LPN Opportunities in NC?

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 19, 2005

Once you have completed your school, have a little experience, and I do mean a little, like 6 months, then apply for license, and start by picking a place you think you want to live, there seems to be lots of jobs for LPN's in LTC in NC. Good luck.

EvinsAngel · Aug 19, 2005

Once you have completed your school, have a little experience, and I do mean a little, like 6 months, then apply for license, and start by picking a place you think you want to live, there seems to be lots of jobs for LPN's in LTC in NC. Good luck.

Thanks so much for your reply, BareFootLady. Do NC hospitals typically hire LPNs? I ask because my goal is to ultimately get my RN and work in Peds.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Aug 19, 2005

Thanks so much for your reply, BareFootLady. Do NC hospitals typically hire LPNs? I ask because my goal is to ultimately get my RN and work in Peds.

The smaller community hospitals (especially in rural areas) have a good supply of LPNs on board.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 20, 2005

I agree with Vicky RN, most rural facilities have a good supply of LPN's employed, but again, how rural do you want to be? You can do the same here. Not knocking NC in any way, but here in WV, we actually have more programs to further your education and obtain your RN than the whole state of NC offers, it may not seem cheap here, but it is if you actually consider some of the hidden costs. Salaries are low in NC compared to the COL and raises are still based on the magic formula that some "non-nurse" accountant computes and then gives to everyone, no matter how well you do the job. So do not expect to be making the really big bucks at your regular job, most of the nurses I know work extra in NC, there is where they make the big bucks.

Many of the nurses I know have said they actually see a better wage, COL, and conditions in VA than NC. I just talked to one in July and she said she was glad she left NC for VA, better money and better opportunities. Who knows? In the end it is a personal choice.

EvinsAngel · Aug 22, 2005

I agree with Vicky RN, most rural facilities have a good supply of LPN's employed, but again, how rural do you want to be? You can do the same here. Not knocking NC in any way, but here in WV, we actually have more programs to further your education and obtain your RN than the whole state of NC offers, it may not seem cheap here, but it is if you actually consider some of the hidden costs. Salaries are low in NC compared to the COL and raises are still based on the magic formula that some "non-nurse" accountant computes and then gives to everyone, no matter how well you do the job. So do not expect to be making the really big bucks at your regular job, most of the nurses I know work extra in NC, there is where they make the big bucks.
Many of the nurses I know have said they actually see a better wage, COL, and conditions in VA than NC. I just talked to one in July and she said she was glad she left NC for VA, better money and better opportunities. Who knows? In the end it is a personal choice.

You are absolutely right, BareFootLady. I don't want to be THAT rural. I mean I currently live in NYC and when I'm finished with my LPN program I would like to start my family and continue onto my RN. My in laws currently live in NC which is largely why I was considering it but you ladies have definitely shed some light on the situation (thank you). I'll continue my research and thank you for responding. :)

winspan · Aug 28, 2005

You are absolutely right, BareFootLady. I don't want to be THAT rural. I mean I currently live in NYC and when I'm finished with my LPN program I would like to start my family and continue onto my RN. My in laws currently live in NC which is largely why I was considering it but you ladies have definitely shed some light on the situation (thank you). I'll continue my research and thank you for responding. :)

I live in rural NC and absolutely love it! I have been many places in the US and have said many times the particular place I live is one of the prettiest I've ever seen. I am taking my LPN boards in Sept.,so have been calling some of the "rural" hospitals and the base range is $12-$14, but the kicker is the shift diff and weekend diff that is added, anywhere from $2.50-$7.50 tacked on to base salary. The living expenses are considerably less than in NYC, at this particular time I can get gas for $2.39/gallon (never thought that would be a bargain!!). When I obtain my LPN I want to work 7p-7a Friday and Saturday because I'm still in school during the week and I figured I can make $1100.00/month (that's taking out the 35% tax also) working 96hrs. a month. I don't think that's too horribly bad. RN's start anywhere from $19-30/hr. depending on experience with the same shift and weekend diffs. Hope this helps!!

studentnurserachel · Sep 3, 2005

LPNs are heavily recruited and used at Cape Fear Valley in Fayetteville and also at Womack Army Medical Center on Ft. Bragg (in Fayetteville), although you need a year of experience to work at Womack. I do not know the exact numbers, but pay for LPNs is apparently quite good because I have heard a lot of my fellow ADN students complaining about how LPNs make pretty close to what RNs make at Cape Fear. LPNs at Womack work either through a contractor (more money) or through the governement service system (less money, harder to get, much more stable). Fayetteville is no NYC! It's okay though, kind of run down in parts, and very much a military town, but not bad. The Triangle is really nice (IMO), but I couldn't tell you what opportunities they have at the hospitals there for LPNs. My advice would be to get on their websites and check out their job postings to find out.