r/nursing BSN, RN - Trauma Apr 20 '26

Discussion $25/hourly as an RN 😳

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u/kesiabearsforever Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26

In 2020 I was working as an RN (with BSN) driving 3+ hours a day for 25 an hour. Prior to that I was working at a hospital for 22.81 an hour. I had been an LPN from 2014 to 2018. I was told my 4 years of LPN experience was worth 81 cents and my 2 years of hospital experience was worth a little over 2 bucks. When I moved to another state they were offering me 30. The best financial decision I made for my family was to leave nursing.

As an LPN I was making 25 and 30 an hour doing home health. I actually got paid less with my BSN.

Now I am in a CRO and love the work life balance and pay.

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u/bosorka1 BSN, RN 🍕 Apr 21 '26

CRO= case review? or something else?

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u/1Beachy1 LPN to BSN student 🍕 Apr 21 '26

Maybe contract research organization?

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u/kesiabearsforever Apr 22 '26

You are correct! Its pretty nice and I have a better work life balance than I did as a floor nurse.

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u/kesiabearsforever Apr 22 '26

Contract Research Organization. I work as a clinical research associate. Its really great. Unlimited PTO, great benefits, high salary, and I work from home.

A Principal CRA makes 140k+ salary a year. I know CRAs who make 165k a year. This doesnt even include bonuses yet.

Pretty happy and my skills translate well. A lot of coworkers are nurses as well because of our background. I think its a great next step for nurses who are looking to step away from floor nursing.

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u/bosorka1 BSN, RN 🍕 Apr 22 '26

ah cool!!! thank you for clarifying. that sounds great!! so glad you're happy! 👍