"Bob Crantz" wrote in message

What do doctors (GP's) earn?

Depends upon locale and demographics. In cities with high demand for good
GPs, they can earn half a million (net) easily. In rural America they might
struggle five or six days a week for $150K.

What does a nurse earn?

Again it depends. In underserved cities with great demand, they can receive
a $25K sign-on bonus and with evening or night differential earn $100K per
year. In most places the average staff nurse on a med-surg flood makes
about $50K per year. A Clincal Nurse Specialist in ICU generally will earn
around $75K to $100K per year. A busy nurse anesthetist can earn $300K per
year, especially if he/she is willing to travel.

I think the most underpaid and overworked professionals are teachers and
accountants.

No one dies if they screw up. They may be overworked and underpaid, but the
responsibility factor just isn't the same as in health care.


There are always enough nurses at the right price.

You should know that money is not the prime motivator in today's workforce.
Hours, time off, and job satisfaction are greater motivators. Money is
important, but it's consistently #4 or #5 on people's lists.

They get paid for that double shift or comp time - right?

Of course. In some cases they get time and a half, or even double time pay.
But most nurses, excepting those with huge financial burdens, would rather
have the time off with family.

Yes it is, the people are willing to work for it. Pay (reward) should be
proportional to the risk assumed.

It should be, yes.

Same reason people quit being lawyers, accountants, doctors (high suicide
rate too), engineers, etc. Guess what - the only ones that can handle the
rat race are the rats.

The health of the general population would be much better if they shed
their high stress jobs. Most illness stem from the workplace and the
lifestyle it induces.

I can't argue with that, primarily because I don't have data to support or
deny. But it wouldn't surprise me. That said, most jobs have a high-stress
component. Few don't. Add McDonald's lunches, excessive drinking after
work, and a lack of exercise, and we've got a populace on the verge of
mental or physical catastrophe, save for one particularly stressful episode.

Max