LPN wages

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I passed the NCLEX last month and have been sending resumes and applying everywhere! I finally recieved a call back from a job I submitted my resume to at a methadone clinic. I have an interview monday. So, I know the question is going to come up on my desired wages. That's a scary question to me for some reason. I have NO idea what to ask!! I live in the Seattle, WA area. I've been trying to find some info on how much these type of nurses are paid in my area but cannot find anything. Any thoughts?

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

Since you are a new grad with no experience, the interviewer is most likely going to tell you how much they're willing to pay for that position during the interview.

I seriously doubt they'll ask about the wage that you desire. They'll mention the pay rate that appears on their wage grid for new grad LPNs and will usually ask, "Is this okay with you?" If you say no, there are other unemployed new grads in your local economy who will be more than pleased to take the job at whatever wage they're offering.

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I agree. I do currently work at a methadone clinic and the manager straight out told me what the wage. I told him how much I was getting from my other job, and the pay was about the same so I was alright with that. I dn't know how the clinics are in Washington, but in Northern California there is not much room to negotiate wages, so if you're ok with the pay then take the job. It's the experience that you're looking for right now. Keep your options open to other possibilities also.

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It is better to accumulate the experience at a lower rate of pay than to sit at home stewing with no rate of pay. Anything reasonable over minimum wage should be considered in view of being employed versus being unemployed.

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When I was looking for a job as a new grad I had the same problem. Most applications have a blank for desired wage. What are the wages in your area for the specific areas you ate applying for? Hospitals usually pay less. Nursing home I would say 18/hr at least. HH will be about the same. That is in Texas.

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I went to the interview and it went very well. He told me that I would be starting off at $20/hr. which I think is awesome! And very true, much better than being at home and not recieving and source of income! The LTC facilities around my area generally start off around $22/hr so I think this is a great opportunity. He gave me a call and email back today asking for a few references and said he would give me a call back. So I'm hoping that this is a good sign!!

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What part of Texas? I've been wondering about the wages down there for nurses in Kilgore. Its a possibility that my fiance and I will move there in a year or two

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I am a new nurse i live in south carolina. I also was in a situation like yours the resumes went out everywhere! finally the methadone clinic called, they offered me a job and told me what they would pay $18 an hr. i also thought "yes! FINALLY some experience!!! let me tell you that after 3 months at the methadone clinic i have found that i do not use nearly any of the skills i learned in nursing school. i do not feel like a nurse at all. It is the same thing day in and day out but hey it is a job. I just want to tell you this because even though i am working i don't feel like i get experience that will help me in the future unless i stay in addiction medicine. Hope you make the right choice for you, have a great day!

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it is better to accumulate the experience at a lower rate of pay than to sit at home stewing with no rate of pay.

gotta agree! and for those of you who took the first job offer right outta school, or are working at a job to gain experience, in other words, not your "dream job," don't fret or give up hope.

when job hunting, i think it looks better to already be working, than to be not working.

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