Do you get paid enough for what you do?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I'd just like to know if any of you out there think you get paid enough for what you do? And if not why?

Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

When I first graduated my paychecks seemed huge because I was used to making near to nothing. I would pick up overtime shifts and loved the extra money plus with all the charting and overload of work I would usually have to stay over 1-2 hours every night to finish anyway. But after working 50-60 hour weeks in LTC and Rehab for a year, I got really burned out. So yes I felt like I was getting paid well, but in perspective I was only getting paid so well because I was always working!

I started working in a hospital where the base pay is a little lower, but have much more generous shift and weekend differentials, plus bigger pay raises. I never HAVE to work OT here. Needless to say my paychecks are smaller because I work many less hours (32-40 hours a week now), but I am MUCH happier. The RNs I work with now (who have equivalent experience) basically do the same job as me and get paid about $5-6/hr more plus they have higher shift differentials. I also feel for my geographical area's cost of living, the LPN pay is not high enough.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Back in 2004, I was earning $15.21 hourly as a factory worker at a paper mill, so I was being paid more than many LPNs to do a less stressful job that entailed no legal liability for anyone else's life. I now earn $19 hourly as an LVN, and definitely wish I earned more money.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

No, I am maxed out at my job- pay scale wise. I am a LVN with a lot of experience in Med-Surg, Tele and Pedi. I have been given tougher assignments (than RNs) because of my experience and ability to critically think and act. I have been with my hospital for 7 years and have seen a lot of nurses come and go. I have stayed. I know the system. I know the way things work. I know the doctors and they know me. I am an asset. I am graduating in May with my RN and I am already practicing my "Let's negotiate my pay" speech. Although, I will technically be a "new grad", I will not stay for "new grad" pay. I deserve more.

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Specializes in LTC, Urgent Care.

I am content with my current payrate ($16.32/hr=$24.48 for w/e option). I am sort of screwing myself in pay by not going per diem ($19/hr) as I've been picking up many extra shifts for months now. But extenuating circumstances at this time are taking precedence over that.

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Specializes in LTC.

I agree that we do not get paid enough. All the responsibility that comes with the job, plus all the grief from families, MD's, and yes even the patients and our co-workers adds up to much more than what we are paid. Oh yeah and getting called in to work on your day off to cover for someone who calls out sick every other week is a major pain.

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I make 12.00 hr in a doctors office which is not much...but I am a new grad, young and just passed my boards in Oct. so I know I have to pay my dues before I make a higher pay scale. I work in a VERY busy office and its non-stop...I do however have weekends off and paid holidays off. I also have benefits which I don't need as yet as I am still under my parents insurance. The work is hard and very stressful but I am learning. I try to look at it as more schooling that I am getting paid for. I want to go back to school at least part time( 9 to 10 credits) in the near future but need to earn some money and save. I am hoping the office I work for will allow me to cut my hours in the fall to 20 to 30 hrs per week if not I will have to stick it out for a year and then look for something that will work with my school schedule better. Right now I am only taking one class per semester and I know that will take forever if I don't bulk up on my classes :)

Jean

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
the work we do is priceless. i am happy with what i get paid but realistically who wouldnt want more!

ditto!

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I am pretty happy with the amount I get paid. It really isn't too much more than what I was making as a Surgical Technologist, but it's okay. I have to say I have reached my goal, or my "what I want to get after I finsh school. I can pay my rent, and other priority bills and still be left with a little something to buy a book or two for myself. I work days so in all honesty I wasn't expecting to get paid very much. After I am done getting everything together, I am going to enroll in the RN program.:-)

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what are in pa are you if you dont mind me asking. thanks

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