Those cuties make over 50k around here. The hours can suck, though.
Just wait until you have surgery and your 'cutie' has 18 post-op patients on her hands. Do you really think you're going to get the care you need? The first few days after surgery require skilled nursing care - not just for pain medication but for other nursing activities that will keep you out of big trouble.
I've seen 80 year old patients, unable to see, eating cold sandwiches for supper because they didn't fill out their food menu and no one was available to help them. I've seen those same patients not walked - when they should be - because there was no one to do it. The cardiac arrest down the hall took priority.
I'm not a nurse and I am not a union supporter, but hospitals will cut corners whenever they can and we'll suffer for it.