Very new LPN nursing student here :)

libran1984, ASN, RN · Jan 29, 2013

I am an ER LPN and started out at 13.64/hr. shortly after the hospital gave us a 0.75 / hr cost of living raise- making my base 14.39/hr ish.

If you think you can get an ER position get it!!! I'd recommend staying away from Asst living facilities or other LTC facilities, (unless it's a skilled unit) upon graduation

Fiona59 · Jan 29, 2013

Hello everyone:)
Making my introduction very brief. I went to Bryant and Stratton College for the first semester of nursing. They require the TEAS test to get into the RN program. I had a 4.0 the entire semester and tutoring for the TEAS. I couldn't pass it both times. If any of you had to take that test you know what I mean about how crazy it is.
After first semester, if you don't pass the teas, the school downgrades you to Medical assisting program. I was going to do that, but it's just not in my heart.
So I have transferred to Hondros School of Nursing. Fully accredited school, no prereqs, clinicals start 6th week into the program. I am very excited about it. I just found this app and downloaded it on my phone. Could any LPN's tell me what is a starting salary in the emergency room for LPNs? I will get my RN after the accelerated LPN program but I want to start working and then go right back for my RN (same school). Also I hear hospitals are phasing out LPN's that's why I would love to start working as an LPN but I want my employer to know I'm going to finish studying as an RN.
Sorry this is my first post and a little scattered all over the place, but any input will be so much appreciated.
Thank you
Alina

OK, first you need to learn that you are not an LPN student. You only get the "L" after you graduate and pass the national exam.

I wish you luck on your journey but take it one step at a time. You are planning to become an RN after becoming an LPN because you couldn't pass the test to become an RN.

Think about it. It's a bit insulting to those of us who are LPNs by choice, not because we couldn't pass a test.

We don't know where you live. Look at the employment ads in your area, we can't say if LPNs are being phased out.

Orange Tree · Jan 29, 2013

I originally planned to become an LVN, but the program I was interested in had a two year waiting list. When I found out the RN program nearby was competitive entry, I switched over so I could finish faster. I guess this should infuriate all RNs? :wacky:

allnurses Guide · Jan 29, 2013

Hi Alina - welcome to allnurses! To the first question about salary - there are large variations depending on where you are located. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to pay higher salaries. According to the 2011 Bureau of Labor Statistics report the average hourly pay is $19.79 per hour. This can be influenced by other factors, such as differentials for night shift, unit specialty, benefits and union vs nonunion facilities.

The entire field of nursing is undergoing major changes at present, mostly as a result of an oversupply of new RNs who can't find employment. This has a ripple effect on job availability for LPNs, especially for critical care units and Emergency Departments. This also varies due to local market factors.

The most important thing to closely monitor is what is going on around you. While the vast majority of states do not have a nursing shortage, there are a few that do.

Anyway that's my two cents worth, hope that helps!

juana_lpn_soon_2bBSN · Jan 29, 2013

What state do you live in? I live in Chicago, IL and over here an LPN can make a good 23.00 starting at 19.00 an hour. The lowest is in a clinical setting at 15.00. Wow

alina1235 · Jan 29, 2013

Fiona, I am very sorry, the last thing I would ever want to do is to insult anyone. That is absolutely not in my nature, so if you took offence to my post, I appologize. I am going to finish my school as a practical nurse, and then go on to get my license. My plan is then to start working as an LPN, and then further to continue my education, but absolutely, it will be one step at a time. Again I applogize if I offended you by implying that LPN is most likely will not be my finished step in my career.

Juanna - I live in Cleveland, Ohio, and honestly the hospitals are probably the only thing going for this city right now. Our hospitals are very reputable, so my three choices are Southwest General Hospital, University Hospital, or Cleveland Clinic.

Thank you all so much for welcoming me :)

juana_lpn_soon_2bBSN · Feb 2, 2013

Do u know anyone from ATS Institute of Technology? PN program?

robbo570 · Feb 2, 2013

I live in NE PA. From what we were told this area has the second highest amount of baby boomer generation becoming seniors, second to Fl, so here there is a steadily increasing need for Nurses. As far as 'phasing out LPNs', there are three hospitals in the city I live in. At the start of school last March two of the hospitals were actively seeking to fill LPN positions. In the past year, all three hospitals have been taking over by larger health care organizations. The two mentioned above, by the same organization. And the new owners are indeed phasing out LPN positions for RNs. The third hospital was taken over by a different organization and they Are now seeking LPNs. One of my instructors who graduated from the same school many years ago said its like a pendulum. Over the years she's been in nursing it swings back and forth between seeking LPNs vs RNs. After many years of being an LPN she did go on to become an RN. She also feels that the RN students who started as LPNs have an advantage over those who don't. She is also a clinical instructor for RN students from another school and has first hand experience with this. So don't be discouraged about having to start as a LPN on your way to RN, you'll have an easier time RN education because of the LPN foundation you'll have.

I too wanted to start in a RN program. Due to the waiting list, and timing the LPN route was a faster start. I figure I'll apply for an RN program once I graduate and and get my License. I'll be able to work as a nurse while I wait for an opening to get into an RN program. I'll have a good foundation to build upon.

Good luck to you. :)

AspiringNurseMW · Feb 2, 2013

I live in NE PA. From what we were told this area has the second highest amount of baby boomer generation becoming seniors, second to Fl, so here there is a steadily increasing need for Nurses. As far as 'phasing out LPNs', there are three hospitals in the city I live in. At the start of school last March two of the hospitals were actively seeking to fill LPN positions. In the past year, all three hospitals have been taking over by larger health care organizations. The two mentioned above, by the same organization. And the new owners are indeed phasing out LPN positions for RNs. The third hospital was taken over by a different organization and they Are now seeking LPNs. One of my instructors who graduated from the same school many years ago said its like a pendulum. Over the years she's been in nursing it swings back and forth between seeking LPNs vs RNs. After many years of being an LPN she did go on to become an RN. She also feels that the RN students who started as LPNs have an advantage over those who don't. She is also a clinical instructor for RN students from another school and has first hand experience with this. So don't be discouraged about having to start as a LPN on your way to RN, you'll have an easier time RN education because of the LPN foundation you'll have.
I too wanted to start in a RN program. Due to the waiting list, and timing the LPN route was a faster start. I figure I'll apply for an RN program once I graduate and and get my License. I'll be able to work as a nurse while I wait for an opening to get into an RN program. I'll have a good foundation to build upon.
Good luck to you. :)

Hey robbo, where in PA do you live? I think once I finish LPN school in NY I will probably move to the Wilkes barre /Scranton area to be closer to my parents I start this fall at a CC

ashleybs222 · Feb 2, 2013

OK, first you need to learn that you are not an LPN student. You only get the "L" after you graduate and pass the national exam.
I wish you luck on your journey but take it one step at a time. You are planning to become an RN after becoming an LPN because you couldn't pass the test to become an RN.
Think about it. It's a bit insulting to those of us who are LPNs by choice, not because we couldn't pass a test.
We don't know where you live. Look at the employment ads in your area, we can't say if LPNs are being phased out.

Wow, i don't understand the hostility. And funny that you are correcting her for her usage of being an LPN student rather than PN.. Last I checked the name of this forum is LPN STUDENTS. Just figured I'd point that out.

And to the OP, congrats and good luck on your journey!

robbo570 · Feb 2, 2013

Hey robbo, where in PA do you live? I think once I finish LPN school in NY I will probably move to the Wilkes barre /Scranton area to be closer to my parents I start this fall at a CC

I'm in Scranton. Geisinger has acquired CMC in Scranton and one of the Hospitals in WB. So if you want to work in a Hospital your chances are good.