I love my job, but...

[sbostonRN]

the pay is really REALLY low I am grateful to have a job in this economy, especially since it's very hard for new nurses in my area. But I get paid $6 less than area hospital's starting wages at the rehab/LTC where I work! Why are the salaries at LTC so bad for RN's? The LPNs I work with think their salary is very competitive. I'd really like to stay at my job for a number of years and the only reason I want to leave is to get a better salary in a hospital. Is it reasonable to ask for a significant raise when I have my evaluation? Has anyone ever been in this situation before? I know everyone thinks they should be paid more, but $6 less than market average is insanely low :/

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Wow. In my area LTC nurses get paid way better than hospital nurses. I have 2 years LPN experience and I'm a new grad RN. I get paid over 30/hr. I make more then some BSN experienced nurses that work in the hospital.

[sls73]

It depends on the area you live in- where I am nurses in the LTC setting make more then hospital nurses.

[Wise Woman RN]

You say you love your job. I work in a hospital, and the pay is good. However, every single day I come home stressed out and depressed. I used to love my job, but when the pay is increased to market, cuts are made that seriously affect nursing. Suffice it to say that as soon as I can, I will leave. I have interviewed for LTC, and looked around at the nurses, who appear to be happy and calm. The DON was very knowledgeable and supportive. The nurses that I know who work there all like their jobs. I have been there several times now, and there is laughter in the ranks, the residents look well cared for, and I have been welcomed each time. There will be a pay cut for me. But, there are more important things to consider when you are spending your life in a position; your own safety, security, and wellness, your ability to sleep without medication, coworkers and managers who actually care about the employees, and the fact that you actually love your job. Best in all you do.

[IowaKaren]

In Iowa, nursing homes do not pay better than hospital jobs. Of course, some LTC pay better than others also, just depends on the company you work for and if for profit or not. In my experience, corporate jobs pay worse but a lot will depend if you like what your doing or not and how much micro-managing you want from your supervisors. Where I am at now, I make quite a bit less than my last job at a SNF/LTC but my supervisors appreciate what I do for them so much more. To me, being appreciated is much more full filling than the constant demeaning I experienced at my last job.