Can anyone tell me the truth and stop betting around the bush.....

neygray · May 7, 2008

It truly depends on your area, what type facility you are working at, shift, etc. My first job was in Macon at the Medical Center, nightshift. With shift differential, my starting salary was almost $13/hr. I left 3 years later due to moving out of state and my ending salary was $15 and some change/hr still working nights. Not to mention that there was an extra $2/hr for weekends.

GoosbyLPN · May 7, 2008

There is no way I'm working for that little money... Not sure how much it is here in Atlanta, but I make more now working in billing. I didn't bust my butt in nursing school to work for that little money...if I hear something I'll let everyone know.

neygray · May 7, 2008

RN's don't make too much more fresh out of school. Maybe you should stick to the occupation your in.

SheaOBRN · May 7, 2008

It may be that you should have checked into starting pay before taking the classes and the NCLEX...if money is your main concern. As said above, it truly depends on the location. Some areas don't even hire LPN's, have you checked into that aspect or the job outlook for the level of training? The South is notorious for lower pay....good luck! There are other rewards besides money in the profession!

BinkieRN, BSN, RN · May 8, 2008

I would think your instructor should be able to give you a good idea. From what I have heard here and there it's about $14.50 an hour plus shift differential. I know the LPN's don't get as much shift differential and weekend differential as the RN's. I think that's so unfair. You're up at night or working on the weekends no matter what you are. CNA's get even less differential :madface:

Mexarican · May 30, 2008

Yea...not looking up for LPNs from what i hear. RNs make above 20 for sure even as a new grad...but that doesn't help you i guess.

Mex

dreamon · Jun 20, 2008

What a bummer about the pay. Atlanta isn't that cheap to warrant $13/hr in my opinion. At least it is a great motivator to go back to school and get a RN degree.

Dr.Nurse2b · Jun 21, 2008

LPNs are being phased out. The initative in Georgia is to promote education and support LPN to RN bridges. The BSN is considered entry level into professional nursing. In some states an LPN cannot practice in a hospital setting...New Jersey for example...where LPNs are limited to nursing homes. Take a look around...hospitals are spending millions of dollars for expansion and looking to staff with the best of the best...MAGNET status and all that.

As far as the Atlanta area...I see LPNs primarily in med/surg. I never asked what they get paid but I can tell you that TECHS start at about $10 and with some experience $12 - $14 per hour...Gainesville GA. It is not uncommon for Critical Care Techs to make $15-$16 per hour.

My point here is wage is based on education, and experience. My first job in the medical field was as an EMT...I was very young and started out at $8.50 per hour...and I was happy to accept it because I was doing the job I loved. The money comes eventually but only with time and education.

My suggestion to any LPN is hurry and get your BSN done. The competition is stiff...veteran RNs that can heal on contact and 25 year old Barbies and Kens with bachelor degrees taking the charge nurse position. You can bet on who will get the higher wages.

NurseBrittney · Jun 25, 2008

I'm in Rome.

As an lpn in the hospital you can expect to make $12-14/ hour.

If you work in a nurisng home it can be as high as $15-18/hour

lpn23 · Jul 9, 2008

I have been an lpn for 3.5 years. I work in a nursing home in georgia (nowhere near atlanta). when i started i made 16.00/hr...that was 14.50 with a 1.50 shift diff for nights. I went to day shift and lost my shift diff, but by that time i was making 17 something, that has been almost two years ago and i now work m-f 8-4:30 and make 18.03/hr....i feel that this is exceptional pay for an lpn and am very pleased with my job.

MSNMPHPhdNMD · Jul 28, 2008

i was making 22 hrly as an Medical assistant. lpns really arent making much money these days