If nurses make these huge salaries I keep hearing about how come so many of them need second jobs?

LPNs really don't make great money. In OH an LPN average wage is 17.71/hour. That isn't a good wage for the amount of work they do or responsibility they have. Also, it is hard to find a fulltime 40 hour LPN position these days. RNs make better money, average wage here is $26.85/hour. While that may seem great you have to realize that we pay out the wazoo in taxes, we have to pay for professional insurance, often we provide our own equiptment, and our supplies can be costly too. I honestly spend about $100 every month on new shoes. Also, I think another reason is that, again in OH, our economy os so depressed, our spouses have lost their manufacturing jobs and as it is not easy for them to find work we pick up the slack and work second jobs. I am fortunate, I dont have to work two jobs, I just do because I am a money grubber.

Cause they are taught how to live beyond their incomes in a chase to keep up with the Jones. long live debt card slavery?
LOL

depends on what shifts you are willing to work and your level experience.

Starting pay where I live is $20/hour for graduating RNs. I have read articles and recruiting information where certain places are willing to pay upwards of $50/hour.

The average pay for an RN will be around 50-60k after a few years experience. Even without a second income, that is more than enough to raise a family on. I know families that make less that 30k combined and still put food on the table.

I honestly feel that some nurses do try to live well beyond their means or are not willing to work shifts/jobs that pay better.
For example an OR nurse makes around $30/hour. A Travel nurse can make up to $70/hour. med surg $26/hour of course they amount is all based on experience, need, time of day, and days of the week.