Why are LPNS so underpaid and disrespected

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Specializes in Oncology/Hematology.

I am a new LPN after I graduated and passed my boards I found out what people really think of LPNS. I get asked so many questions like: why did you go for LPN and not RN? (And this was coming from a nursing assistant) and I was also asked. Are you a real nurse or a pretend nurse? Or why didn't you just go all the way? Or are you going back? My answer is always I'm going back for RN. I was a nursing assistant for 8 years I was really burned out I needed and change and I was tired of living paycheck to paycheck. I needed something fast it was a stepping stone and I have full intentions of getting my RN. I just hate the disrespect I worked so hard for my LPN and people act like it's nothing that was the toughest year of my life. I also notice in my are LPNS make between 17-20 in my area, but that what they were making 10 years ago. Why haven't nurses got raises, but yet they have raised the pay scales of nursing assistants and other fields. It makes me mad when people want min. Wage to be 15/hr when I work hard just to make $17/hr. I think a petition should be started.

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Employers in my area have paid LVNs the same for the more than 20 years I have been licensed. They do that because they can. They also say that they will not raise wages when the minimum wage goes to $15/hour. Their answer to that is to work with less employees by moving to 12 hour shifts with the added bonus of implementing the "alternative work week" so that they can get out of paying overtime. Don't ever expect an employer to go against the bottom line. You are inconsequential to the bottom line, no matter how productive you are.

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Oh I couldn't agree more. I work for the federal government as an LPN. LPN's don't get paid on the NURSING pay scale. It's so insulting. We get paid on the pay scale with every one else, including housekeeping, kitchen, admin, etc. And they'll repay an RN's loans, but not mine as an LPN. And you see it on here too...every few threads is asking if it's "worth it" to be an LPN. Of course it's worth being a nurse!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

My highest LVN wage was $27/hr in 2010 with four years of experience in Texas, a low cost-of-living state. Since I earned more money than many university graduates, I did not consider myself underpaid or disrespected as an LVN.

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Use your frustration and disappointment to advance your career. Don't worry about what other people think, say, or get paid. Think about where you want to be in 10 years. What things you enjoy doing in your daily work? What kind of salary do you want to make? What challenges your mind? What are you good at? These are the things to think about! Getting tied up in the 'LPN respect' conversation isn't going to get you to where you want to be. You are as respected as you act professional. I can tell you from my own experience as an RN that if I had to do it again, I would have never chosen nursing. I left a good high paying career for nursing. And nursing has taught me a lot about myself and other people and life. It has made me a better person. But now I realize I was only looking maybe 5 years in to the future. If you don't envision your career dreams, you'll get tied up in small details and things like the difference between $17/hr and $25/hr, or 'respect', or 'fairness.' Take a step back and look as far in to the future as you can. What do you see yourself doing that will keep you happy?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
My highest LVN wage was $27/hr in 2010 with four years of experience in Texas, a low cost-of-living state. Since I earned more money than many university graduates, I did not consider myself underpaid or disrespected as an LVN.

You might be one of the few. You were very lucky.

I have been asked by lots of people if I will become an RN. I tell them yes but in the back of my mind I wonder, why does it matter? LVNs & RNs are both nurses.

When I worked in a nursing home there was an LVN who was adamant about never becoming an RN. Some people love the job they have as LVNs & don't feel the need to advance. That is perfectly fine! I just feel the job opportunities for LVNs is getting smaller & smaller. While they do still hire LVNs in one hospital system near me, they are far & few between.

As far as pay, I think nursing as a whole is grossly underpaid. I made the same right out of nursing school as I did with 6 years of experience. Granted I live in Texas as well, it shouldn't be that way. We should all (LVNs & RNs) get paid what we deserve. But that'll never happen!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I have been an LVN for over 4 years. I was very lucky to land as my first job, working at a school health office. I've learned a couple things these past years. I make alot on paper, $28/hr but in reality with everything taken out, my pay is more like $20/hr. I am bored in my job at times, but who else works (8-4pm M-F) holidays and summers OFF! So you take the good with the bad. Do I dream about going back to school for my RN, YES! I am taking classes online so I can apply to the program eventually. I have no problem saying I am a NURSE. And if if I get asked about my RN, I have no problem saying, yeah you going to pay for it for me... :cheeky:

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

Unless I am wearing my name tag showing I am a LPN, when asked what I do, I just reply that I am a nurse.

Now I am moving to Texas in the fall and it looks like I will have to take a pay cut. I am currently working through a staffing agency and get $30 an hour. It looks like in Texas that I will be back to the $17 an hour rate.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Unless I am wearing my name tag showing I am a LPN, when asked what I do, I just reply that I am a nurse.

Now I am moving to Texas in the fall and it looks like I will have to take a pay cut. I am currently working through a staffing agency and get $30 an hour. It looks like in Texas that I will be back to the $17 an hour rate.

That's low! I never made that little & I believe we discussed the area you are moving to. I think the least I ever made was $18.50/hr.

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I work as a school support nurse. Those who know me know that I am a nurse. Many of the support nurses are LVNs or RNs, and when I started, my supervisor (the credentialed nurse) made sure to let everybody know that I am a REAL NURSE, not a health aide or health clerk. Love my position. My name tag says "licensed vocational nurse" but lay people don't know the difference between RN vs LVN. They usually just go, "you're a nurse? Cool, please asses this kid who's having a headache." Lol. You pass the NCLEX? You have your license? You're a nurse. Don't worry about others asking about your RN. You got where you are from hard work. Be proud. I worked hard for my license!

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Shellaaay10x

What state are you working in? Just curious since I graduate this July and I am interested in school nursing while I go on for my RN. :) I like to hear feedback on how other school nurses like their jobs and what they do everyday.

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Shellaaay10x

What state are you working in? Just curious since I graduate this July and I am interested in school nursing while I go on for my RN. :) I like to hear feedback on how other school nurses like their jobs and what they do everyday.

I work in California in the Bay Area. It's great I work for 2 different schools. I give medications to the students that have them especially those with diabetes. We deal with everything. Sending notices to classrooms if there's an outbreak (usually lice), notifying parents of missing immunizations and records, kinder registrations making sure each student at the school has everything they need regarding health concerns. If there's anything serious I always notify my credentialed nurse who deals with much more of the serious cases. I'm a mom so the school nursing is perfect since the schedule works with my daughter who is also in school. I love it! Could be very laid back but also stressful since you are the only licensed medical professional on site. Many teachers don't understand why vomiting is not as serious as a head injury. They think after a student hits their head on the cement ground, they can go back to class but if a student vomits there is something horrible wrong.uhm really? LOL

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