Is it worth it to become an LPN/LVN?

MeMyself-n-I · Feb 9, 2017

LPNs only make $2-$5 more than a CNA

Here in Phoenix it seems to be about a $10-15 difference, while RN's get roughly 50% more than LPN.

CNA- $12-15/hr.

LPN - $23-25/hr.

RN -$35/hr.

in WV, my hometown, its half as much for all levels, in some states its more. plus there are some that pay considerably more or less..... but these are ballpark figures in the Phoenix, AZ. area.

Ive been looking a lot at indeed.com, googling average pay rates and salaries. I research a lot.

I found an LPN job that paid $30/hr for 12 hour shifts sitting with a woman on a ventilator. twelve hours a day, seven days a week....nights. some big bucks there.

I have never had trouble findind work, I get out there and hustle till I get it done, with all my effort till I accomplish finding work. It takes some hustling to find the job you want. And a positive attitude goes a long way. :-)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2017

My four years as an LPN/LVN were very much worth it to me. The money was decent and the nature of the work was far less backbreaking than CNA duties.

My lowest LPN/LVN pay rate was $18.50 in 2006 (11+ years ago) and my highest wage was $27.00 in 2010. The income enabled me to acquire middle class comforts such as a newer single family house, two vehicles and a five-figures savings account, all as a single female.

Verniquedts · Feb 10, 2017

Dear MeMyself-n-I....

It is definitely NOT a waste of time going through LPN school...especially since you're already an experienced CNA... you'll appreciate your CNA's more because you've once been in their shoes. If you decide to go further, you'll pretty much be able to run with the big dogs who have been RN's a lot longer than you...because your foundation was built each level at a time through education and actual experience. What you make depends on where you choose to live, and what type of facility you decide to settle in. There are going to be people that are placed in your life just to discourage you, but that adversity is what will build your character and toughen your skin...just don't give up. And also, most people pay depending on experience; some will hire you with no experience (which is sometimes best for the facility) so that they can teach you exactly how they operate. Also, if you decide to go to RN school after you graduate (a bridge program), you'll be ahead already because you already know about 75% of basic nursing care, you'll just be refreshing what you know (foundation!!!!) and adding a little more. The best is ahead of you. The struggle is now. When you're licensed to be responsible for someone's, anyone's life, that's a task that should never be taken lightly, so it's only right that it's tough, but you can do it! Don't be discouraged... I'm also in LPN school (began Feb2016, graduation June2017), but what I've told you are the kinds of things that our class and clinical instructors constantly tell us, and they are all RN's. You can get a job ANYWHERE in the nursing field! The sky's the limit...you decide how high you want to climb.

SpottieDottie · Feb 21, 2017

@verinquedets do you mind sharing the LPN/LVN school you are attending? Your reply was informative and I am looking for a reputable LPN/LVN school.

SpottieDottie · Feb 21, 2017

HELP! Why is it so difficult to decide on a LPN/LVN school! I have researched endlessly and the comments on yelp and other sites are very discouraging! I've also researched institutions on BVNPT.CA.GOV ---I'm stumped! Can someone please advise? Current students (2016-2017) welcomed to comment.

Misse215 · Feb 24, 2017

Omg Mzsucess...you should just like me. I was trying to get in a rn program but I didn't pass the entry test. I don't have time to study for it because of my a&p class. I'm thinking about LPN school and I was also told it is a waste of time. What I had to learn was, everyone's road is not the same. If you have to continue LPN school, do it and graduate.... You got this!!! Good luck to you!

Verniquedts · Feb 24, 2017

I attend Delta College in Baton Rouge, LA

Vmnurse · Oct 28, 2017

Hang in there. I've never earned less than $23.00 per hour as a LVN. It is a step in the right direction. Beats CNA pay for sure. I live in Houston TX. After you're done, get a little hands on experience and continue your education! You'll be happy you did.

northmississippi · Nov 9, 2017

Stay in, your well into the program and you will have a job for life if you succeed and you can always fall back on it. I hate to tell you this, but Rn school is about 3 times harder than lpn school and only about 35% of the people who start it finish it. Lpn is a good stepping stone and you can work on the weekends at assisted living/nursing home while you go thru school if you want to continue with it. If you get your lpn, you can do a bridge program and bypass a semester or two of the Rn program, or you can go to school online with excelsior (do it right out of lpn school as the require anatomy within 5 years). You are being smart getting into nursing and healthcare. Your friends studying stuff like accounting and business probably wont be able to find a job because they cant get past the "must have 3-5 years experience" part of the job search. When I got my lpn, I got a job and they didnt even ask me any questions other than when can i start. Good luck.

WonderousIvy, BSN · Nov 9, 2017

At the time, it was the best option for me. I got my foot in the door and was able to start my career. I went from CNA to LVN as well. I live in CA and I am currently making $28/hr. I have trained many RNs and I really enjoy my job. I do not enjoy the fact that I train many RNs and do literally the same work as them-but get paid significantly less. I also don't enjoy the fact that many people say I am "just an LVN" this too can be extremely tiring. BUT I'm glad I did it. Its way better than being a CNA lol...If youre able to get into an RN program,do that instead though.