We all want to do good for others otherwise we have no business in the nursing profession. But while we’re at it, we may as well do some good for ourselves. A Licensed Practical Nurses degree can offer a solid monetary start in life. If you are looking to better your financial situation then a LPN degree can be a relatively fast degree to obtain in regard to the knowledge that you will receive and will continue to build upon for a lifetime. The L.P.N. holds a respectable position in the world of health care and the salary paycheck will reflect that. You are probably not going to be filthy stinking rich, but if you are going from minimum wage or are constantly trying to make ends meet then this could be a great opportunity to boost your paycheck for those with an interest in healthcare.
Aside from the burning desire to want to help people, one of the reasons you are probably considering a Nursing degree is the pay. 
L.P.N. pay can vary greatly depending on your level of experience and the field in which you are working. Your salary can also depend on the state in which you are residing and even the type of health care facility that you are working in. Wherever you start, a L.P.N. salary can offer some financial stability and independence. The average annual salary for a L.P.N. in the U.S. is $ 39,000 to $ 44,000 per year. This translates into roughly $ 12.00 to $ 22.00 an hour.
An entry level L.P.N. should expect to earn from the lower end of the spectrum and a L.P.N. with much more experience should expect to make more. Employers usually take this into consideration but if you feel that you are being offered an unfair rate of pay then it is ok to contest it and discuss it in a professional manner. If you are adamant about your rate and are refused then you may want to consider another place of employment.
Another thing to consider regarding pay is the level of skill required for that particular job. A nurse who answers the telephone in a Physician’s office should not expect to make as much as a LPN who works in the Critical Care Unit or the E.R. Specialty areas often require more training and skill and the level of pay reflects that. Hours worked, overtime and on call can play into the L.P.N. salary as well. Sometimes working nights can offer a pay differential as well as taking on call after hours. Working on major holidays often offer overtime or some other bonus. Another way to increase your rate of pay is to further your education. Complete an Advanced Life Saving or A.C.L.S. course or obtain qualifications specific to your job.
Demographics can also affect the pay scale. If you live in a more rural area then you will probably earn less than someone in a more urban area. Even the state that you live in can affect salary but you can kind of already see that reflected in the cost of living and the current rate of minimum wage pay. A L.P.N. in Oklahoma City is probably not going to earn as much as a L.P.N. in NYC.
If you are interested in enrolling in a L.P.N. course then you should check at the local community college, university, or vocational school nearest you. Financial aid is available and there are even programs which can help you to obtain your degree for free. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing can be rewarding means of financial stability in a professional and exciting job environment and you get the opportunity to help people as well. Good Luck!
If you want to start in an entry level position in the nursing field then you should consider starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant then slowly move up to LPN.
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