This is a big one - pay is livable (I’d argue $24/hr is not, generally) but not great. Doesn’t compare to other technical fields with the same educational and experiential requirements, hours are challenging, and guess what there is a nursing shortage!
"there is a nursing shortage" - My wife has said that for the past 3+ years (she finished school a year and a half ago) - but if that were the case there'd be bidding wars and wages would skyrocket. I don't buy the "nursing shortage" myth.
Shortages are more endemic. I would suspect the issue is more prevalent in rural areas. Temp or travel nurses probably fill the gap until permanent positions can be filled.