RN or LPN? Pay Difference?

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 3, 2005

I'm currently taking all my pre-reqs to get in the ADN program. I've noticed more and more doctors offices have LPN's though. Are LPN's pretty much doing the same duties as RN's? Are a lot of places phasing out RN's because LPN's are just as qualified, yet cheaper? What is the difference in pay between the two?
I want to stay with ADN as my major, but the thought of LPN has crossed my mind more than once.
Nicole

In the hospital the difference is about $8.00/hour. Shift differential and holiday pay is usually higher for RN's. Most doctors offices now use MA's because they are much cheaper. I didn't make near as much in a doctors office as an LPN as I did as an LPN in the hospital. I am an RN now and have been offered a doctors office position twice until I told them what I make and then "no we can't afford you". I'm sure they can, they can just get by cheaper with MA's and LPN's.

Fiona59 · Feb 3, 2005

I worked casual in an office for a while. Wages were within .50Cents of the hospital union rate, but no shift diffs. We did all the clerical, injections, wound care, staple suture removal, weight checks, TB meds, flu vac. clinics, etc. We also had an NP work in the office who did ante natal checks but passed off all wound care to the LPNS, she would also pass off her suture removals to us.

Monday to Friday 0830- 530 with part timers working late until 2100 M-Thurs and half day Sat.

If that sounds like what you really want to do, go for it. Not everybody wants to work in a hospital...

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2005

The pay difference between and RN and an LPN where I work has jumped to about $8.00/hr too. I work in a hospital. However, LPNs in LTC make much more and the pay difference is smaller, but I can't say what it is.

Don't worry, RNs are not being phased out.

Thankfully, magnet hospitals, state boards, and JACHO require RN level of care in hospitals, so we aren't phasing them out in hospitals.

I'm sure in doctors offices that's one good reason for having an LPN instead of an RN.

BETSRN · Feb 4, 2005

I'm currently taking all my pre-reqs to get in the ADN program. I've noticed more and more doctors offices have LPN's though. Are LPN's pretty much doing the same duties as RN's? Are a lot of places phasing out RN's because LPN's are just as qualified, yet cheaper? What is the difference in pay between the two?
I want to stay with ADN as my major, but the thought of LPN has crossed my mind more than once.
Nicole

Being an office nurse is a totally different pay scale (much, much lower) than being in the hospital. LPN's are beibg phased out of many hospitals but are far more appropriate in LTC and in offices. These two work settings are totally different and to compare them or use them as a basis for a career decision is like comparing apples and oranges.

You will NEVER make much in a doctpr's office. be aware of that before you start.

NicInNC, CNA · Feb 5, 2005

Being an office nurse is a totally different pay scale (much, much lower) than being in the hospital. LPN's are beibg phased out of many hospitals but are far more appropriate in LTC and in offices. These two work settings are totally different and to compare them or use them as a basis for a career decision is like comparing apples and oranges.
You will NEVER make much in a doctpr's office. be aware of that before you start.

Any amount of money is more than I'm making now. I have been a SAHM for the past 7 years. Working a job I like will be a welcome break. I wonder if working in a private office is a lot less stressful? I guess I'll be able to decide once I actually start the program and clinicals.