How many LPN's Don't Plan To Pursue the RN Title?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 21, 2010

I also do not plan to become an RN. For many years, I have wanted to become a nurse since I was always exposed to them...my grandmother was a supervising nurse of the OR, and I worked in health care all of my life. Once I started working in a psych hospital, I was able to see the difference between the functioning of the LPNs and RNs and always felt that the LPN route fit better to my personality. The same as you, I felt if I pursued it, it would only be because of what others felt, but I never wanted to become an RN in my heart. I also think that doing it would be unfair to myself, the patients and the facility I work for since I do not have the desire or drive to go any further in school.

I function best in the practical aspect of nursing-I am more skill based than a critical thinker. It's funny, because all of the nurses I work with think differently of me, but, I KNOW...I would not function effectively as an RN. I told them that what they see is a person who is organized within my own arena, but they would be sorely disappointed in me as an RN. At least I can admit that to myself or anyone who would listen. Bottom line is it is extremely important to assess yourself first to see if any route in life is really for you.

CalNevaMimi, LPN, LVN · Jun 22, 2010

I just started working as a school nurse. It's my first LVN position. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard, "Are you going to get your RN?" Please! Newsflash: I don't want to go to school anymore. I graduated from nursing school at 40 and already have a bachelor's degree that is unrelated to nursing or science. I like being well-rounded. But I do not wish to be the boss anymore. I know that the RN role is not for me and a higher paycheck does not motivate me to want to pursue it. I am so proud to have nursing as a second career and feel incredibly blessed to have this LVN position. I just wish people would pay attention to what they say and how they say it because they unknowingly offend LVNs.

CLUVRN, MSN, RN · Jun 22, 2010

Pagandeva2000 and NorCalMimi, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way!:)

guest2210 · Jun 22, 2010

I have been an LPN for 28 years. I have had no desire to go on for my RN. I am perfectly content as an LPN and this is what I was meant to do. :nurse:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 22, 2010

Pagandeva2000 and NorCalMimi, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way!:)

I have had so many strange looks from people when I say I don't want to do it...if I had a penny for each strange look or comment, I'd be so rich I wouldn't have to work at all.

I feel the same...I don't want to experience school ever again. This is enough for me. It doesn't have to be for anyone else.

Draweivets · Jun 22, 2010

there are no rules or law that require lpns to become rns (some states have tried, but their laws have always been overturned for various reasons)

when i first became a lpn i wanted to continue to become a rn. however, unlike today, when i first became a lpn in 1984 there was no formal lpn to rn programs that i knew of. the only way a lpn could become a rn was to start over from scratch. which was quite discouraging, because i didn't realize this until after i became a lpn. when i tried to seek credit for my lpn, i was told by several nursing programs that i had to start anew.

since then, i returned to school, but chose a non-nursing career which i believed would have true advancement with education and experience.

now, i have several advanced graduate degrees and am quite successful working in a non-nursing industry. likewise, i was able to work many times as a lpn while i was going to school or to supplement my income.

although i have worked in many diverse positions over the years, the lpn has been a real asset financially, cognitively, and professionally. and, although i have been a lpn for 26 years, i have no desire or need to be a rn.

you can choose whatever path you wish lpn, rn, or something completely different. also, many nursing schools give up to a year of credit to complete your rn, if that is your choice. regardless, you have earned your lpn so proudly use it as much, or as little as you wish.

Anne36, LPN · Jun 23, 2010

Im applying to LPN school in the fall and If I make it though I doubt that I will be pursuing an RN. I have 4 children and dont think that I can spare the time or money to go any further in my education. Im 39 and in my last class before I apply and Im already sick of how stressful school has been.

CLUVRN, MSN, RN · Jun 23, 2010

I am so glad to hear from LPN's who have had long, successful careers on this thread and I too plan to enjoy employment as an LPN for many years to come. I no longer feel the need to justify my remaining an LPN to anyone. Thanks, you guys for the support!

allnurses Guide · Jun 23, 2010

Well here is one more! :) Though I am still ambivalent about the whole thing, I'm not convinced it is worth it, because when I graduated, it was the heyday of the actual, real nursing shortage that so many people have a hard time accepting as not true anymore. I liked having the choice between clinic, hospital, MD office, because I knew I would be hired.

I've done many varied and fun jobs over the years, and I really do not want to graduate as an RN and have to scratch and claw my way into a job with 500+ applicants.

Also, my mind is still "old school" -- before the concept of marketing hit our field, and I would sooner throw myself off a cliff than brag about my "patient satisfaction scores", sell my dignity for a $10 Starbucks gift card, and be forced to say asinine things to the p a t i e n t, not the c u s t o m e r !

I left the field for a while raising kids, so I didn't experience it incrementally, adapting and accepting along the way. Yes, people will look down on you. They always have, and they always will. Just go on about living your life for yourself!!:)

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Jun 23, 2010

Me! I've been an LPN for 26 years. I started to go back for my RN, but it was basically start all over again (this was in the mid 90's), and I just didn't see the point.

I have burned out on bedside nursing, and pray to God that I can keep my current job with an insurance company (or something similar) til I can retire in 15 years!!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 23, 2010

I had a friend who went to LPN school with me and has tried to talk me into going back for the RN--saying "You'll get more respect. More opportunities, etc..." and I told her that I also know what I would NOT get and that is peace of mind and happiness.

Saw her a few weeks ago, since she became an RN and she told me "NOW, I understand what you meant...I thought I would have some satisfaction, but, for some reason it is worse." I told her (and sincerely meant it), that it really doesn't matter...the satisfaction and peace of mind must come from WITHIN, and once that happens, a person can feel that they have accomplished something whether they are an astrophysicist or pushing a broom down a street. I think that we need to pursue things without external expectations. In other words, if we feel from deep inside that we need to change our circumstances, that is one thing, but if we expect acceptance externally from others, it will NEVER happen. So, that is my advice for people, whether they decide to remain LPNs or move up the nursing ladder...do it for YOURSELF, because it is impossible to please others.