Should I take a salary cut?

Nurses General Nursing

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I've been working at my current job in HR for about 5 years. I make approx. $44,000 annually. I finally have the opportunity to return to nursing. I was in the RN program about 5 years ago and I had to remove myself from the program but I was just accepted to a LPN program at the local CC. I know that LPN's with no experience do not start out with what I currently make. I am concerned about the salary cut. Any advice?

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Is it really, really what you want to do? I've noticed many posts lately that seem to indicate that the job market for LPNs is worse than for RNs at this point. The question isn't really as much as taking a salary cut but what happens if you can't get a job at all? or can't get a job you thought you could as an LPN? For me, I'm going to nursing school and becoming an RN would mean making half what I make now and even becoming an NP (my ultimate goal) would still mean a decent sized pay cut. I'm willing to do it though because it is really, really what I want to do.

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Agree with the previous post. You have to really want this and be able to weather the possible long period of unemployment after graduation. In my area, new RNs and new LVNs can not get jobs and those with experience don't have much luck either. I would advise someone with as good a job as you have, to think twice about taking the plunge. Definitely look into the local job market for LPNs, and specifically new grad LPNs, before you decide.

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I do have plans to become a RN but taking the LPN route is what's best for me right now. The course will only take 1 year. I can work part-time for 1 year. After I get my LPN license, I plan to do the LPN to RN bridge online, that way I can work full time. Being a nurse is a dream of mine so I am willing to make sacrafices but I also have a family. I don't want to put us in the poor house while going to school to become a nurse.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Well, I basically just went the same route. I entered nursing school to become an LPN about two years ago and passed the boards in February, while working full time. The LPN program I attended was a night/weekend program. I have been working a second part time job in Home Health since passing my boards, but as of today, I put in my notice at my current job and will do Home Health nursing full time.

My dream was to work with children and I fell in love with nursing along the way. It will be hard work to get through nursing school and you may not find much opportunity out there for LPNs when you pass the boards, but if this is what you truly want, go for it. Good luck.

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If you get your LPN don't expect to get a job unless you want to work in long term care. Most hospitals are getting rid of LPN's and going with only RN's. Mayo is going as far to only hire 4 year RN's. They aren't laying off 2 year RN's yet but rumor is they might soon be told to go back to school and get a BSN or face a layoff......probably years away but the rumor is out there. I would keep the job you have unless you are in it for the long haul and expect to get a BSN. The other thing you have to consider is working weekends, nights, and holidays with a family. Do you really want to give up a cush job in HR that's Mon-Fri no weekends no holidays?

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Then again, if you could manage the schedule to complete LPN school (at night or weekends or part time) and get an LPN license, you could possibly take care of your nurse feelings with a shift or two of home health care, and keep your M-F job that pays the rent. Lots of people work a shift or two of home health in addition to regular jobs. Best of both worlds, once you get past the new grad hurdle.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I was in a similar situation and worked while I got my LPN and continued working my former job, because it paid more, while I went for my RN. By my third year of being a RN I was making 2xs what you are now so in the end it paid off for me. Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I say don't do it. LPN's don't have the best job market right now. I wouldn't consider the risk until the economy is better, or you may find yourself totally jobless. :crying2:

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My dream is to become a RN and I plan to go all the way! I believe that it will pay off "one day". I think i'll try to stay with my current job and work as a LPN (for the experience) on the weekends after I graduate. That's a good idea. I hope I can continue to work as a nurse on the weekend until I can at least get a BSN. Thanks for all the advice! :hug: I really appreciate it!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
My dream is to become a RN and I plan to go all the way! I believe that it will pay off "one day". I think i'll try to stay with my current job and work as a LPN (for the experience) on the weekends after I graduate. That's a good idea. I hope I can continue to work as a nurse on the weekend until I can at least get a BSN. Thanks for all the advice! :hug: I really appreciate it!

I did my ADN then my BSN because there was quite a pay increase going from LPN to RN and the opportunities were much better. Best wishes!

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I am doing exactly the same thing...LPN to RN. As far as your current job goes...as a more "seasoned " student of 45 I can tell you now that I have worked on pre-reqs for 2 years and will begin the program this August...I regret every job I have ever had that kept me from following my dream. At the end of the day...it really is not money ...it is being happy, and fulfilled. ( as hokey as that sounds it is very true)

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