Having trouble finding descent LPN job...

Todd SPN · Jun 27, 2004

Wow, that's pretty good money for assisted living. I'm working SN north of Seattle and not making anywhere near that. When I was looking for work, I interviewed with an AL that was offering 12.50. The NACs at the hospital are making 13. IIRC, your part of the state really wants RNs and one of the schools down your way dropped the LPN program. You might consider LTC for the experience. There is a lot to be learned and for one of my workmates it has opened up doors to 2 hospitals he is presently interviewing with.

Larry77, RN · Jun 30, 2004

I still am debating between the LTC and the assisted living place...not sure if I want good experience or easy work for more money ($17.50 AL or $16.00 for the LTC). So far I'm leaning towards the LTC because there will be a lot more nurses around (nervous newbie) and I will probably get more hours this summer while I'm out of school (lovin the early summer weather though). The pay scale in SW WA seems to be pretty good--even higher in Vancouver, WA. Anyway I'm sure it will work out either way.

Larry

nurseangel87 · Jul 8, 2004

I still am debating between the LTC and the assisted living place...not sure if I want good experience or easy work for more money ($17.50 AL or $16.00 for the LTC). So far I'm leaning towards the LTC because there will be a lot more nurses around (nervous newbie) and I will probably get more hours this summer while I'm out of school (lovin the early summer weather though). The pay scale in SW WA seems to be pretty good--even higher in Vancouver, WA. Anyway I'm sure it will work out either way.
Larry

Hi Larry. Some LTC facilities in Vancouver pay $19/hr. for LPN's....

Larry77, RN · Jul 8, 2004

Hi Larry. Some LTC facilities in Vancouver pay $19/hr. for LPN's....

Wow I'd drive the 35 min to Vancouver for $19/hr! And if it was a well run facility. Where should I check for openings...The Oregonian? And I wonder if any are in North Vancouver or maybe Hazel Dell?

(If kids-r-fun is reading this, I tried to PM you a few times but it keeps telling me I'm not authorized to do so....???)

I'll keep checking on jobs down south...I take my NCLEX-PN next Wednesday so should have my license soon :)

Larry

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2004

have you considered getting your RN so that your career will have more opportunities and stability? I went back to school, and now the job I had before I got my RN does not even exist. Good thing I did not stake my future on that job!

Larry77, RN · Jul 9, 2004

have you considered getting your RN so that your career will have more opportunities and stability? I went back to school, and now the job I had before I got my RN does not even exist. Good thing I did not stake my future on that job!

Actually I'm in a RN program and will graduate June '05. We are able to get our LPN after the first year--that's where I'm at now. When I get my RN next summer I will be able to work at the hospital I'm employed at currently--they don't use LPN's. But thanks for the advice...

Larry

kids · Jul 10, 2004

Wow I'd drive the 35 min to Vancouver for $19/hr! And if it was a well run facility. Where should I check for openings...The Oregonian? And I wonder if any are in North Vancouver or maybe Hazel Dell?
(If kids-r-fun is reading this, I tried to PM you a few times but it keeps telling me I'm not authorized to do so....???)
I'll keep checking on jobs down south...I take my NCLEX-PN next Wednesday so should have my license soon :)
Larry

In my experience (in Vancouver) if a facility is paying big money it is NOT because they value their employees. A common strategy for facilities in crisis is to inflate the pay scale to fill all the slots a little while down the road once the pressure is off they start finding ways to get rid of the high paid staff (I have seen this tactic used both as a floor nurse and management).

And to be completely frank, I would be suspicious of any offer that is way outside the area norm. There is very little new blood in the form of facility owners, Admins & DONs in the area and word gets around. I no longer choose a position based on the pay or facility, I base my decision on who the DON/Admin is.

Yes, there is a nursing shortage but in this area it is not sever as there is a concentration of schools turning out new grads every term (8 at my last count).

I would check the Columbian over the Oregonian for Vancouver jobs.

I am not sure why you can't PM me (I checked my settings). You might try again or email me at: [email protected]

kids · Jul 10, 2004

Also, if you are interested in a hospital postition (rather than LTC/AL).

The last I checked niether of the hospitals in Vancouver or Long View advertise their LPN openings. BUT, if you go into the personel office and look at the boards they are posted (and applying directly to a position increases your chance of getting it).

Larry77, RN · Aug 4, 2004

I ended up accepting a job at an LTC facility in my home town which offered $17.90/hr. So far it's been crazy busy but that's nursing for ya.

CuteNurse · Dec 23, 2004

I worked as a LPN in an assisted living facility and I liked it, although I went back to school to get my RN. But as a LPN I checked out the travel nursing and they pay really well and you get a lot of experience.