NursingLink

In Pittsburgh an RN in say a Nursing Home would make about 24 an hour and an LPN about 15 starting salary with little experience.

It really is going to depend on what state you are in.  I was an LPN and now I am an RN.  I am able to give the first med except when it comes to ivs then I could only do most iv fluids and all antibiotics- but the antibiotics needed the first dose to be given by rn and then I could start subsequent doses.  Usually not a problem since the floor I worked on the first dose was given in preop.  I was able to work in any unit in which they hired LPNs.  I actually transferred to the ER while still an LPN and then went on to get my RN and continue to work in the ER.  The major difference is how much responsibility do you want. 

About $39,000 of school loans  for me anyway.   I went to LPN school first - it was something like $1,000 some odd dollars - or something like that, if I'm remembering correctly - the same year that i graduated from LPN school I started an LPN to RN, BSN transition program - which costs Much, much....MUCH more :(            At my hospitals - the LPNs are utilized to the fullest....when I worked in the ER - I could give first dose IV drugs, I pushed meds....the 3 things I could not do were:  Take verbal orders, hang blood and hang TPN - that's about it - OH and got paid EXACTLY half of what the RNs were making.......I'm glad I started my RN program the same year I graduated from LPN school and I'm SO glad to ALMOST be done!!!

The most basic of differences is in the education requirements.  I had an LVN tell me that she could do my job and do it better.  I challenged her to go back to school and put her money (and brains) where her mouth was.  I was certainly surpised when she did and even more than a little surprised when she apologized to me for her flip statement. 

She wanted me to know that she was having a hard time with Chemistry and Micro-Biology but she would get it done.  I believe she said that she didn't know what she didn't know until she accepted that challange.

I am so proud of her.  She has grown into a dear friend and an excellent ICU nurse.  She took such wonderful care of my dad after a particularly dangerous surgery.  He still talks about what a perfect nurse she was even 3 years later.

Just remember, skills are not the same as knowledge.  I still run into RN's who make my blood run cold with all they have forgotten or have never known.  In this age we nurses are not only expected to do the manual labor but also to be able to track labs and understand their significance for upwards how many patients?  In Texas safe is considered somewhat less than 7 for primary care. (who are they kidding).

I don't envy you young ones on the floor.  I don't have the strength to do it anymore.  But my brain still wants to and does work.  If you are ever in a mood for an up and coming area of nursing, try Case Management. 

i think LPN salary is very reasonable where i live

http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=LPN&l1=dc&tm=1

 

Average Salary of Jobs

In USD as of Aug 29, 2008

lpn in District of Columbia

$49,000

hannamo says ...

There are multiple differences, besides the fact that LPV/VN cannot admit a patient, Most states they can not start  blood. Do IVP's, work in most specialty areas, such as ICU, NICU,CVICU, and so forth. Nor do they rarely hold leadership positions. They are valuable employee's esp in doctors office, long term care and sub acute settings. There is generally approx $10.00 hour difference yet LPN/VN's generally work just as hard as RN's. Hope this clarifies some of the differences

        Out here in Pa. It's much the same.  the hourly difference range from about 10-15  dollars. LPNs are very valuable  in certain work areas.  Home care,LTC, LTACH and sub acute facilities operate efficiently because of  their LPN staff. In theses areas LPNs make up about 70 - 80% of the staff. On the floor in theses areas LPNs and RNs work equally hard.  DIFFERENCES: LPN verbal orders must be co signed by an RN,  LPNs can not supervise RNs, LPNs can NOT START IVs (can maintain peripheral hydration), can't  push IV med, mix IV meds ,titrate IV meds, admin. blood . If you have an  active LPN and a RN license  you will always be held to the RN's scope under Pennsylvania's  practice laws.

business- you need to re-read those articles. LPNs have MORE repsonsiblility that CNAs, MAs, and HHAs. That's why they can supervise. LPNs license in on the line if one of the CNAs or MAs under their supervision messes up, then they have to account for it!