Dear friends,

Could you please compare LPN salaries and job opportunities in NYC and NJ.

Also where is better to work: in Nursing homes, per diem LPN or Hospital LPN (this opportunity still exists for LPN )?

I am planning to graduate from LPN program at Eastwick College in NJ. In other words will look for my first job.

I live in Manhattan, NY and wonder should i apply for NY license or NJ license.

Thank you and Happy Holidays to all of you !

Alex

Dear Alex,

I graduated LPN school in NJ where I live. However, I got reciprocity so I hav my License in NY too. I currently work in long term care in NY and make $23 an hour per diem. The going rates seems to be like $16 to $19 an hour in a doctor's office, and like anywhere from $21 to $26 an hour in nursing homes or hospitals. A lot of hospitals don't like to hire LPNs. There are agencies that pay a few dollars higher, but I've heard they send you to really nasty, crazy places. If you live in Manhattan I'd look there as they probably pay higher than NJ and the other boroughs. Get your license in both states to have more options. Good luck.

Hi betoknox,

Thank you so much for your email. Could you please tell me if it is possible to hold both license in both NY and NJ at the same time? And if yes, how do you do that? I mean how do you apply for that?

Thank you for your time

Alex

yes you can have as many licenses as you want as long as you meet state requirements for endorsing and pay fees

I took NCLEX in New jersey, and got my license there first. Most states have something called reciprocity. After you get your license in New Jersey you contact the State Nursing Board in New York. There are some forms to fill out, and I want to say I think it costs about $150. It only took a few weeks.

Thank you guys for your responses. It is really helpful!

Could you please tell me what would be better to do first : take NCLEX in NJ where i study or in NYC where i live ? Would it be any different in the test itself ? Also how much it will cost me to keep both license. Is it worth the money?

Thanks for your time

Alex

The test is the same no matter what state you take it in. I think it cost me about $400 in New Jersey , with $200 going to the Board of Nursing and $200 going to the test center. Your school should talk you through the process. I don't know if it is cheaper to do New York first and then get reciprocity from New Jersey. I think it is worth having both as you have more employment options.

I got it. Thank you very much for you time and help.

Alex