nurse828

Hi everyone. Been an LPN for 8 months. Currently working in LTC but trying to get out of the facility I'm with. Considering doing agency, at least for a bit. Planning to work on the RN soon.

I am a UPMC employee & work at one of the LTC facilities. I'm an LPN & make 15.45/hr. A friend is an RN (with 5 yrs experience) who works the floor & as supervisor & his base pay is 21/hr. That's UPMC. Unfortunately they own most of Pittsburgh, so we have limited options.

I'm an LPN looking into agency work & have looked at some posts on this site. I'm finding so many conflicting stories. One says an agency is great & the next says they're awful. The only thing I'm finding in common is the importance of a good recruiter. I'm in the Pittsburgh area & considering Onward Healthcare. Anyone in this area able to recommend a good, reputable agency and/or recruiter?? Thanks!

I left finance for nursing & couldn't be happier. Finance just wasn't for me. I love taking care of people. From personal research, I can share a few thoughts. An accelerated program is very intense. They recommend not working b/c that's pretty much your entire life for the year & 1/2. I don't have kids but wasn't able to not work for that amount of time. I also think taking time to work between programs is a good idea. You'll gain experience & can explore/research areas in the field. It will give you an opportunity to talk to current NP's, etc & get their advice. Good luck!

I left a job in finance to become a nurse because I love taking care of people. I feel that I was born to be a nurse. I enjoy getting to know my patients and, in some cases, their families. Yes, people die & it is quite difficult to deal with but that's part of nursing. And, yes, the pay can be good but the pay in finance was good but the job wasn't fulfilling. I needed a career that made me feel like I made a contribution. I enjoy going back to work after a day off & having my patients say they missed me & how nice it is to see a smiling face. Nursing is probably the most demanding job..mentally & physically but for the right person it's also the most rewarding. :)