I understand why people go the LPN route

[downsouthlaff]

Well, I'm tired of living the way I'm living working as a CNA and EMT never having anytime off breaking my back and getting nowhere still not cracking 10 dollars per hour in either job. I've decided to enroll in a nursing program as soon as possible. Although RN is where my hopes lie, LPN seems a little more realistic right now. I know there limited in employment but I feel that I can make a good male Long Term Care Nurse. And 16 dollars and hour sounds better right now than 8 dollars an hour and 9.50 an hour. I've been working in LTC as a CNA for almost a year and I do like the environment besides all of its shortfalls. I know it's gonna be hard but to me it's more realistic. I can walk into vo/tech next semester and begin my actual second semester of LPN nursing school and learn actual nursing. If I go RN route it would take 2-3 years of absolutely going all out to earn a GPA high enough just for a chance at the RN program. I know that LPNs are not RNs and there's a reason why it takes longer and more prereqs but LPN is really appealing to me right now. And I know that if I retain employment at my current facility would hire me upon completion, and the starting pay is 16 dollars an hour but Nurses at my facility can earn up to 23 dollars an hour (LPNs) . The next time someone asks you why you didn't go straight for RN tell them, Have you tried it? It's not an easy road. I know that LPN school is gonna be hard as all get out for me but I feel it's something I need to do, I want to have a career that's i can truly live on. Any input?

[PalmHarborMom]

I am currently in a BSN program and do ask my preceptors about where they went to school, etc just to get an idea of how they came through the ranks. It is interesting that some of the best preceptors that I have had started out as CNA's. One in particular started as a CNA, then did an LPN program, did the LPN-RN bridge and is currently in a RN-BSN program. And she is WONDERFUL! There was another preceptor that had traveled the same route and it now earning her masters. Everyone has a path to travel, each is different... a person's path to their is goal is of no difference to the patient. It is awesome that you are furthering your education.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Being a LPN first is working out for me.

If you look in the right places, there isn't that big of a gap between LPN wages and RN wages.

And by a LPN allows one to peruse RN at their leisure. I can't imagine trying to go through RN school making aide/tech wages....

[Marshall1]

As an LPN working in home care, LTC, hospice or for the Feds seems, at least where I live and the LPN's I know, to pay well. So it would be something short term in getting you more money, better working conditions (i.e. possibly not having to work 2 jobs). You can decide then as to go on or not. One thing, again I can only speak to the area I live, nursing schools are full and the wait lists are long at most places..I'm also not sure how flexible the RN program would be vs the LPN. When I went it was M-F, I worked weekends but was able to because I lived at home/wasn't married. You have to obviously decide for yourself but in my humble opinion and w/the job market being as saturated as it is w/new grads and jobs tough to get, LPN seems the more reasonable/fast way to go...regardless..good for you for wanting to move onto something else. You will do fine in school Good luck.

[nervousnurse, ASN]

I just want to say GOOD for you, and I'm excited for you to get your LPN! I also wanted to let you know that it makes me SO MAD how much they underpay EMTs!!! (and CNA's too!) Many, many years ago, I started as an aide in an Emergency Room......once I heard how LITTLE they pay EMTs/Paramedics, I was shocked. You are the *first* ones on the scene who are stabilizing someone at some of the most CRITICAL/ LIFE-THREATENING events of their lives, and it honestly INFURIATES me that they don't pay you more!!!

I'm glad you like LTC, and you sound like you will make an excellent LPN!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

YIKES. That salary is INSANE. When I worked as a CNA for two years I was getting $15-17/hr. But I do agree the LVN/LPN route is a great choice. You work with RNs and the rest of the medical field as an LVN and get to see and experience different aspects of nursing. YOU ARE HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

^ I second THIS!!!

As a LPN, now a RN...my experience in Pediatrics for seven years did play a factor, although I am a new grad.

I also enjoyed working in a Rehab Hospital working with trauma pts, trach/vent nursing, wound care, orthopedic surgeons and cast room. There are endless opportunities to be a LPN...even when there is talk of "phasing out," there are still ways to work and gain WONDERFUL experience.

I am grateful of my years of being a LPN, but I wanted to be able to be certified in the specialties I worked in, as well as have more flexibility in my scope; so I went back to school after 5 years of being a LPN and choose an accelerated degree part time program while I worked in a medical daycare (also called an Pediatric extended care facility).

I was able to land a job as a PICU nurse a a new grad. After my first year, I will have the salary of a 4-year RN due to my facility's clinical ladder model-1 yr of LPN experience is equivalent to 0.5 yr of a RN-so the perks of being a LPN in terms if salary are a plus too when you transition, in addition to the knowledge you will be able to build on. :)

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I can't imagine trying to go through RN school making aide/tech wages....

^I did the first time; in addition having test anxiety-YIKES!!! :yikes:

I then went the PN route. It was an improvement on focusing on the nursing aspects, critical thinking, knowledge of scopes, art and science of nursing skills. VERY supportive in leaning test taking skills, coping, and anything in between. Much more prepared when entering a BSN program, especially when the subjects and the scope expansion are increased...my mind expanded to fit on the LPN base.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Did you go to school m-f or on select days and how did you set your work schedule?

I worked 32 hour weekend doubles as an LVN in a nursing home while attending an RN bridge program. My work schedule consisted of 16-hour shifts every Saturday and Sunday, which enabled me to have Monday through Friday off to focus on school.

I attended school (RN completion program) every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuesdays and Thursdays were the classroom days from 1pm to 5pm, while the 8-hour clinical shift took place every Wednesday.

[AZMOMO2]

I worked as an LPN for 2.5 years and recently finished RN and I recommend it! Everyone has their reasons for choosing the path that they do. It's your choice and yes, making a better living is a great benefit.

[beckyboo1, BSN, RN]

YIKES. That salary is INSANE. When I worked as a CNA for two years I was getting $15-17/hr. But I do agree the LVN/LPN route is a great choice. You work with RNs and the rest of the medical field as an LVN and get to see and experience different aspects of nursing. YOU ARE HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

ECBui, where do you live? In MO, LPNs make $15-18 an hour, or at least around here. CNAs don't make anywhere near that.

[SCSTxRN]

I'm a (straight to) RN - I was a career changer. My 17 year old just finished his CNA, and I've offered to pay for LVN school for him, but refuse to contribute to RN school.

I use the same logic as stated above - decent living, one year (or 18 month) program, flexible scheduling, bridge to RN later... etc. I think it's awesome.

If I were doing it from the beginning, I would have done LVN right out of high school.

[Love78]

This is the same reason I did LPN too. I don't regret it at all.

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

Being an LPN before getting my RN was a smart move, for several reasons besides pay. I stayed an LPN for longer than I intended to, but it's still one of the best things I've ever done.