Nursing Home/Assisted living nurse question

bargainhound, RN · Oct 9, 2006

Where is the pay better in nursing homes than in hospitals?

It is the opposite here in Oklahoma.

weetziebat · Oct 9, 2006

I'm just curious. Where do you live that RN's make more money working in nursing homes than they do in hospitals? Where I'm at, I would make at least $15. an hour more working in the hospital.

I personally have worked in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and although I am sure there must be good ones out there, I've never had the good fortune to find one. The places I've worked at have been disgraceful, both for the care given the residents and the working conditions of the staff. I did not feel my license was in danger in one of the places I worked but definately did feel that way in the other place.

Maybe go through an agency and do a few shifts in various facilities to get a feel for the work before actually accepting employment and see for yourself how you like it. Good luck and I hope you find a job you love!

weirdRN, RN · Oct 9, 2006

I would expect that you would make more in a hospital setting.

But, there are facilities that are reasonably run. Is LTC your niche? It is a difficult job, mentally and physically.

Try an HCR Manor Care facility.

jonamb · Oct 9, 2006

I'm an LPN, not an RN, but I do know that where I live in Michigan nursing homes do pay more than hospitals. RNs that I've spoken to have told me that starting wages in our three nearest hospitals average about $17-$18/ hr. and it's close to if not more than $20/hr. in most nursing homes. As an LPN, I am currently making $22/hr. (with shift differential and insurance waiver -- I believe base pay is about $17.50/hr for experienced LPNs). I've been fortunate, for the nursing home that I work in is one of the top-ranked in the state. Patient care and living conditions are excellent there. As far as your license being at risk, in the thirteen years that I've worked in this facility, I've only known of one case where a nurse's license was in jeopardy, and that was due to neglect on the nurse's part. However, where you choose to work should not be based on pay alone. If you're not sure where you want to work, check out different types of facilities and see which suits you. Keep in mind that nursing homes are basically designed for long-term care of patients (that's why we call them "residents") and hospitals are geared toward acute care. Remember, you won't be happy with more money if you don't enjoy what you do. Whatever you decide, good luck to you.

flashpoint · Oct 10, 2006

I make $4.50 more an hour working in LTC than I did in the hospital. It is honestly not what I plan to do forever, but I like it. It's busy, but still laid back...everyone pitches in to get things done and the residents get really good care. There is a lot of political nonsense and backbiting among the CNAs, dietary, and housekeeping, but I'm getting pretty good at either ignoring it or listening to both sides and encouraging everyone to try to get along.

banditrn · Oct 11, 2006

I worked in the hospital for many years in many settings - telemetry, psych, ICU, post anesthesia. Left the hospital because of the stupid politics, etc.

I make $5 an hour less in LTC, but I wouldn't go back - not to that particular hospital anyhow.

That's not to say that I think LTC is perfect, either. The one where I'm at now is supposed to be one of the better ones, and sometimes I'm just disgusted at things.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Oct 11, 2006

I have been thinking about getting a job in a nursing home because the pay is better than the hospitals. All of my friends tell me that there is no way they would ever work in one because your license is always on the line. Any advise? I am a RN BSN. What are the pros and cons? Are there any RN's out there that love working in the nursing homes/assisted living centers? :wink2:

I hear this from the nurses..."My license is in jeopardy!!",,,well why? Have you been abusive? Have you neglected a resident? Failed to properly document something? Failed to do your treatments?

No matter where you work, you must meet the standards of practice and the standards of care. Just because you are busy and have many many patients to care for does not mean your license is on the line.

Do your job by the rules and you'll be fine.