I recently ran into an old school chum, and as we began to talk about life, kids, and this and that, our career choices came into the conversation.
“Oh, you’re a nurse, huh? You must do pretty good.” He mentioned it almost as a side note, but the way his eyebrows raised spoke volumes towards his opinion that I held a job where I made the “big bucks.” And even though I laughed sheepishly, and nodded my head, there was that part of me that wanted to scream out in protest, “no, not really, I don’t!”
I’ve discovered over the years that most folks are of the opinion that nurses make a lot of dough, and I’ll even be so bold as to admit that the thought of salary crossed my own mind when I was considering my career choice in the field. I had heard it was a lucrative vocation, and that did help sway my decision many years ago.
Since then I’ve heard it time and time again just how much money I obviously bring home in the eyes of the public at large, and I have to admit I’ve often wondered what happens to that enormous sum before it hits my checking account via direct deposit. Surely some must fall out along the way because I’m not seeing the huge paycheck that everyone is certain that I’m receiving.
While I agree that my job pays me a generous wage with which I can comfortably help support my family, it’s not as exorbitant as people assume. My own father was surprised years ago when we compared our paychecks, and he realized that as a man slinging tires in a factory he brought home quite a bit more than his college educated daughter.
I even found myself recently laughing at a letter from my credit care company encouraging me to update my income information as I knew that no such update was required. My income hadn’t changed, and as I stood in line at the grocery store dumbfounded by the rising price of food, I might have even wondered why it hadn’t.
Despite popular opinion, nurses do have to watch their budgets too. They can’t take luxurious vacations, or even buy a brand new car whenever the mood strikes. We just don’t make as much money as you may think, and while it is admittedly a good paying job, the salary I receive isn’t why I do what I do. Not at all.
And I think that’s really the part that gets my goat the most, people thinking that money is the main motivator in the nursing field. Seriously, how many times have you heard someone say of a fellow nurse, “she just does it for the paycheck,” and wanted to scream in frustration?!
Here’s why I say that. If a man or woman wishes to bring home a sizable income I think they could probably find a descent paying job without the added benefit of 12 hours shifts, being pooped on, and risking themselves to the very real threat of deadly, communicable disease. What I mean is if a person is just worried about money I think they would seek employment elsewhere, somewhere where needle sticks are unheard of, rude doctors don’t belittle you, and the results of patient satisfaction surveys are of little importance.
Imagine for a moment that while a nurse’s paycheck might be above average that it’s also highly likely that it doesn’t come close most days to being compensatory with the tasks required and performed commonly. I mean, can you really put a price tag on saving someone’s life? I’m just saying.
How much should you get paid for bringing a new life into the world? What about catching diagnostic lab work or a potentially life threatening issue before it causes a major catastrophe? There’s really no number that fits those circumstances, and the thing is I’m not even asking to be paid like there is. Because some days I don’t do something fantastical. Some days I am honored to hold someone’s hand and listen to how they met their spouse sixty years ago, and in those moments I feel like I should be paying them.
So I guess you could say my point is it’s not about the money anyway. It’s not why nurses do what they do. We don’t make tons of money, and though I may complain a little after retirement, taxes, and insurance take their part, in the end I’m happy because it’s just enough. Like Baby Bear’s porridge it’s just right, and that’s all I really want you to know.
I don’t get paid as much as a doctor (which, by the way, also isn’t what you may think), and my salary isn’t why I come to work. I come for the patients. That’s always been the reason, and a “thank you” is the best compensation I could ever receive. So if you run into me at Walmart and see me pouring out my change on the counter, well, now you know why.
Dorita Butler says
So so true
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
ckramercoaching says
Coming from growing up with a nurse for a mother, I KNOW it’s not for the money. LOL! Although, I do have to say that as a single mom (my dad died when my brother was 11 days old and left my 25 year old mom alone with three kids under the age of 3), my mom’s work as a nurse did allow us a life without actual poverty.
Also, since I’ve been working with doctors and health care professionals for 15 years, I believe you all deserve the money you do make. I wouldn’t want those 24 hour call nights, wrestling with the insurance companies to get pennies on the dollar of what they actually pay you, and having to deal with all the headaches in between. I have a huge respect for all health care workers and appreciate everything you do! Thank you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much for the comment!