New Grad ADN with LVN Experience

[CPLove2013]

Hi!

I am an new graduate ADN with 7 years LVN experience in Med/Surge, LTC, and acute rehab, and recently moved to the Dallas area due to marriage.

Question- what are my best options for employment? I have applications out to numerous hospitals, and I have hospital experience. But I am not unrealistic and I realize a majority of hospitals want a BSN educated nurse. So, I am ok with working a non-hopsital job while I complete my BSN and then re-evaluating.

Suggestions?

Pay scales?

Words of advice on how to negotiate pay rate given my LVN experience?

Thanks!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Hey, there. I am also in the DFW area with a somewhat similar educational path. I had four years of LVN experience when I earned an ASN degree + RN license three years ago.

Your best bet would be LTAC hospitals (Kindred, Lifecare), specialty hospitals (Regency, Vibra, Select Specialty), and acute rehab hospitals (Reliant, Healthsouth, Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, Continuum Rehab). Also look into home health, private duty, hospice, LTC and clinics.

The payscales range from mid-$20s per hour to low $30s per hour. I had to laugh when I received an offer of $25 hourly as a new RN from one of these places because I had been earning more money as an experienced LVN.

Unfortunately, many hiring managers are in no mood to negotiate wages in this economic climate because if you do not accept the offer, there's 100+ nurses at the back of the line who will take whatever pay rate is being thrown in their direction with no questions asked.

Good luck to you!

[CPLove2013]

Although I am officially 'new' to the site, I have been reading the forum often. Do you have plans to go back for your BSN? I am planning to start in the fall.

I really enjoy Acute Rehab, it is really rewarding to see the patients make progress, teach their families, etc. But sometimes I wonder if I might enjoy another specialty? I know to increase my chances of trying something new the BSN is probably my best bet.