etc.
it's important to maintain a work life balance and it is not always possible in nursing, dependent on what job you have within the field. think about your long term goals and where you would like to work and what you would like to achieve.

Reply 8

wbnurse

Original post by deviant182

Sorry to post jump....where are you working if you don't mind me asking? Is it a private hospital? Nursing home? X

Reply 9

wbnurse

When you live off bursary for 3 years the salary is amazing haha. Serious note...no it's not great but it's comfortable for most. You can also progress quite easily!!

Reply 10

MKaur18

Original post by nurseynurse

From what I know, the salary isn’t ideal for the job nurses do. The path to progress can seem long winded. It requires experience and long term committment for the opportunity to move up bands from what I have heard and witnessed.

Reply 11

wbnurse

Original post by MKaur18

Debatable. There's some wards in my trust where sisters are literally early 20s. It's not like it used to be. That doesn't mean that's the correct way but thats how it's going in alot of places, since older more experienced nurses are heading for retirement.

Reply 12

Claire461

Original post by nurseynurse

Didn't ask whether it's hard work, I asked how are nurses finding living on nursing salary. I work in NHS I am aware of the nightshifts and the strains that the job holds

Again, nothing to do with the topic, I am not interested in changing from nursing but the progression in nursing

One of my daughters is the senior ward Sister on the cardiac unit of my local hospital. They are always short-staffed and even when she isn’t on duty, she has to carry a bleeper to return to the unit. She recently did a new add on course - I cant quite remember what it is now, but it has upped her salary quite a bit. She does ok now.

Reply 13

Charlotte's Web

Original post by nurseynurse

It really depends what sort of salary you would be looking for, what sort of lifestyle you want (and are used to) and the sort of role you want to do.

It is quite easy to stay as a band 5 nurse with the associated limit on your earnings however if you go into a more specialised role you have much more scope for progression. Often you can get a better deal within the private sector in terms of pay and benefits. Ultimately everyone starts at the same point but where you go from there is mostly up to you and whether you are willing to seek out the opportunities.

I personally worked in a charitable organisation for about 6 months while after qualifying (on a wage less than the current band 5 starting salary) and then moved into research. There is significantly more responsibility but no/few unsocial hours and I am financially much better off.

Reply 14

xxcazaxx

I am single with no kids and the salary is enough for me to manage nice holidays every year. I am top band 5 and recently found out that the band 3s only come out with about £200 less a month than me.