[Loraineo]

Hi
I am a new graduate RN that recently passed boards 6/04 and considering to work in a LTC facilities. I have been told that start pay is better in the LTC facilities than in hospitals. Is this correct? What is the average pay start for an RN? What is the difference if you work weekend, nights?

I am really curious to know. Loraine

[lllStephanielll]

I'm a new RN too. I just got hired about a month ago at a LTC facility for 19.25. That includes the shift differential for working the 2p-10p shift. It was more than hospitals around here were hiring, plus they gave me a 1500 sign-on bonus. However, I'm not sure what raises are like at LTC compared to hospitals.

[Destinystar]

Hospitals usually have a scale based on years of experienced that is rather fixed. Nursing homes dont. You have a lot more bargaining power with a nursing home in terms of salary and getting on health benefits right away then you do with most hospitals. Initially you might get more pay from a nursing home, but they usually dont give any increases after that, the turn over is much higher, the pt. load is heaver, the environment undesirable, the chances of loosing your license or getting sued is increased and the job satisfaction is poor. There is usually no room for advancement. Just lateral ones. Nursing homes often put RN's on salary so you wind up putting in way over 40 hours a week to get your work done, but only paid for 40.
MY ADVICE IS GO INTO THE AREA OF NURSING THAT YOU LOVE THE MOST. Forget about the salary. In time as you gain experience you will eventually be able to negotiate a salary that you are satisfied with.

MONEY is the root of all evil......................

[NursesRmofun]

In my experience, hospitals pay more for RNs. I think LTC pays better for LPNs....at least in my area.

[Blackcat99]

Originally Posted by NursesRmofun

In my experience, hospitals pay more for RNs. I think LTC pays better for LPNs....at least in my area.

Yes I think you are right. In my area, the LPN's too get paid more than at the hospitals. Yes Destinystar is correct too. I am an LPN who usually works LTC. I am thinking of taking a pay cut and going back to the hospitals to work.But I'm not sure yet. I've heard some "scary stories" about hospitals here too.

[CapeCodMermaid]

The hospital (yes the only one) here pays way more than any of the LTCs...too bad it's a union hospital.
...and Destiny..I believe the quote is " the LOVE of money is the root of all evil"