New grad RN in 2mos.??

[magnolia44]

I have a dilemma, possibly due to my lack of due diligence... I am an LPN who is about

to graduate with my ADN, come to find out that the hospitals here are starting new

grads at the same pay I'm making now as an LPN (I have 2yrs. experience, not 20)

I have been working in SNF's during this time so hospital med/surg does not seem like SUCH a big step up to me, and I really don't have the career time line that would make starting at the very bottom a worthwhile option, considering I could stay where I am, doing the same job and put up with the same stress of too many patients per nurse and CNA for much more per hour as an RN. (Getting out of this situation is why I got my RN, so I would have options, although I really enjoy working with the elderly) AND to go into a hospital here, into a new grad program, you have to commit to 3yrs. or owe them money, lots of it, if you leave sooner. Plus I'm not comfortable committing to anywhere I haven't actually worked, for 3yrs. Home health pays better but there is no support, you're on your own as a new RN. If I could get hired into a specialty, PACU, for instance, at a better rate, I might consider that but I would still have to commit... I understand that this may sound short sighted but I am looking at 5yrs. full time, then part time..., so I am short sighted, LOL

Any thoughts would be appreciated---Have I really messed up?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Due to the issue with pay, I never entered acute care.

I earned $27.04/hr at a nursing home during my last year as an LVN in 2010. I received my RN license that year and the hospitals were offering me in the $26 to $27.75 hourly range to work med/surg and oncology as a new grad RN.

The new grad RN pay was too low for me, so I remained in long term care and picked up a post-acute rehab hospital PRN position. The nursing home job paid $33/hr and the PRN rehab position paid $36/hr.

I now work as an RN case manager from home. I still do not have acute care hospital experience, and I do not regret my decision to eschew the low new grad RN pay rates offered by the local hospitals.

[magnolia44]

Yup, had a feeling that's what I'm looking at, did you have to do any additional training for case management work? How did that come about, I like the working from home idea... Thanks for responding:banghead:

[CardiacDork, MSN, RN]

Yup, had a feeling that's what I'm looking at, did you have to do any additional training for case management work? How did that come about, I like the working from home idea... Thanks for responding:banghead:

Now a days you will need bedside experience plus a bachelors. I work at a university hospital in Texas and our case managers need a minimum of a BSN + I believe 3 years bedside experience.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

When I became an RN, I ended up making a whopping 1 dollar more than what I was making as a LPN; however I knew I was getting differential and then adjusted calculation merit percentage as a RN-the hospital I worked for adjusted my 7 years LPN to 3 years and added 10% plus 3% (for the three years) and got a 13 percent raise for the time adjustment and clinical ladder experience.

I would inquire if you will get adjustment to clinical time; at least in my area that still happens; look into places that have clinical ladder mobility.

ETA: at one time I was making up to 38 dollars an hour when I was a PRN LPN at a rehab hospital; when I was an agency LPN I would make 35-45 at one assignment; when I got ill and had to stop working, I ended up taking a 10+ dollar paycut; I then ended up working as an independent contractor to make up the difference in pay cut and paid my taxes for the year to be fiscally solvent for my household; I JUST started making the premium pay I worked as a LPN in the rehab hospital; the best thing is that I make more and have more benefits than being an agency LPN.

The first year pay may seem paltry, but then the pay does go up.

[magnolia44]

Thanks for your input, OK so the BSN and some experience is not too onerous, as qualifications go....

[magnolia44]

Ladyfree, lots of interesting stuff in your post, I investigated clinical ladder and I would think the hospital I would be applying to would have one as it has recently become part of a big healthcare player. I am assuming the differential you mentioned has to do with working nights? and the merit adjustment you explained has to do with your prior experience, albeit as an LPN, which they gave you partial credit for. Thanks for the input, based off of what's been said I will apply, hope I get an interview and am compiling my long list of questions to ask as I get a little more savvy as to how things are done in RN world, thank-you, magnolia44

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Yup, had a feeling that's what I'm looking at, did you have to do any additional training for case management work? How did that come about, I like the working from home idea... Thanks for responding:banghead:

My friend put in a good word for me and helped me get this position.