Why LPN??

Nurses General Nursing

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i often wondered why some people choose to become an lpn verses an rn, or why go for a 2 year program and just not go for 2 more years to get your bs? especially with the threatened lpn layoffs, the lower pay, the limited employment choices. is it money? is it wanting to get your ability to work sooner? please enlighten me. thanks.

moderators note: this thread was started on march 3, 2001. so please, if you should find yourself taking offense to a post or inclined to qoute or otherwise address a posters comments directly consider the age of the post you are replying to. -thanks, nancy

I was a college student. I got married. We were broke. I needed something faster than a 4yr. degree. I enrolled in LPN school because it lasted for only a year. I graduated and began to work and started making a good salary.

I still want that college degree so I'm working on it. I will get my associates degree within a year, then I plan to move straight into the bachelors degree.

My education for LPN was only introductory IMO. In nursing you get back what you put in and for anything you learn there are a hundred more things that you need to learn. There are crappy LPNs and crappy RNs out there just like there are the ones who go "above and beyond". Still everyone has their bounderies and should stick with them and not be upset about it. You are the one who chooses your level of education, etc. I am not yet an RN so I don't expect to be viewed as one. A CNA is not a nurse, an LPN is not an RN, RNs are not NPs, NPs are not MDs, and MDs aren't God.

The money is not an issue with me. If I get a job as an RN that pays what I make today, but has better working conditions I will be ecstatic. Before someone jumps on me........I am not saying that RNs don't work as hard as LPNs or vice versa. My way above average paying LPN job is a total nightmare, but to make the salary I make there really are NO OTHER OPTIONS for me as an LPN. I've had better jobs, but the pay was not nearly as good. My schedule at my job and the salary I make enable me to continue my education without financial burden and without the usual time constraints associated with a M-F job. Basically I choose to become an RN because I know I have the ability to be a good RN and because of the satisfaction and greater career options associated with it.:D

I think that that when an RN poses this question it may be out of jealousy. The fact that LPN's make as much as RN's in some areas must tick some RN's off. One year vs two years of schooling and no justification. There are ALOT of different reasons LPN's do not go on and I think the reasons are COMMONSENSE. Everyone has different life situations obviously. I graduated last May as an LPN and have recently decided to go on for my RN. My take was "get out and work and see how this field exactly is. Why waste another year of your life if this field is not right for you? I've encountered the most horrendous nurses and often wonder if they are disgruntled because they HATE the field and feel that they are "stuck". I am soooooooooo tired of people in the medical field, a field that should be filled with warm, caring people, constantly at each other's throats. I am going back to school with the belief that I will find a job that is filled with nice, wonderful nurses, etc. I was so turned off to the nursing profession while still in school and with my first job out of school because of the "vicious" people. The LPN's at the hospital I worked at got treated like "nobodies" and the sad part was that they knew more in that field than the RN's (a new RN told me she would rather ask the LPN's on the floor a question over the RN's). These LPN's worked there for a long time. EXPERIENCE gives you skills not the classroom. Susie, I feel that you have a jealousy toward LPN's otherwise you wouldn't have posted that kind of question. Why do you care why LPN's don't want to go on for their RN degree? YES it is great to have your RN, there are more benefits........like not being belittled by bitter RN's! Iris was 100% right in her post to you. You didn't have to say LPN's are useless, you did a great job INSINUATING(sp.) it! I think everyone can "read between the lines!"

Melissa

OK, this is one thread I would prefer to never see again...

LPN's are an essential part of the health care team, period! Would I be happy with that scope of practice? No. But thats just me. I have worked with some wonderful LPN's over the years. I have also worked with some absolutely terrible RNs. I chose to become an LPN to gain greater experience while working on my BSN. But not everyone chooses that path and thats fine. And please, every day someone asks me why I'm a nurse and not a PA. 4 years is 4 years right. So Suzy, why didn't you become a PA? Get my point? We need CNAs, LPNs, RNs, all of us. In fact the only place I dont see a shortage is administration! LOL A little more unity and maybe we could affect a positive change for our profession. Just a thought, and much love everybody!

Originally posted by C.LO

I feel that LPN's are not neccessary for patient health care.

I don't think Suzy did anything wrong. THis statement is what got some ppl upset. You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but such a simple statement can say alot.

I love working w/ ppl. I love what I do.I get to help ppl in a way I never could before.

I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE the opportunity to get my RN, but for now, it's just not feasible.

I have worked beside some AWESOME RN's who have helped me so much along the way, and to be honest, I feel as equals (for the most part) because we are looking at the same goal and work as a team... not seperates.

If i have offended ANYONE...I apologize in advance.:chair:

Just want to say I am an LPN, and proud to be one. I make 18.59 and hour (just got a raise). In every newpaper around this area there are jobs for both RN and LPN. As I have always said, it is teamwork. We need to work together. We need to stick together no matter what level of education, or what initials are in front of the N for nurse.

Specializes in LDRP; Education.
Originally posted by ER hippie

So Suzy, why didn't you become a PA? Get my point?

Actually, this thread is two years old, but since you directly addressed me I will answer.

I guess I don't see what's so offensive when people question me about my career choice. When they ask me why I became an RN or why I didn't go to medical school or even currently, why am I in grad school and NOT going for an NP, I simply explain my reasonings for my choices.

I am not a PA because I enjoy the nursing aspect vs the medical model. I also wanted to work in labor and delivery but did not want to be an obstetrician. I loved science and was actually a biological major, even sat for the MCAT *just in case* to keep all my doors open, but I didn't feel the rewards for being a doc were worth the investment. In fact, had I gone to medical school I probably would have been a pathologist. I have varying reasons for alot of things and I guess I don't mind people asking me.

If I had to do it all over again this is how I would have done it. Become an LPN first when my children were small, because the program is shorter and less expensive and I could have still cared for patients and be employed. Next, go to RN school because I would have many credits applied to the RN program.

During nursing school LPNs were so nice and helpful to me on the floor. They were hardworking and taught me many things. I will always be grateful. I know that there are good and bad LPNs and RNs and it is not the degree or diploma, but the character of the nurse that makes for a good or bad nurse.

My friend is a sophmore in a BSN program. She will complete the program when she is 49 years old. She will owe $60,000 in student loans when she is finished. That will translate to almost 10 years of payment if she pays $500 a month. For someone who is older it makes more sense to attend a ADN or diploma program. This way a person can work as an RN and receive tuition reimbursment from their employer (If they choose to work for an employer who has this option) while completing their BSN.

Everyone is different, and not every path or choice will be the same. As for status-we are all part of the healthcare team. Good luck in your career.

Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Hey Suzy !

I'll attempt to answer your question factually.

I had always wanted to be a nurse, but you know, I never even considered RN. I truly WANTED to become an LPN for many, may years. What I liked about it was the "hands on", the skills. I saw the RNs stuck behind the desk most of the time, up to their ears in charting and other paperwork. Not my thing. I was truly under the impression that if I went the RN route, that's what I, too, would end up doing, and I shuddered at the thought.

In the A.F. many moons ago, I was a med-tech (medic) and what we did was very similar to LPN civilian style. As a matter of fact, there were only RNs and medics.. no LPNs in the service. I LOVED every moment of it. So I had always thought if I ever got it together enough to go to finally be a nurse, I would do LPN.

It wasn't until my current DON at the dialysis clinic where I started 6 yrs ago as a PCT called me into her office one day, sat me down, and said " Jnette, I have to tell you this...take it for what it's worth... you would make one FABULOUS RN." :eek:

I was stunned. Speechless. What really did it for me was her genuine sincerity. A lot of people SAY things, kinda "off-hand", but she truly MEANT it, and it was evident.

Perhaps I had never had enough confidence in mySELF to persue the RN route. I didn't think I could handle all the chemistry, math, and courses that weren't relative to the "hands-on" which I so dearly loved. I have the "other" brain, y'know? More favorable to arts, music, languages, etc. ;)

But that day was the defining moment for me. Her confidence in me and my abilities was the turning point. I shall remain eternally indebted to her, for she saw in me things which I did not. The DESIRE was there, yes, but SHE saw the ABILITY as well.

Perhaps this is why some choose to go LPN as opposed to RN. I had a very broad education growing up, and knew what I hated...math, physics, chemistry... and knew that RN school would entail a lot of that. So I had chosen to avoid it and stick with what I loved.. hands on, and also avoid the paperwars.

But I also know now, that had I gone LPN, I would have wanted then to go one higher yet... I would have wanted to "hang blood", etc. I would have seen things RNs were doing that I, too, would have wanted to do. It would have been like a little nagging voice inside of me which I could not silence.

I am so glad I got the lead out and took her advice. I want you to know that I was a TERRIBLE student in all my growing up years.. the eternal daydreamer, just barely sqeaked by each year. I'm going to toot my own horn now and let everybody know that when you WANT something, and it INTERESTS you, it's a whole different story ! I graduated with a 4.0. !!! And all because one genuine, kind, sincere, and uplifting RN had the goodness of heart and mind to encourage another person to become all that she could be.

Just some thoughts there on why some prefer to go the LPN route.

Either way , let us celebrate each other. We're all one body and we all need each other. No part of this body is less valuable, we each play an important role, and would have difficulty functioning without each other. I know you were not implying anything different, and your question was an honest one. I appreciate the honesty.

I'm going back to school to become an LPN. I had considered being an RN, but for where I am in my life right now, LPN is better for me. I will be working as a nurse sooner, & I can always go on to become an RN later, if I choose. Mainly, though, I decided to go the LPN route because I'll be a nurse, have more responsibility than now being a CNA, but I still want the patient interaction. I know all nurses have paperwork & stuff, but it just seems (where I work, anyway) that some of the RN's aren't too happy because they'd rather be in taking care of the patient, even just talking to them rather than typing out all the paperwork. We all work together, the RNs, LPNS, & CNAs... & that's the point of it all, right?? To be there for the patients & get them well enough to leave. :D

I am also interested to hear where LPN's can't find jobs?? Here in CT, there are many openings for LPN's. As a matter of fact, usually in the Sunday paper, you will find them listed as RN/LPN, meaning that the job they are trying to fill, can be filled by either. Also, where I work, the RN's(only 4, the rest lpn's)do not see us as someone that they have to look after etc....BTW, I get paid $25/hr, much more than some of my RN friends who work in the hospital. So, the pay is good, for the most part working conditions are good.

This subject of lpn vs rn has been overkilled. There is room for all of us.

JUDE

Originally posted by realnursealso/LPN

I'm really interested where it is that LPN's can't find jobs? In my area it is no problem, and the pay is wonderful. Hey Suzy...the saying goes if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Guess I'll follow my own advise. I am so tired of this debate. It is on here in some form or another pretty often. Oh and Ann Landers says when someone asks a question that is anoying you are supposed to say: Why would you ask? Have a nice day.

------------------

LOL. Looks like all the advice to use search is turning up some old threads! That's ok. I'll answer answer the question!

My plan was always to be either a nurse or a teacher. I had initially planned to go to the University of Buffalo do a year of liberal arts and try to settle on my major. However, my guidance counselor told me I would not get into college .... even junior college...because I wasn't bright enough. He recommended that I go to vocational school.

Now before all the LPN's get their knickers in knots......THAT IS THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR IN 1970 WHO SAID THIS!!! IT DOES NOT REFLECT THE OPINION OF THE WRITER!!!

So I became an LPN. And although I still resent the poor advice of my counselor, I am eternally grateful for the education I received from my LPN instuctors. Learned things I will never forget and still use those skills today.

I worked full time as an LPN and went on to achieve my AAS degree in nursing working full time nights and going to school full time. I was a deans list graduate and damn proud of it......guess my counselor missed something.....

There have been many times when I have considered getting my BSN, but for many years I was so busy and very successful in my career without the added degree. Lets see.... asst mgr, supervisor, quality mgt , CEN, case mgr, critical care..team leader...I don't go on now because after all this time..... I no longer want to!! (GP)

Wow. I think thats my longest post ever!!!!

Specializes in LDRP; Education.
Originally posted by jude11142

I am also interested to hear where LPN's can't find jobs?? Here in CT, there are many openings for LPN's. As a matter of fact, usually in the Sunday paper, you will find them listed as RN/LPN, meaning that the job they are trying to fill, can be filled by either. Also, where I work, the RN's(only 4, the rest lpn's)do not see us as someone that they have to look after etc....BTW, I get paid $25/hr, much more than some of my RN friends who work in the hospital. So, the pay is good, for the most part working conditions are good.

This subject of lpn vs rn has been overkilled. There is room for all of us.

JUDE

Hey Jude,

Again, the thread is two years old - going on three. When I posted the thread, LPNs were being eliminated and there were not many job opportunities.

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