Opinions please...

texas_lvn · Oct 7, 2006

I was a LPN for 6 years before obtaining my RN degree. I loved my job as a LPN and never considered myself anything but a nurse. I did not go back to school to become a "real nurse" however the true fact is that RN's do make more money and also have more opportunities offered to them so therefore I chose to advance my level of knowledge. That being said I think that you need to do what it is that will be best for you and your family.
College is expensive and to have someone pay for it is a benefit that isnt easily come by.
I was married with a small child when I went back to school and graduated from RN school 6 months pregnant...married to the man I thought I'd be married to forever. I hear what you're saying about your boyfriend being able to support you and you not needing the money presently however you have to remember things change and even though he seems like MrFantastic now that might not always be the case.....I guess what Im saying is what I tell my daughter all the time........dont depend on someone else to take care of you because things can change at the drop of a hat and you want to be sure you can provide for you and your children because in the end thats what really counts.
Im not saying that LPN's can support themselves or their family either...what Im saying is to be given the opportunity to advance your degree without financial obligations is something not to be taken lightly.

:bowingpur :bow: :yeah: well said. The only thing that I would like to add is: Is it possible to go to school without working? As long as you keep your LVN license, and go to school, if anything did happen to your finances, then you are employable. I am personally a mother of 2 ages 5 and 10. I am pulling 14 semester hours at school and working 70 plus hours a week. If I could, I would not work. I miss my kids, but know that in the long run this is the best option for me and my family. You do what you think is best. Good luck and please keep us updated.

Sandi0302 · Oct 7, 2006

Thank you all for your insight. I am going to look further into what they are offering, if it is possible for me to do this, etc. I will keep you guys posted. :)

brendamyheart · Oct 9, 2006

Always be prepaid as if it was you are alone. One never knows what will happen.:wink2:

Sandi0302 · Oct 9, 2006

Thank you again for your opinons/advice.

The "deal" that I thought was being pitched wasnt what I thought it was. They require you to work 24 hrs a week while going to school full time, which isnt going to work with my family obligations. However, the local college offers a "one -day a week" program for RN's to accomodate those in situations like mine. I will be applying most likely for the Jan 2009.

Thanks again :)

nurse4theplanet, RN · Oct 10, 2006

When you post such a strong statement of your 'embarassment' of being an LPN, you should not be shocked that others become offended and defensive.

I agree with those who say that you should not rely on your boyfriend's income when deciding personal educational goals. One must always be prepared for the worst, while expecting the best. Especially if there are children involved.

I encourage you to continue to advance your nursing knowledge, if in fact, it is a nurse that you wish to remain. However, only you know what will make you happy. Good luck in your program beginning in January.

And, IMO, if you are as confident as you claim, then other's opinions about LPNs vs. RNs would be irrelevant to your worth as a nurse and not cause 'embarassment'.

slou! · Oct 10, 2006

I am not an LPN (I am a pre-nursing student working to get my RN), but I have to agree that you can't expect people not to get offended what you say you are embarassed of what so many people here are! There are so many LPNs here, should they all be embarassed of themselves too? They ARE real nurses, and YOU are a real nurse too! I think you should try and feel good about your own title before becoming an RN. If you want to do it, go for it! But remember that you already are a real nurse, don't do it for everyone who says you aren't, do it for yourself..

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Oct 10, 2006

First of all... There is nothing to be ashamed about by being an LPN. But I do understand your feelings. Some people make you feel like you are "only" an LPN. I was there once, too. I went back to school to be an RN so I didn't feel that way, and so I could get more $. I was happy with the work I did as an LPN. Please don't be ashamed. LPN's are very important, ESPECIALLY in LTC.

You seem to be financially secure right now. You have a 9 month old baby. You are soon getting married. I am no expert, but I too am a mom. My dd is now 11.5 months old. We are not as well off as you are, but we our bills are paid and we have some extra's. I choose to stay home until my dd is over a year old, then I will return VERY part time, most likely night shift so she will not know I am gone. Our children will only be very young for a small amount of time.

I think its great that you want to go to school and work, but I think your little one needs their mom right now more than anything. It would be very difficult to work full-time, go to school, keep your house in order, AND be a mom. Yes, it can be done. Many do it. But I would assume that most are not financially comfortable, and they are doing it to give their children a decent lifestyle, meaning healthy food, good shelter, heat, and clothing that aren't rags. And when the little one wakes during the night after you just got to sleep after being awake for 20 hours and you need to get up in 4 hours to repeat the cycle..... Will you be able to get up to care for them?

I think it would be great for you to go back to school to teach your children the value of education. But... a 9 month old baby isn't going to understand that education is important. All they will know is mama is not home, and when she is, she is busy doing housework, cooking, studying, or sleeping.

I saw your last post about going to school in 2009. And you have to work 24 hours, and only go to school one day a week? I think that sounds MUCH better for your family. Your kids will be a bit older by then, and less dependant on YOU. It doesn't sound like a huge commitment, either. It sounds much more family friendly. I think that you are making a very wise decision. :nurse:

HappyLass · Mar 9, 2008

I have to be honest here reading many posts with this persons SANDI0302's comments.You are very arrogant and who cares how much your man makes.Are you that insecure girl?Do you really think thats alot of money? How do you fell about INFIDELITY?

AprilRNhere · Mar 9, 2008

I have to be honest here reading many posts with this persons SANDI0302's comments.You are very arrogant and who cares how much your man makes.Are you that insecure girl?Do you really think thats alot of money? How do you fell about INFIDELITY?

First..I want to specify I accidentally hit "thanks" instead of "quote"...and did not by ANY means mean to thank that post.

THis was your first post? To go off on someone you've never met..from a thread that is 2years old?? Why bother?

Katie82, RN · Mar 9, 2008

You didn't say what kind of commitment you would owe the facility after you graduate. I have always told my girls (have 3) to secure their own future before they have children. You can't count on the future where relationships are concerned, I have too many friends who are divorced or widowed. By the same token, if you need to return to work 5 years down the road, you would probably still be able to find an employer who will pay for you to continue your education. Word of advice, even if you have to work one day a week, don't let your license slide....