Do you believe RN's should get the same salary as an LPN?
Asked by Louise R
In December 2003, I started working as an LPN (staff nurse) for a retirement center. In 2007, I received my RN and continued to work for the same retirement home. I was given a $ 1.00 increase in pay when I went from LPN to RN.I complained about the poor increase in pay and the nursing home administrator then promoted me to a supervisor position, which gave me an additional $1.20. So, basically I got an increase of $2.20, going fromLPN to RN. At this facility, regardless if you are an LPN or RN, both titles get the same salary as supervisor. There are LPN's working as superviors and there are RN's working as supervisors....both get the same pay. The nursing home administrator stated "it doesn't matter if you are an LPN or RN. All we want are good nurses". I think this is wrong. One of the reasons why I went on for my RN was for an increase in salary.......plus, now I have student loans. Do you think I should move on and find another job?

Best Answer:
It seems like you care more about the money then helping and caring for the elderly, so please remove yourself from that facility, and find somewhere to work that will make you happy. I would hate to think you take it out on the elderly, but you never once mentioned caring for the people there. Only the mighty dollar, maybe you need a new career altogether. Hey ladyluck for one I am a she not a he, I am in the medical field got interested in helping people 5 years ago when my father got ill. I noticed the difference in healthcare professionals who were there for people and who were there for there own benefit, one got fired trying to steal and get personal info and s.s. numbers while I was there. I also visit a care home every week to visit my aunt and see the difference in some of the workers. So please don't tell me I am ignorant. I had to go straight to the station and get help for my aunt who called for a breathing treatment 20 minutes before I got there.

Yes, of course. You can not fault the retirement home--it is what it is. But if you are unsatisfied, you have the ability to change--change jobs.
Answered by Diane A

Yes you should move on. Any facility that does not value its employees and does not value education will not be a good place to work for the long haul. I encourage you to talk to your colleagues and find out about other facilities in your area and then apply to the ones that seem to match what you are looking for. There is too much of a demand for nurses for you to continue to work for a facility that does not appreciate you.
Answered by CrazyB

I am a hiring director for an in-home health agency in a major city. I hire nearly every RN who walks in our door because they are so hard to retain. I have not hired an LPN in a long time because firstly, they cannot perform IV therapy and secondly, re-certify our clients. In my mind LPN's are overpaid STNA's. If your not earning at least $ 35 per hour than move on. Any home care agency will hire you because you are an RN, therefore a precious commodity!
Answered by karl volcano

What kind of nursing do you want to do? If where you are makes you happy, salary is a secondary issue. There are so many options for nurses, our paper is full of positions, so do what gives you the greatest personal satisfaction. Money is not a very satisfying criterion in the end. It just may take a little longer to pay of loans.
Answered by Vee

I worked as a Director of Administrative Services at a SNF in Boston and our LPN's and RN's were paid VERY differently. RN's have more schooling and are supposed to have more qualifications, and hence, the larger salary is justified. I've never heard of such a thing: RN's & LPN's making the same amount of money. I would highly suggest finding another job! At the facility I worked at LPN's salary ranged from mid to high $20's per hour and RN's low to mid $30's per hour, nursing supervisor made even more, especially the 3-11pm nurse supervisor!!!! GO GET ANOTHER JOB ASAP!!!! GOOD LUCK!
Answered by Mina

Yes, I would be looking for something else. You should be making a lot more than that. They probably just took you for granted because you already were working there. If they hire in another RN, I'm sure they will start them out at more than what they are paying you. (Ignore the ignorant comment by "giantsfan". He should stick to football and stay out of the healthcare field! Wonder when the last time was he was responsible for someones well-being for free?)
Answered by Lady Luck

RN have only 1year's worth of more education than LPN. I work as a LPN and I Know for a fact we do everything while the Rn's sit on their butt and give orders. The only thing that separate a RN and a LPN is IV medication. Other than that, We do the same JOB. Now I'm not saying you shouldn't be making more, just don't compare it to LPNs because they do far way more than Rn's. Like CNA's they are the backbone of most facilities and they make the less. SO WRONG! The work load should determine your salary not the years in school. But back to the money issue: YES! you should leave.
Answered by worthy