I have been a nurse for 24 years, and remember how hard it was starting out.  The rate increases for new grads is absurd, especially considering the ones that this is their first job out of of school.  Renews are just as absurd as there are nurses who work hard to put food on the table, pay for health insurances, much less save for retirement.  Renews are are also hard on nurses who have burnt out and working less, having to keep up the educational requirements alone, now have to pay double.  Nursing shortages are not a new thing, and the profession has one of the highest burn out rates.  I am not sure how you Virginia can knowingly and intentionally bring out an increased burden on hard working Nurses; but you certainly will be able to see the after effects quickly to your decision should you move forward with these rate increases.