Why do LPNs only make $40K per year?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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As a LPN you are working under a Rn. These postions are to be signed off by a RN only. Are you aware of that

Yes Julie, I am aware that an RN has to sign off on the MDS. I did work the job for over 5 years from MDS 2.0 to MDS 3.0.

What state are you in? This is not true in Texas. LVNs hold their own license here. Now what you may be referring to is that Medicare requires an RN assessment on patients in the hospital setting when an LVn is taking care of a patient. No one "works under" my license.

Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

Lpn in Tampa FL and here we get paid well in nursing homes. But please don't waste even one yr getting an LPN license. Not worth it. Go for 4 yr RN because hospitals now, atleast here, only hire 4 yr Grads now.

Specializes in ICU.
Oh, and if u want to make the REALLY good money, be a traveling nurse!

lol, only applies to certain specialities. come on over to the travel section.

Answer to the thread is Capitalism is why you are paid so little. Its BS.

In Canada I don't work "under" anyone. I alone am responsible for my practice. I also make more than 40G a year. Another option could be correctional nursing. I changed from Rural acute to corrections a few years ago and I couldn't be happier. Rural Acute taught me some wicked assessment skills and how to be a good nurse. I carried that with me, where I feel I get to use my skills far more than ever before. I hate the just be an RN comments. I started bridging over to RN, decided I didn't like the way their careers were changing. I felt they were getting away from the actual patient. I stopped taking the course and focused on really just enjoying the job I do. I couldn't be happier.

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