LPN Living

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

If I get into the PN and pass I will be moving to Houston Texas the next year. So my real question is..... Will I be able to make it off of LVN/LPN pay???

The answer to your question is this: it depends on your geographic location and the manner in which you manage your money.

Like you, I am also in Texas, but I live 300 miles north of Houston in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area. I worked as an LVN for approximately four years (2006 to 2010) and while I wasn't raking in the dough, I lived comfortably as a single female without a spouse or partner.

During those years as an LVN I lived in a newer construction house, had two cars in the driveway, took trips, maintained a five-figure savings account, and paid tuition to return to school. You may live from hand to mouth if you have impulsive spending patterns or are supporting a large family on just your income, but many LVNs with whom I'm acquainted live middle-class existences.

Location plays an important role. LPN pay might be higher in places such as NYC, San Francisco or Chicago, but the incomes do not always seem to go a long way due to the staggering cost of living in these cities. Where I live, a new construction 2,000 square foot house can be purchased for $150,000 or less; hence, many people (including me) have mortgages that are cheaper than the rent on a 2-bedroom apartment.

So to recap, you can make it just fine off LVN pay if you manage your money.

NurseQue2b · Apr 7, 2015

Is it true that we get paid a little over 18 a hour in texas?? Well I know your in Dallas but is the pay there reasonable? ??

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

Is it true that we get paid a little over 18 a hour in texas?? Well I know your in Dallas but is the pay there reasonable? ??

As a new grad LVN in February 2006, my starting rate of pay was $18.50 hourly at a nursing home in the D/FW area. Nearly 10 years has passed since that time, so I would hope the pay rate has increased.

In 2010 (my last year as an LVN), I was earning $27.04 hourly at another nursing home in the same metro area.

caliotter3 · Apr 7, 2015

Also factor in employment status. Maintaining steady work makes it easier to get by on $18 an hour, than only having sporadic work, like often happens when one chooses to work in home health or hospice.

NurseQue2b · Apr 7, 2015

Your a RN now right.... was it better to have the experience of a LPN??? Like so many people keep telling me go get your RN LPN is a waste of time but I LOVE patient care and I wouldn't mind working in a Nursing Home I been a CNA for 7 years I can do it in my sleep lol .... BUT I love it I just basically want more.... So me wanting to become a LPN first then wait maybe 5 years before my RN... Do you think that's a good idea ????

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

So me wanting to become a LPN first then wait maybe 5 years before my RN... Do you think that's a good idea ????

If your goal is to become an RN, do it soon after becoming an LVN. Do not wait too long; life tends to get in the way of our plans. You might plan to return to school, but there's always a reason to put it off: you need more money, you've had children, blah blah blah.

txnurse2014 · Apr 8, 2015

I live in the DFW area.Graduated LVN program 8/14'. My first job as a new nurse paid me $22.50 as a rehab. nurse. Students I graduated with have told me their first job rates are $18-$19 a hour in home health and long term care.

blauren91 · Apr 14, 2015

I just started my first LVN job in DFW. I am working at an urgent care clinic making $17.50/hr plus shift differential. I am a single female with no dependents and I am living comfortably. I'm not rolling in money, but I just purchased two round trip tickets to California and a car rental for July and I still have plenty left in my account. As long as you manage your money, you should be fine. Mt brother lives in Houston and the cost of living seems to be the same there as DFW

NurseQue2b · Apr 14, 2015

That's good!!! I want to stay a lpn and I made up my mind that I would get my RN by 30 and I'll be fine I'm a CNA now and I make 10.50 and I'm making it just fine.... so 17 to 18 dollars for me is NICE!!!