Are You Satisfied??

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hi all, just trying to get a feel (as I am waiting to find out if I am accepted into the LPN Program at school) as to how many of you are satisfied being an LPN. Do you enjoy your job? Do you plan on remaining an LPN or going on for the RN? What fields do you work in?

Many thanks for your replies and blessings to all!:)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi and welcome. I went to nursing school in 1990 and became an LPN in 1992. I knew all along that RN was my goal, so I just continued and completed the ADN program in 1994. Wasn't satisfied with that, so then went back, dd a BSN, MSN and post-MSN certificate.

Personally, I think that resting on your laurels can lead to stagnation. In the midwest (IN and IL) where I've worked, LPNs are limited in job opportunities. This certainly might not be the case in your area. So...in order to have more opportunities, I went back to school. When I was an LPN, I worked full-time in a nursing home and sub-acute unit to be exact.

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Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

Hi! i have to say I personally am satisfied with being an LPN.I absolutely love my job at a residential center for abused children.I make decent money.I own two houses free and clear of mortgage,I guess Im doing pretty well.Honestly the only reason I have contemplated going for my RN was because I know Im smart enough,and its just a prestige thing for me.I have thought about going for my RN for those reasons.

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I have found that LPN is limiting. There just are not enough job opportunities for LPN. Where I have been there are multiple schools pumping out both LPNs and RNs. Additionally we have to compete (although lately the retrogression seems to have slowed things) with foreign graduates for even the low end jobs. No employer has ever offered me any incentives. I started out in school for RN but was unable to complete the program, now, again, I am trying to finish the impossible. At my age, it is not a matter of personal accomplishment or pride, just that I need work. I can't find work at the LPN level. I am hoping that RN will make the difference.

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I have been a LPN for 13 years....I am now 50 years old.

I love what i do....BUT if I had to do it again I would go for my RN....

Proud to be a LPN...

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am new to the field as well, but I can say that I would not continue to pursue the RN. I took a great deal of time studying myself and while I am the type that does take initiative, I do not wish to deal with the stress that the RNs are encountering. I do like being an LPN, because I just wanted to be a NURSE...and was never interested in being loaded down with more than basic information. I do continue to study things as I come across them, however, I don't have the stress of trying to learn something to make the grade, or to totally make decisions alone. I am more interested in working with the patients directly, so, administrative and management positions would not interest me. Thus far, I have had many opportunities to work in interesting places. I work for two agencies, one in home care and another where I go to army bases to give vaccinations. My main position is working in a clinic. I enjoy that, but the politics and pettiness between nurses tick me off. I get paid more in home care than I do elsewhere, so, I see me branching off there.

What usually happens is once an LPN is working CLOSER to the RN and sharing more duties, it gives most of them the incentive to go further. And, for many, depending on where they live, or what type of work they prefer do feel limited. Some LPNs feel that they are not respected as nurses, yet, do a similar job to the RN thus, seek financial compensation for this, and I don't blame them...I just know that entering into any other nursing school is not for ME. You'll be able to make that decision for yourself if and when you complete an LPN program, and there are so many ways to obtain your RN if you desire. There are bridge programs, on line programs, and there is private school. Best wishes on launching your career!

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.
hi all, just trying to get a feel (as i am waiting to find out if i am accepted into the lpn program at school) as to how many of you are satisfied being an lpn. do you enjoy your job? do you plan on remaining an lpn or going on for the rn? what fields do you work in?

many thanks for your replies and blessings to all!:)

no, i'm really not satisfied with being an lpn; been one nearly 22 years and still haven't found my "niche". i'd love to become an rn(and have been encouraged to do so by many supervisors) but here are my obstacles: 1)turning 50 is right around the corner;2) i've always been an average student(b's and c's). 3) facing the competitive crowd to try to get into an rn program tends to frighten me. i'd have to repeat so many courses that were taken 25-30 years ago and there's bound to be competition to even get into those classes that i'd have to repeat....so i've dragged my feet all these years and, sure enough like our instructors warned 22 years ago, lpn opportunities are becoming fewer and more limiting. i currently work in a mental health field setting; our facility is offering an 18-month "fast-track" rn program in conjunction with a nearby college....so i'm kind of thinking it over again......

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Drifternurse

Sounds as if that fast track program offered by your facility is your way accomplish the goal. Look into it.

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