Can I make a decent living if want to stay an LPN?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hello everyone!

I'm just curious. I was planning on getting my ADN, but the wait is just unbearable. I have decided instead to try my luck as an LPN instead. If I do become an LPN, is it really necessary to continue on to RN? I'm 28, so I have many working years ahead of me. Will I be able to make a decent living if I decide to remain an LPN?

As the daughter of two social workers,I have learned that job satisfaction is far more important than money. However, I am getting sick of ramen noodles!

I really appreciate your input!

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
The problem with California is it seems everyone and their brother is wanting to live here. And as such the home prices reflect that.
There are plenty of lower-cost cities in California with cheap housing such as Boron, Needles, Barstow, Arvin, Taft, Visalia, Mojave, Rosamond, Ludlow, Baker...if you've heard of these places, you know what I'm implying. :)
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Really depends on what you need to have what you consider a good standard of living. I live in central IL where the starting wage for an LPN is $11-13/hour. In my area, the factory workers make more than that! Starting for an RN is $17-19/hour. Our cost of living is much less than New York though.

What does your money buy in your area? Are you able to live in a safe area? Do you have a house of an adequate size for your family? Things to consider. Good luck.

I am a new grad working as an LPN in LTC in one hour from Chicago and I make $23 with shift differential (afternoons). I will have to remember not to move south :lol2:

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Commuter....

Just curious about two things.

1) are you still paying on student loans?

2) As a single person...do you get wallooped with taxes ?

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I'm an LPN and my checks with a little OT are a little over 2k...I also live in PA and believe in going to work and not calling out. I dont work a full two weeks either.

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Specializes in Knuckle Dragging Nurse aka MTA.
In addition, much of California's growth can also be attributed to immigration from Mexico.

http://money.cnn.com/2006/12/22/real_estate/fastest_growing_states/index.htm?postversion=2006122512

The same can be said about Texas, no?

"'Juan' is one of an estimated 1.4 million undocumented workers in Texas."

http://keyetv.com/local/local_story_341173848.html

Not that California is any better in that regard. It is probably worse.

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

Just curious about two things.

1) are you still paying on student loans?

2) As a single person...do you get wallooped with taxes ?

No, I'm not paying on student loans anymore. I earned enough money to quickly get them paid off. In addition, I am not burdened by taxes, because I never claim '0' on my payroll dependent exemptions. I take home most of my paycheck, and have itemized deductions that help out at tax time in April, such as the mortgage interest deduction, school deductions, and so forth. In addition, Texas has no state income taxes.
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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

in texas you can be a lvn and do well cause the cost of living is not a big issue. i have made as little as 18/ and as much as 28/hr and still live alright. i have paid off my house and cars while being a lvn. i have no credit cards to pay but i do have to cloth and feed six screaming children. i am the only one that works and support 8 people off this... a lot depends on where you live and how you manage money ...

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

As others stated, it depends on your personal circumstances. I decided before I even started that I did not wish to become an RN, so, I didn't bother to even look into it. But, my circumstances are different....I am married, have one son, my mother left me the house with the mortage completely paid when she died and I wanted mobility that could not be obtained as a medical assistant or CNA. I have had numerous opportunities as an LPN for this short year since I obtained my license, and was able to save money and pay bills. I don't live out of my means, either. Personally, I do not wish to have the responsibilty of the RNs and not one time, since I became an LPN have I envied them, so, I am basically content.

You do not have to remain an LPN if you don't want to. There are on line programs and of course, there is a chance that a seat may open up to you from the other programs you applied for when you are completing your LPN course. Just continue to look at the cost of living in your area, the salaries offered, what you wish to do in your nursing career and if you have patience to wait for the RN program to open up. Good luck!

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Thanks for all the advice!

I will just take my schooling one step at a time. If I'm satisfied as an LPN I'll stick with it, if not I'll just have to move on.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Thanks for all the advice!

I will just take my schooling one step at a time. If I'm satisfied as an LPN I'll stick with it, if not I'll just have to move on.

Absolutely. Being an LPN or even a nurse does not have to be written in stone. You can move on and get another career that does not relate to nursing if this career gets on your nerves and doesn't suit your needs. Good luck!

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Specializes in Knuckle Dragging Nurse aka MTA.
Thanks for all the advice!

I will just take my schooling one step at a time. If I'm satisfied as an LPN I'll stick with it, if not I'll just have to move on.

Thats a good outlook and the one I am taking.

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hi,hehehe yeah that's a nice job,hope will get one like that too

good pay and comfortable working environment,less hassles

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