I don't understand the regional disparities in nurse pay. I know nurses in CA and TX that make close to $200k.
Ten years ago in a LCOL area, I knew an RN making about that, and they were treated like queens. Was able to work 3 12's, be paid for 40 hrs, and given hotel stay for free, among other things...usually including optional unlimited overtime at double pay.
Then I knew some CNAs or LPN(can't remember which) who made much, much less.
Then it increases automatically to £30,615 after 7 years of experience (and more by then because it's also adjusted up automatically for inflation).
Honestly it's decent out of university... if the hours and the patients aren't too bad. Bear in mind it's a guaranteed MINIMUM (outside of London).
edit: was wondering how difficult it is to promote to the next band that starts above that. other articles say it's doable in two years. nurses read just like the typical HN discussion where companies have to progress developers quickly or they all jump ship a year after graduation. ahah