Starting pay rates: Then & now

Nola009 · Mar 13, 2014

I'm somehow always surprised when RN's think they should be making a lot more than LPN's in LTC/SNF. They don't pay nurses based on which license they hold, at least not in KC, rather the going rate based on experience. Floor RN's in these facilities are doing the same job as the LPN's, why would they get twice the pay?

Im not asking for 2x the pay of a LPN. Im looking for pay commensurate with my education. Tbh, I wasnt even thinking about an LPNs salary. Whats a LPN pay rate in your area & do you feel like its a fair wage for the work you do?

kellycina · Mar 13, 2014

I'm an Lpn and I started off 20 years ago making 11$. That was a pool position. Went to a full time position and 15.50 was my starting rate at long term care working 3-11. I'm at my current job and have been there going on 17 years. My current rate is 30$. The company used to give significant raises but has been bought out several times hence minimal raises. I work in New Jersey.

cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2014

It was such a long time ago when I started out as an LPN I think I made about $7/hr. I was an LPN for 10 years working in critical care before we were phased out then I went on for my RN, as an ADN new grad I was hired at 21,000/year about $10/hr and none of my years of experience were taken into consideration. Over the years I started getting some compensation for my years of experience until I was making about $37/hr with differential about $43/hr clinical ladder and straight weekend shift, then I obtained my BSN followed by my MSN Ed went to academia and took a cut back down to $33/hr as a director of a Practical nursing/Nurse aide program. I made more as an experienced ADN in the clinical setting. But I also went from an expert to a novice. We have to decide what is important to us at any given time in our Lives. The shifts we work may have to adapt to our family needs. I needed to work towards more options for me as I get older. I could not keep working in the ED physically it was taking it's toll. My back is nearly gone, at times I would be so bent over and wanted to cry on my drive home, so I needed to look for options, gaining my advanced degree has given me those options, the pay cut was painful, but I Love what I am doing and that is what really is important. We had to make changes in our lifestyle and that is ok. We must and should live within our means. Be happy in what you choose, your needs change over your lifetime. The grass is not necessarily greener wherever you go, it all depends on what and where you are at mentally. At different times in your life you are more able and more willing to except and deal with certain things. But whatever you choose be happy with what you do. Money isn't everything and we all have to pay our dues to get where we want to be.

RLJS · Mar 13, 2014

After graduating at the top of my class in 11/2012 w my ASN-RN, passing the NCLEX on my 1st attempt, and applying for over of 500 hospital/clinic based positions in 6 months, I was finally offered a part time position in an ALF/LTC/Alzheimers/Memory Care Facility-w no benefits for 6 months, at $18.00/hour. Although it wasn't my dream job, I accepted the position because my 1st student loan pmt was due in less than 30 days and I needed that elusive "6-12 months experience" that every interviewer kept telling me I needed before they'd even consider hiring me.....even though many of my class mates- who are much younger than I- were being hired by those very same hospitals without having "6-12 months experience" at a starting salary of $21.00-21.95/hour. Very demoralizing....but my 12 months in purgatory is almost up and I'll be moving on. My advice to you is to accept the position and utilize your time there well so that you can gain some confidence and get a good reference from them by demonstrating that you're a reliable, dependable worker w a good work ethic (you're on time, no tardies, no call offs, etc) you're willing to work overtime or fill in for others at a moments notice; you're willing to learn and perform any new task presented to you, etc....in other words, you're willing to take initiative and you have the qualities that employers are looking for in a good nurse for them to take a chance on hiring you for your dream job.

Nola009 · Mar 14, 2014

After graduating at the top of my class in 11/2012 w my ASN-RN, passing the NCLEX on my 1st attempt, and applying for over of 500 hospital/clinic based positions in 6 months, I was finally offered a part time position in an ALF/LTC/Alzheimers/Memory Care Facility-w no benefits for 6 months, at $18.00/hour. Although it wasn't my dream job, I accepted the position because my 1st student loan pmt was due in less than 30 days and I needed that elusive "6-12 months experience" that every interviewer kept telling me I needed before they'd even consider hiring me.....even though many of my class mates- who are much younger than I- were being hired by those very same hospitals without having "6-12 months experience" at a starting salary of $21.00-21.95/hour. Very demoralizing....but my 12 months in purgatory is almost up and I'll be moving on. My advice to you is to accept the position and utilize your time there well so that you can gain some confidence and get a good reference from them by demonstrating that you're a reliable, dependable worker w a good work ethic (you're on time, no tardies, no call offs, etc) you're willing to work overtime or fill in for others at a moments notice; you're willing to learn and perform any new task presented to you, etc....in other words, you're willing to take initiative and you have the qualities that employers are looking for in a good nurse for them to take a chance on hiring you for your dream job.

Oh, wow. Sounds like we are/were in the same boat! I just feel like I have been through such a rigorous ADN program (and passed NCLEX on the 1st attempt too) that surely some employer would deem me worthwhile and pay me at least $20/hr!! I mean, do they not realize how high the cost of an education in and of itsself is these days?! And when I factor in that 90% of us students were unable to work from the beginning of the 2nd year till graduation due to the time demands and ever-changing clinical schedules of our nursing program... oh my gosh...!

Sounds like you have been through a lot, but still keep a positive attitude! Thanks for sharing your story and good luck with moving on to greener pastures in the near future ! :yes:

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Mar 29, 2014

I was hired at a nursing home in the Chicago suburbs in November 2013 and my starting pay was $33/hr. I am a new RN with an ADN. I am a registry float, so there is a $10/hr differential. LPNs who are registry floats start at $28/hr.

PT and FT LPNs start at $18/hr, while RNs start at $23/hr. We have registry float CNAs who are making $18/hr, believe it or not.

We can at the most work half-time. The benefits are excellent for those who are PT or FT. But it is not worth my while to work PT or FT, not for that pay.

cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2014

We can at the most work half-time. The benefits are excellent for those who are PT or FT. But it is not worth my while to work PT or FT, not for that pay.

I think I missed something. You state the benefits are excellent but it is not worth it to work PT or FT for the pay. How much are the benefits worth and add it to your hourly pay and that is how much you are making per hour. If the type of benefits do not suite your need then I would say that is a different story. Do you have to pay for your own benefits and health coverage as registry out of your own pocket or are you covered by someone else?

I was a critical care per diem nurse and worked for higher pay but I had to pay for my own health insurance, pay evened out, but I had flexibility with my schedule.

Nola009 · Mar 30, 2014

It was such a long time ago when I started out as an LPN I think I made about $7/hr. I was an LPN for 10 years working in critical care before we were phased out then I went on for my RN, as an ADN new grad I was hired at 21,000/year about $10/hr and none of my years of experience were taken into consideration. Over the years I started getting some compensation for my years of experience until I was making about $37/hr with differential about $43/hr clinical ladder and straight weekend shift, then I obtained my BSN followed by my MSN Ed went to academia and took a cut back down to $33/hr as a director of a Practical nursing/Nurse aide program. I made more as an experienced ADN in the clinical setting. But I also went from an expert to a novice. We have to decide what is important to us at any given time in our Lives. The shifts we work may have to adapt to our family needs. I needed to work towards more options for me as I get older. I could not keep working in the ED physically it was taking it's toll. My back is nearly gone, at times I would be so bent over and wanted to cry on my drive home, so I needed to look for options, gaining my advanced degree has given me those options, the pay cut was painful, but I Love what I am doing and that is what really is important. We had to make changes in our lifestyle and that is ok. We must and should live within our means. Be happy in what you choose, your needs change over your lifetime. The grass is not necessarily greener wherever you go, it all depends on what and where you are at mentally. At different times in your life you are more able and more willing to except and deal with certain things. But whatever you choose be happy with what you do. Money isn't everything and we all have to pay our dues to get where we want to be.

It sounds like you have had an amazing career. I had to throw away the notion that I would be making $25/hr to start (promoted by the college I attended) and take this $18/hr job in LTC. Although I wish the pay would cover my bills a little better, I appreciate my job, coworkers, the residents, and the opportunity to learn and grow.

Nola009 · Mar 30, 2014

...and thanks for sharing your story cinlou. I would like to follow in your footsteps one day!

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

We can at the most work half-time. The benefits are excellent for those who are PT or FT. But it is not worth my while to work PT or FT, not for that pay.
I think I missed something. You state the benefits are excellent but it is not worth it to work PT or FT for the pay. How much are the benefits worth and add it to your hourly pay and that is how much you are making per hour. If the type of benefits do not suite your need then I would say that is a different story. Do you have to pay for your own benefits and health coverage as registry out of your own pocket or are you covered by someone else?
I was a critical care per diem nurse and worked for higher pay but I had to pay for my own health insurance, pay evened out, but I had flexibility with my schedule.

Oops sorry I was a little tired writing this after I got home from work this AM.

No, I do not have benefits and do pay for my own health insurance. I also do not live as close to the facility as others, so gas & tolls add up.

I am single with no children, so I am only paying an insurance premium for myself. Now, if I had a spouse and children, I would definitely take advantage of the benefits at this facility by working PT or FT. The main

Roxyann57 · Mar 30, 2014

I am in NJ and I make $24/hr weekdays and $26/hr on the weekends. I work the 7-3 shift normally but if I pick up 3-11 I make another $1. I have been an LPN for 3 years now. I know some RN's who start off at $25-26/hr in my facility.

cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 30, 2014

Thank you and yes I have had an amazing career. I have had the opportunity to work in many different areas, critical care, cardiac ICU, med/surg, burns, transplant, open heart, neonatal, pediatrics, trauma, ER, electrophysiology lab, nursing supervisor, director, cancer center, (I may have missed some) I helped to set up the brain tumor program at a university hospital I worked for, I have worked in a level I trauma center, and community hospitals both for profit and non profit. I have had the opportunity to be involved in clinical research as a lead nurse researcher and as a participant in a couple of studies. When I was first an LPN there were no hospital jobs available without hospital experience in the area I graduated, so I moved to another state to get my experience and then I moved back home after about a year, that was how I ended up in critical care starting in a Burn ICU. If possible for you, moving to an area that needs nurses may be a good start to help gain the experience. Believe it or not I did not grow up wanting to be a nurse, but out of high school I was working in an electronic plant and a furniture factory wiring lights and putting hardware on furniture. I thought wow I can't do this the rest of my Life, I fell into the LPN program. I bartered my way through school living on $98/ month. When I talk about this it sounds like I must be 100 years old but I am not yet retirement age and still young at heart. There are many options out there, just keep looking. Nursing is a lifelong learning profession and there are so many different areas you can go in to. Nurses don't always realize how many areas you can go into. I Loved every one I ever tried but I would get bored after a couple of years and needed to try something new, that is why I have done so many different things, but that is what is so great. I like to keep my hands involved in many different things. Go forth and explore, concur, and if you like one area stay with it if it isn't your cup of tea try something different. In the process always remember why you are doing what you do. Maintain advocacy for your peers and the patient and no matter what you do you will be rewarded. Rewards are not always monetary, sometimes and more often than not they are made up of the impact we have made on others lives. Keep a journal of stories, and when you are wondering why you became a nurse, go back and read these. I have stories from many, many years ago that still bring tears to my eyes or a smile or laugh to my mouth.