Hospitals don't pay, but I need experience!

[Sarahtonin]

I just started my first job as an LPN at an SNF. This is my first nursing job, so needless to say, I have A LOT to learn! Meds, injections, insulins, charting, state laws, treatments, general patient care! Where I live, a per diem aide can make more than an LPN in a hospital. With loans from nursing school and the college I got my Bachelor's from in the past, I have way too many student loans to make it with that kind of paycheck. Not to mention an upcoming wedding & a home! I want to make money (SNF), but I want to gain experience too (hospital).

I'm just new to nursing and I'm trying to formulate a path for myself and set some goals. I'm thinking keep this job for a year, and then maybe move on to home health, which is even better paying and you can make your own schedule. Or maybe going on for my RN, which would be great, but of course, it means more loans!

I know I have to pay my dues as a new nurse and take a salary/shift that isn't always the best, and I am willing to do that. But after a year or 2, I'd like to move on.

What did you do after your first year?

[imaRN08]

i worked LTC/SNF for almost 2 yrs. a lot of times, at the SNF i worked at, you still experienced some of the acute care needs of a pt, but just in a more stable, calm environment. we did a lot of tubes, IV's, etc. you have your bachelors in something else?? have you ever thought of applying that degree with going back to school to get your BSN? most schools now offer an accelerated program if you already have a bach degree in another field....

[PedsRN1991]

Have you checked out what hospitals pay???

I would think that you would make more in a hospital than a SNF.

Seems weird to me.....but I haven't checked out the pay of a LPN.

How about staff relief (per diem) at a hospital....that pays more than staff...and maybe you could just do a day or two a week.

Good Luck.

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

The OP is correct. Most hospitals pay LPNs, barely more than CNAs make in LTC. Our base pay at the LTC facilty where I work is about $5 more than a LPN w/ at least 5 years experience was making at a local hospital.

[RNHuskyFan]

The hospitals in my area pay the LPN much less than the SNF. LPN do quite well in LTC/rehab in my neck of the woods. In addition, at least in my area, many hospitals do not hire the LPN. I agree with Iamarn08. Get experience where you are and then when it is financially feasible, get your RN (BSN). SNF patients in a sub-acute setting are at the same aquity hospital patients were 8-10 years ago depending the facility. Student loans can be defered till after graduation. I believe getting your BSN is a long term plan that will pay off in the end.

[onesunniegal]

Some have already stated this, but you can get some acute (but more stable) residents at a SNF. Don't think that you will not have trachs, wound vacs, dressing changes, feeding tubes, IV pumps, critical labs, etc... just because you are at a SNF.

I think you have a good plan, just try it on for size.

Getting your RN would only open more doors for you down the road!