Why RN vs LPN (Pay)?

Future LPN Sheryl · Jun 20, 2001

I have a question, I just found out that whan I graduate from school IF I stay with my current employer I will make $20.50 a hour as a new grad LPN. The RNs where I work make $22.50 an hour. So my question is, why spend the extra time and money for an RN for only $2.00 more an hour? I'm really not wanting to start anything here, but I am curious to know why not just get your LPN?

BeachNurse · Jun 20, 2001

Just my opinion: you get your RN if you have plans on moving to bigger and better things. There are many more and varied career opportunities for RN's as well. No, the pay might NOT be all that much more, but if you desire more out your career as a nurse, or feel that you may in the future, I feel that RN would be the way to go. That was my thinking when I was deciding between the two several years ago.

[ June 20, 2001: Message edited by: BeachNurse ]

BeachNurse · Jun 20, 2001

Just my opinion: you get your RN if you have plans on moving to bigger and better things. There are many more and varied career opportunities for RN's as well. No, the pay might NOT be all that much more, but if you desire more out your career as a nurse, or feel that you may in the future, I feel that RN would be the way to go. That was my thinking when I was deciding between the two several years ago.

[ June 20, 2001: Message edited by: BeachNurse ]

Stargazer · Jun 21, 2001

What BeachNurse said. The hospital where I used to work did not hire LPNs for clinical positions at all. The company I am currently working for does not hire LPNs. Having your RN just gives you more options.

Stargazer · Jun 21, 2001

What BeachNurse said. The hospital where I used to work did not hire LPNs for clinical positions at all. The company I am currently working for does not hire LPNs. Having your RN just gives you more options.

Q. · Jun 21, 2001

I agree with the above posters. Even down to the additional 2.50/hour - that is still 2.50/hr more for what some LPNs say is the same work as RNs. The main thing is the wider variety of opportunities - and not just management. Certain clinical positions and certain specialities only hire RNs.

Q. · Jun 21, 2001

I agree with the above posters. Even down to the additional 2.50/hour - that is still 2.50/hr more for what some LPNs say is the same work as RNs. The main thing is the wider variety of opportunities - and not just management. Certain clinical positions and certain specialities only hire RNs.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jun 21, 2001

What they all said. Besides it's $100 more a week and $5200 more a year!

Check to see what the top of the pay scales for each is. I think you will be surprised.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jun 21, 2001

What they all said. Besides it's $100 more a week and $5200 more a year!

Check to see what the top of the pay scales for each is. I think you will be surprised.

Cindy_A · Jun 21, 2001

That's exactly why I'll be going back to school this fall to get my RN. Now as an LPN, I just don't have the opportunities that I would if I had an RN. It's not the money, it's the opportunities. :)

Cindy_A · Jun 21, 2001

That's exactly why I'll be going back to school this fall to get my RN. Now as an LPN, I just don't have the opportunities that I would if I had an RN. It's not the money, it's the opportunities. :)