LPN soon to graduate has no idea of wages in TN

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I am about to graduate and I have NO IDEA what to expect for an hourly rate. I am new to TN and I am brand new to this field. I don't want to over sell myself nor under sell myself. I thought about being honest and stating such at an interview but I don't think that would be a good idea. I have gone online and tried to research currenty salaries but I am not sure how accurate the websites are and of course job postings do not stage wages. I'd greatly appreciate any info anyone can give!

I am in Memphis Tenn and I am looking at starting an lpn program this coming October. I previously attended a BSN program but had to withdraw due to my financial aid ending so I have had to take sort of a detour to my BSN but I figured starting with my lpn would offer me some good experience while I get back to my BSN. I hope I am doing the right thing. Can anyone offer any advice or suggestions?[/quote']

I am in rural west tn. LTC usually is around 16.00 with no experience.

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I have been an LPN for 30 yrs. I would not pursue being an LPN in today's world. When I went to school they were utilized much more. That being said, I make $31.00 hr plus mileage and that equals about $35 an hr. I was considering moving to TN as that is where my children are living. If the wages you are stating are correct, that is terrible and I would never consider moving there. I am wondering if my experience would increase my pay, or if they would just hire LPN's with less experience, so they could pay them less???

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.
I have been an LPN for 30 yrs. I would not pursue being an LPN in today's world. When I went to school they were utilized much more. That being said, I make $31.00 hr plus mileage and that equals about $35 an hr. I was considering moving to TN as that is where my children are living. If the wages you are stating are correct, that is terrible and I would never consider moving there. I am wondering if my experience would increase my pay, or if they would just hire LPN's with less experience, so they could pay them less???

Depends on what part of the state you're in. In the Memphis metro area, there's definitely an overabundance of nurses (both LPN and RN), so the wages here are pretty stagnant. There are some good opportunities and, with 30 years of experience, you could land one of them. However, you will not make anywhere near $31/hr in this area, even as a travel or PRN.

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Tennessee is a lower cost of living state too so, wages can be on the lower end. Most jobs I've seen are between $12 (drs office) to $22 (temp flu clinic). I make $16.75 + differential.

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I don't think it is lower cost of living....I do realize you have no state taxes, but other than that, your property taxes are no less and rent here averages around $900-1000 month for a 3 BR house. From what I have seen there, if you are in a decent area, it will be that much or more in Memphis. The cost of purchasing a home seems to be about the same. We have a 2000 sf home and the cost was $175k. Overall, it's not looking like I will be able to afford to move there. That's just too much of a pay cut.

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Maybe it's just location then. I bought my home for $65,000ish 9 years ago, granted it isn't that big. 2br 1bath 1000sf upstairs all updated and 900sf unfinished basement. Our property tax is $325 a year. I'd say average home prices in my town are $125k for 3br 2ba home with full basement. Rents average $350-$700ish for an average apartment or home, they get pricier if you want something huge or on the water etc. My dad built a 4br 4ba home on the lake for right at $120k, he did a lot of the work himself though. I'm in east tn near Knoxville. I do think wages here are due for an increase (I haven't had a raise in years) but, really I can't complain too much.

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