RNs who work both hospitals and LTC, is your pay the same?

Specialties Geriatric

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My apologies, since this kind of questions have probably been asked already. I did try sifting through old threads but found none that applies to someone who work both places at the same time.

I am starting a new grad RN position at a hospital but I want to stay PRN at my LTC job, which I have been working as an LVN, if they want to keep me as an RN. I know what my base rate will be at the hospital. Can I expect the same rate at LTC? In the old threads, some say LTC pays less, some say more. Also, does being a PRN nurse without benefits warrant higher rate?

I am dreading to bring up the topic with my DON, as I suck at negotiating. In the past I've mostly trusted my employers to give me the fair rate, but I learned that they don't necessarily volunteer a fair rate unless you demand it. So, I'd like to arm myself with current knowledge before I attempt re-negotiation. Thank you for your help!

Specializes in Geriatric.
I live in Ohio & currently work in LTC. As an RN with 2 years at this nursing home, I make $21.71/hr working day shift. I just got offered a position at the University hospital & will be making $25.83/hr plus $1 shift differential for working nights. Hope this helps!! Most places pay more though too for PRN staff.

OMG i guess i can say our nurses here are lucky. We start RNs at $40/hour.

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Specializes in Geriatric.
I live in Ohio & currently work in LTC. As an RN with 2 years at this nursing home, I make $21.71/hr working day shift. I just got offered a position at the University hospital & will be making $25.83/hr plus $1 shift differential for working nights. Hope this helps!! Most places pay more though too for PRN staff.

OMG I guess our nurses here are lucky. We start our RNs at $40/Hour.

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Have you actually been promised a pay raise at your LTC once you go from LPN to RN? Will you be doing the same job or will you take on more responsibility as an RN? Don't know about your specific circumstance, but many facilities base the pay on the job that your doing and your experience, not whether you are LPN vs RN. Definitely not true at all facilities, but I've seen this happen. Just want you to be prepared when you walk in and ask for your big ole RN raise, that they may just say no.

As for PRN pay getting a premium, some places have paid 20% over the base pay, some just set a higher flat rate for PRNs.

Given that this will not be your primary income and you mentioned that you had considered quitting, indicating that you could survive without the money from the PRN job, I'd suggest looking at whether you want to work there for the experience and the residents/coworkers and not sweat the pay so much.

Specializes in ICU.

As it's been stated already, it all depends on where you are at, and that particular facilities' policies. I make more hourly at the hospital, but the shift diff at the nursing home meant I actually made more there on the weekends. At my hospital PRN employees make about 20% more than full-time, but at the nursing home the hourly rates are the same, and PRN people get $1 less for shift diff, so the full-timer's actually make a bit more.

Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
I hate the fact that I'm crunching the numbers. If I love them, I should be willing to stay regardless. Or, should I?

If you are a millionaire and just work for the fulfillment of employment than you should not be crunching numbers. On the other hand, if you are an average middle class citizen than there is no shame in going where you can get the best deal and "crunching numbers".

Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.
I'd suggest looking at whether you want to work there for the experience and the residents/coworkers and not sweat the pay so much.

I am doing a serious self-evaluation on how important it is to keep the long-term relationship of LTC nursing and how willing I am to deal with the constant staffing problems and disorganization. I want a decent pay that will ensure that I won't end up feeling like being used and abused.

It is a sound advice. Thank you.

Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.
If you are a millionaire and just work for the fulfillment of employment than you should not be crunching numbers. On the other hand, if you are an average middle class citizen than there is no shame in going where you can get the best deal and "crunching numbers".

Honestly, I think I wrote that wanting this validation. Thank you. :)

Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Honestly, I think I wrote that wanting this validation. Thank you. :)

You're welcome. We all need that reality check (otherwise known as a swift kick in the pants according to my Mother) sometimes. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

How does $27/hr sound for LTC per diem pay in MA right outside of Boston? I have 5 yrs of experience, psych only and none in LTC. Thx!!

OMG I guess our nurses here are lucky. We start our RNs at $40/Hour.

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Wow, what state are u working at? And how many years experience? I'm an RN and started at $28.15 no experience- PA

Here in Miami, FL LTC tends to have a slightly higher starting base pay than an acute care hospital. It seems that this may be different depending on your area. I am a new RN grad, but from what I've seen, PRN/Per Diem nurses have a higher base pay due to the lack of benefits. Not sure if this would apply at an LTC facility, though.

How does $27/hr sound for LTC per diem pay in MA right outside of Boston? I have 5 yrs of experience, psych only and none in LTC. Thx!!

I am a new grad RN and starting pay for full time RN at the LTC I just started is $26/hr. So this sounds good.

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