LPN to RN wage in current LPN position

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I am just curious how other facilities deal with this situation: I have worked for three and a half years as a LPN in a long term care facility, while going to school to get my RN. In the past, when an LPN got their RN, my employer automatically paid them RN wages. This was regardless of working in a RN position (because there are very few within my facility) and continuing working in a LPN position. It was awesome for the many new RN's to be able to get the pay increase until they found an RN position elsewhere. Many of these people are still there actually unable to find a RN position and still receiving RN pay while working in a LPN position. Very nice for them and I was pleased to know that I had that option and was looking forward to it when I got my RN. However, as luck would have it, last May and due to "cost efficiency", they stopped doing this for new RN's within the facility. I am the first one that this would apply to and I am really disappointed. I am wondering what the norm is for this situation and if others have experienced this? I understand my employers reasoning for having to finally put a end to this practice, but had hoped that they would look at years employed and possibly still do it for me. Has anyone else out there a situation like this?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The economy is crappy in many places across the U.S. and facilities are trying to save a few dollars wherever they can with whomever they can.

Employers fully know that many nurses must choose between remaining employed or quitting over not receiving enticements that were the norm in years past.

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Many employers have used the current economic climate as an excuse to do this to their employees. Many also lower their wages across the board. What is disgusting is when the person you are talking to actually gloats when you try to discuss it with them. If it bothers you that much, you should consider finding a better paying position.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

First of all congrats on getting your RN! I worked at a tele unit that still had a couple of LPNs..most of whom were studying for their RN. I know that they weren't automatically paid RN wages as soon as they got their RN license. First they had to be hired into the RN position. At that facility however, I believe as soon as you attained your RN license if you were working as a LPN...they simply transitioned you into being a RN....but you had to do a 12 week preceptorship to be a RN there. Best of luck to you with job search.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I'm sorry that your facility changed its policy before you got to reap the benefits. However, I've never heard of a nurse being paid wages over and above her position/title. I think that that was an extremely generous compensation policy.There is no way that I would expect an employer to pay me for a position for which they neither advertised nor expected me to perform.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I am just curious how other facilities deal with this situation: I have worked for three and a half years as a LPN in a long term care facility, while going to school to get my RN. In the past, when an LPN got their RN, my employer automatically paid them RN wages. This was regardless of working in a RN position (because there are very few within my facility) and continuing working in a LPN position. It was awesome for the many new RN's to be able to get the pay increase until they found an RN position elsewhere. Many of these people are still there actually unable to find a RN position and still receiving RN pay while working in a LPN position. Very nice for them and I was pleased to know that I had that option and was looking forward to it when I got my RN. However, as luck would have it, last May and due to "cost efficiency", they stopped doing this for new RN's within the facility. I am the first one that this would apply to and I am really disappointed. I am wondering what the norm is for this situation and if others have experienced this? I understand my employers reasoning for having to finally put a end to this practice, but had hoped that they would look at years employed and possibly still do it for me. Has anyone else out there a situation like this?

I have never understood the concept of working as an LPN while getting RN pay.

The Board of Nursing will require you to perform (and will hold you liable), to your highest level of training.

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I have never understood the concept of working as an LPN while getting RN pay.

The Board of Nursing will require you to perform (and will hold you liable), to your highest level of training.

For those who dont understand, there is little to no difference between being an LPN and being an RN in a nursing home/ long term care, the only thing an LVN cannot do is remove PICC lines and pronounce a person dead/expired, and thats why they would rather pay a nurse 18-20$ rather than 24-28$ hr since they do the same thing. Btw im in texas, houston to be exact, and it usually takes 2-4 weeks after you get your licence for them to switch you over to RN. Im not sure but i think working as an LPN when you are an RN is illegal, when you perfom RN duties (which they will want you to do, yet they dont pay you) you are exceding the scope of practice that you are getting paid for, just my opinion, might be wrong

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

there is nothing in TX nursing practice act that I could find that says it is "illegal" to do LVN duties if you are licensed as RN. But I am not a lawyer. LVN's can do all the CNA can do, plus more. RN's can do all the LVN can do, plus more. The thing is, if you are an RN you are liable for whatever you do the same as any RN, regardless of job title. Your scope of practice does not change just because the title changes.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
there is nothing in TX nursing practice act that I could find that says it is "illegal" to do LVN duties if you are licensed as RN. But I am not a lawyer. LVN's can do all the CNA can do, plus more. RN's can do all the LVN can do, plus more. The thing is, if you are an RN you are liable for whatever you do the same as any RN, regardless of job title. Your scope of practice does not change just because the title changes.

Exactly.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
there is nothing in TX nursing practice act that I could find that says it is "illegal" to do LVN duties if you are licensed as RN. But I am not a lawyer. LVN's can do all the CNA can do, plus more. RN's can do all the LVN can do, plus more. The thing is, if you are an RN you are liable for whatever you do the same as any RN, regardless of job title. Your scope of practice does not change just because the title changes.

I think we're getting off-topic here. The OP's issue is not being paid RN wages while performing the LPN job that she was hired for.

It is not her scope of practice. The facility is keeping her in her LPN role.

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I worked for a LTC facility run by the county. Anyone (including myself) had to re-apply, get the background check, physical, drug screening etc. before we could get an RN position. I ended up getting a job elsewhere since the pay and experience were better.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I worked for a LTC facility run by the county. Anyone (including myself) had to re-apply, get the background check, physical, drug screening etc. before we could get an RN position. I ended up getting a job elsewhere since the pay and experience were better.

You mean they don't do background checks and drug screenings on their LPN's?

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