Excited but a little disappointed

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I will be starting Orientation for my first job as an LPN, working on an Ortho / Urology Med Surg unit. I am EXCITED to begin practicing but I am disappointed that I will have to drive 45 minutes to this job (on back rural roads) for a pay rate of only $10.75 per hour.......There are NO jobs available in my rural town and must commute in order to work, but realizing that I will have to move in order to get adequate compensation. Anyone else feeling this way?

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Sorry about that. Hopefully something closer will come up soon and you can switch. Meahwhile, enjoy it and gain experience.

Good luck

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Yeah, I am fortunate because my classmate (my study buddy) will be working the same shift on a different floor so we will commute together (someone to help keep me awake and share the gas....LOL). And I am TOO excited about learning new things and performing care......it will be a great starting place.....but will be looking to move in the next year or so.....LOL

Thank you for the encouragement ..... must admit I am NERVOUS about practicing in the REAL WORLD......:uhoh3:

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

Is there any way you can commute to Little Rock for a higher-wage job?

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I actually checked on a few positions with Baptist, and the LPN salary was quoted at $11.25 and up, but the drive would be about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.

But it's OK, my hubby and I have already discussed moving (we are not native to AR anyway) and my kids are SO excited about the possibility. So I will gain all the experience I can in the meanwhile.

I guess the disappointment came because SO many people had told me the wages would be better in a larger city......and in addition, an ad in my newspaper today for the SAME hospital quoted wages starting at $16.75 (through an "in-house" agency).......can someone explain the difference? I guess it would be more like a TEMP job, no stability, insurance, etc????

Thanks for the responses

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
guess the disappointment came because SO many people had told me the wages would be better in a larger city......and in addition, an ad in my newspaper today for the SAME hospital quoted wages starting at $16.75 (through an "in-house" agency).......can someone explain the difference? I guess it would be more like a TEMP job, no stability, insurance, etc????
These nurses are referred to as 'per diem' nurses. Here's a passage I found while doing a search.

Traveling nurses and per diem nurses from temporary staffing agencies usually fill the difficult shifts, such as nights and weekends. Since, the implementation of the work shift bidding at St. Peter’s Health Care Services they are able to save labor cost, and use fewer travel and per diem nurses, while having their own nurses control their work schedule and pay.

http://www.nurseventure.com/news.aspx?id=16

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Bummer BUT there is a bright side!!! You are working as an LPN!!! This can be looked at as incentive to go back for your RN.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
But it's OK, my hubby and I have already discussed moving (we are not native to AR anyway) and my kids are SO excited about the possibility. So I will gain all the experience I can in the meanwhile.
You can come south to Texas (Dallas, Houston, or El Paso) and earn $15 to $21 as an LVN.
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Specializes in Med/Surge, Private Duty Peds.

i too have to drive 45 minutes both ways and the salary can be a downer here in south ga ( 40miles from fla) starting pay for lpns is 10.50 an hour for new grads and the pay is between 12-15 depending on experience.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Wow! Congrats on the new position! I remember when I got my first LPN (well, GPN) position. The starting rate was $13.50 and I was appalled! I had been told all through nursing school that I would make ~$17 an hour. I did get a LOT of great experience at that facility and I was IV certified, and received phlebotomy and peritoneal dialysis training which is invaluable. Now I work for another facility that is wonderful and I make $19 an hour on weeknights and $19.50 on weekends. I only work three nights a week and end up coming home with approximately the same pay as I got as a full timer at the other facility (minus child care expenses which I no longer have). Hang in there and enjoy your first nursing job. There is nothing like it. Then...look forward to the day when you can make a liveable wage!

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Thank you ALL for the great encouragement........I am SOOOO excited about finally fulfilling this dream and cannot wait until I am on that floor working.

My mom is putting on the FULL COURT PRESS for me to move to Missouri where the wages are MUCh better.....LOL

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