[henryswife]

So i decided to not pursue a degree as a RN. Instead I choose to start as a LPN.Many in my family are disappointed in my choice. I need to do whats comfortable and right for me. Basically before I go any further I need some correct info from the PROS..
I called ECPI and asked a load of questions. The rep said graduates from the charlotte ECPI have all obtained jobs. Says the program has place 100 percent job placement. He said the salary ranges are from 38,000 to 43,000.....So could it be?

[WarEagle4Life]

Where do you want to work? One large system does not hire LPNs in its hospitals. Not sure about the LTCs they own. The other system in town (the smaller one) was hiring LPNs. Some MD offices hire LPNs.

Just something to think about/consider.

[paacollins]

I live near Winston-Salem and I don't know of any LPNs that make that kind of money. LTC pays better than hospitals. 2 years ago I was working as a CNA in a LTC center and the LPNs were starting out at $15 or $16 an hour. That doesn't add up to what you were quoted. Hospitals generally pay LPNs less than LTC, as do doctor's offices. Some of the hospitals around here no longer hire LPNs but others do. If you know what area you want to live in, call the hospitals in the area and ask if they hire LPNs and what they pay.

[ms.zee]

I am starting ECPI in October. I know that CHS hires LPN's but they call them Clinical Assistants. Presbyterian hires LPN's mostly for doctors office. Not sure of how much they pay. Sorry!

[paacollins]

Never heard the term "clinical assistant" before. Why can't they just leave the names the same? Gets too confusing in my opinion. My mother worked in a hospital for 10 years cleaning. She was considered a "housekeeper". There was no mistaking that she did the cleaning. Now these same people are referred to as "environmental assistants" or "environmental aides". Call it what you want but you are still hiring someone to clean. Unless it pays me more I'll stick to my original title. lol

[navvet]

And a Pirate is now called a Nautical Aquisitions and Redistribution Specialist.

[WarEagle4Life]

I, too, have not heard the pay range being this high for LPNs. The range stated is closer to that of RN.

[SusanNC]

Henryswife,

I've heard ECPI is expensive, before you invest a lot of money, make sure you call all your local hospitals to find out if they're hiring LPN's. I'm near Raleigh, a lot of hospitals around here no longer hire LPN's, my hospital stopped hiring them last year and are phasing out the few we have left.

Not to change your mind, but most LPN's I know wish they'd just gone the 2 years to get their ADN, instead of trying to get into an RN bridge program (and head back to school) after they're on the job. As RN's we have to take on a lot more responsibility, do all assessments, admissions, etc., but honestly, the actual Nursing Care for RN's and LPN's is no different, you will work just as hard as us, but usually for a lot less money. A few LPN's we work with frequently complain about just that - they're busting their behinds like us, but making way less. All we can tell them is - go back to school and get your RN.

Our base pay averages $20-25/hr, I work weekend nights, as RN's we're paid an additional $16.00/hr (combo shift diff/critical care pay). Same shift, same floor, LPN's are paid about $16.00 base pay and only $2.00 shift diff. So, LPN's are making 1/2 has much as us for basically the same job. Just wanted to throw that in to give you some sort of salary reference. Whether you go LPN or RN, Nursing School is hard. You're only 28, that's young, just my opinion, go the 2 years and get your RN - then you can "literally" get a job anywhere. I went back to school at 40 - husband, 3 kids, working part-time, house to take care of - had to bust my rump, but it can be done.

Best of Luck to You!!!

[paacollins]

And a Pirate is now called a Nautical Aquisitions and Redistribution Specialist.


I hadn't heard that one before. That's funny. Thanks for the laugh.

[julie0802]

I work LTC and have been an LPN for 10 years and earn somewhere in the range you listed. I surely didn't make that much starting out. But it is possible in LTC. My advice to new nurses..ask for a salary much higher than you expect to get. Alot of places will come close to what you are asking. There is a definite nursing shortage and employers are willing to pay someone confidant enough to ask for the money.