RN or LPN

Jenny P · Apr 21, 2001

Johnnea, there is room in nursing for both RNs and LPNs, just as there are reasons for people to choose either one over the other. With 3 children under 3, my hat is off to you to even consider going to school-- I would have found that to be an impossible task when my 2 kids were young; but both kids were ADHD, so I have no idea what your kids are like. Becoming a nurse at any level (LPN, ADN, or BSN) requires a lot of studying because we are working with peoples' lives on a daily basis.

An LPN does direct hands on cares and works closer to the patient and under the direction of RNs. RNs also do direct hands on cares, but they are responsible for the patient cares done by themselves, plus the LPNs and aides under their supervision. RNs also develop and implement plans of care (for the patient) and assess changes in the patients and revise the plan of care for the patient. I'm an RN, and have worked in critical care where there are no LPNs. Many nursing homes are primarily staffed by LPNs, though.

If you don't have much time to study, have you thought about working as an aide in a nursing home to start out? If you have already done that, and you really want to go on and pursue your goal of becoming a nurse; try either the LPN or ADN program, but be prepared to do serious studying to become a nurse. It won't be easy with 3 little ones, but it can be done. It will take discipline and hard work; but it is worth it and I have never regretted becoming a nurse.

Good luck!

RNforLongTime · Apr 22, 2001

Hi,

I think that if you want to be afforded opportunities in the future that you should pursue an RN license through an ADN program. I believe that LPN's are great nurses but RN's have more opportunities available to them. Here in Ohio and even Northwestern Pennsylvania(I worked In PA) the only places that hire RN's are nusring homes. Hospitals in my area have phased LPN's out of the acute care setting. My aunt was an LPN at a hospital in Erie PA and started her career out on a general med-surg floor. Seven years later, the hospital decided that LPN's did not belong on the acute care floor and re-assigned my aunt to a sub-acute unit. Last year when that hospital closed down it's sub-acute unit, my aunt had very little options open to her and is currently working at a nursing home owned and operated by that hospital. She likes her current position but really misses the acute care setting. Unfortunately in Erie PA, like I said earlier, LPN's are only hired by nursing homes. Long Term Care Nursing was not my cup of tea. Good luck to you with whatever you decide is best for you. Nursing School was one of the toughest things I've ever gone through(I don't have kids). Study hard. Nursing needs a lot of good nurses and it sound like you've got what it takes for starters, determination! Good Luck!

Mysti · Apr 22, 2001

I have been a LPN for 17 years. I love what I do. But if you want to make a difference in nursing go for the RN. Nobody listens to LPNs. I am going back to school in the fall for my RN. I have tried to make a difference as a LPN but have gotten nowhere! The facilities use LPN when they can not get RNs and when they can you are out! Good Luck you can and will do it. I also went to LPN school when I had a 10 mo. old baby. I chose LPN because I was not accepted into the RN program, those were the days when they had waiting lists( 2-3 years) I could not wait 2-3 years. Good Luck

theboss · Apr 23, 2001

It depends on the state in which you work, and the facility in which you work that dictates what lpns can and cant do.In most states lpns are being used in all levels of nursing. I have been an lpn for 6 1/2 years and work in the ER and do everything the RNs do. I chose to go to lpn school first because i wanted to get done and be home with my husband and children , now that they are older i will be going for my RN in oklahoma city.. So making a choice also depends on your situation, the money you want to make and what kind of nursing you want to do. I recomend going to the school in which you plan to attend and speaking with a councler, they to can enlighten you , and maybe help you make a decision.. I do feel like i have a voice in nursing, maybe it is because i have been treated well by my fellow nurses, and the hospitol i work at.. It was said in a post here that there is room for RN,S and LPN,S , nursing needs them both. GOOD LUCK