LVN Salary
Job Description
Before we divulge into the salary that an LVN makes, let us first discuss what an LVN is. LVN is an acronym that stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse. They are also called LPNs, or Licensed Practical Nurses. They watch over their patients and provide bedside care for them, such as adjusting the bed angle and providing personal hygiene care. They work under the strict provisions of RNs (Registered Nurses) as well as physicians, offering any type of assistance that they can. LVNs also take vital signs from the patients, such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Average Salary
LVNs are the lowest professionals on the healthcare ladder; they answer to RNs and physicians. They do not get paid as much as RNs (they make around $60,000 a year), but they do make around $40,000 a year, or between $16 and $22 an hour. LVN salaries, like most salaries, are dependent upon various factors, such as specialization and location.
Specialization
In any field, especially the medical field, those who are certified in a specialization will earn more than those who are just general practice. This is also true for LVNs. When you are working in a hospital, be on the lookout for any position that could open up that would interest you, such as working with babies. Upon finding out your interests, research how you can obtain a certification for them. The sooner you become certified, the sooner your salary can increase.
Location
As far as location is concerned, it is referring to both geographic location and the type of facility you will be working in. Some cities pay more than other cities, due to high cost of living. Hospitals are an excellent place to start work, but physician offices often pay more than hospitals do. Their services are generally more expensive, and when there is more revenue coming into the company, there is more money available to pay employees.
LVN to RN
LVNs often go back to school to become RNs, due to RNs making more money and having more responsibilities. There are LVN to RN bridge programs available to make the education transition easier. Regardless of if you stay an LVN or advance to an RN, you will be helping people in either profession, which is a payment in itself.
Tags: LPN, LVN, LVN salary, RN