[purplefinchLPN]

Hi everyone, I am new to this site.

I am currently an LPN and also have a BS Degree in Business Admin. I have worked in healthcare all my life even prior to my LPN degree where I worked the insurance, managed care, and executive assisting areas of healthcare. Due to this experience I am very computer literature as well as savvy about health insurance. I am currently working as an LPN in Hospice where I do all the authorizations for hospice admissions with insurance companies, notify Medicare of admissions, provide computer support, and COB with insurance companies for our patients. Before this I was an Admissions Coordinator at a LTAC facility.

I am planning on going to school this fall to get my RN Degree which will take me two semesters to complete. My problem/questions is this: I have a bad case of inherited neuropathy which affects my feet, legs and now my whole body as well. I am taking Lyrica which does help to some degree as long as I do not push it too much by being on my feet. Given my background, education, etc. can anyone suggest RN positions that I would be qualified for as a new RN that would not require that I be on my feet working as a bedside nurse? I am totally unable to do that. I would love to be an Admissions Coordinator again but as a new RN I am not sure I would be qualified for such a position.

Also, can anyone confirm what the starting rate for a new RN is? I called our HR dept and was very displeased to find out that they start all RN's out at $23.50/hr. That is not much more than I am making now and I am very disappointed by that. I live in Tucson, AZ and have been told that rate is competitive for our area. I cannot believe that given the supposed nursing shortage we have and my previous education and experience that is the best I can expect. Sounds like there may be a shortage of nurses but they have not equated that with compensation and in my case I cannot say the shortage has made finding an LPN-RN Program easier at all. You would think there would be more programs out there for this if there is truly a "shortage."

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[sherrytzu]

If you can get through school you will have it made. Have you every considered Home Health. It is not that demanding and you are not on your feet all day. They may even have an office position as a PCC (patient care coordinator) which LVN's here in Texas perform. At least at my Home health company. HOpe it goes well with you.

[bernarma]

Hi,
That is a common problem...long term LPN's end up starting at a lower RN rate which is pretty close to their LPN wage.

I actually have a friend who decided to join me in my business and forget the RN school stress since she can make more...have insurance and many other benefits plus work when she wants. This by the way is a great job for someone who eventually may not be able to handle the regular work environment d/t the neuropathies.

To your health,
Mary Ann
Health and Wellness Coach

[KR]

Hi there! I hope that you don't mind the PM. I see that you work as a Health and Wellness Coach. Can you tell me more about that? That is an idea that I have been thinking about for a long time. I know there is a need for Health and Wellness coaches. I just have no idea where to start. I have 6 years of ICU nursing under my belt. Thanks in advance. I tried to email and PM you but it wouldn't go through. Feel free to email me off list at criticalcarern23@aol.com if you would like. Thanks!
Kimberly

Originally Posted by bernarma

Hi,
That is a common problem...long term LPN's end up starting at a lower RN rate which is pretty close to their LPN wage.

I actually have a friend who decided to join me in my business and forget the RN school stress since she can make more...have insurance and many other benefits plus work when she wants. This by the way is a great job for someone who eventually may not be able to handle the regular work environment d/t the neuropathies.

To your health,
Mary Ann
Health and Wellness Coach