Which way should I go, LPN or RN? Need input please!

allnurses Guide · Jan 16, 2006

It depends on what kind of nursing you want to do. LVN's are limited in their scope of practice and mostly work LTC where I live. There are LVN's in acute but they are all in bridge programs to become RN's. While working in acute, the LVN has to rely on the RN to do the initial assessment of the patient and can't do IV meds or start IV's unless IV certified.

LTC is an admirable career choice - my grandmother was in LTC during the last year of her life and I appreciated the great care she received. Our elderly deserve the best.

However, if you want to be an RN, I'd go RN.

But you need the unequivocal support of your husband.

Best wishes.

steph

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2006

Possessing an RN license will open up endless career opportunities.

Possessing an LPN license will open up some career opportunities.

RNs tend to have a choice in where they work, whereas LPNs/LVNs are slowly but surely being limited to employment in long term care facilities. Overall, I think the RN license will be worth it in the long run.

lgoffe · Jan 17, 2006

:wink2: Like they said you need to know where you want to end up. If it is cheaper to go RN then do it!! You have to make sacrifices if you want the career. When I started college my 2 youngest children were 1 year and and my oldest was entering kindergarden. It WAS hard my mom was gone, my dad don't do 'sitting' and his parents are 8 hrs away!!

It is very rewarding now though even if we did have to give up alot. In the same note though I want to go on for my RN now and still work as an LPN but now the twins are in school.

Good Luck in which ever you decide it is a long haul no matter what

Linda

RN34TX · Jan 17, 2006

Doing LPN first was the best choice for me at that time, but I don't recommend it.

I loved it at first, then as I gained experience over the years, I not only felt very limited in the number of areas where I could work ( I wanted something more than just med/surg or LTC) but I ended up working with many RN's (not all, don't jump to conclusions people) whom I not only oriented to the job myself, but they really weren't pulling their weight and I became very resentful that by virtue of their title, they would always be making more money than me, even though I felt that I was providing a better quality of care to the patients than some of them were.

As a former LPN and now an RN, I am telling you that you will work just as hard as an RN for less money and a lot less opportunity and career options.

Again, for me, being an LPN first was the best thing, so I'm not trying to dog it.

But unless you have life situations (money, child care, etc.) preventing you from doing the RN program or not having access to an RN education (i.e. waiting lists) and you can pick from either program, the RN program will always give you a better return on your investment, IMHO.

DADENTY · Jan 17, 2006

I would do RN where I work the LPN's do basically the same jobs as the RN's and get paid a lot less. I started as an RN at 28.75, no experience. LPN at the top of the pay scale 10 yrs experience get paid 18.75 per hour. The only difference is- they cant do charge, take off docs orders or take verbal orders from the doc. Also cant IV push or initiate IV's. Although the training program is being implimented. Why do the same job for less money and respect when you have the choice?

nursemelani · Jan 17, 2006

Explain to your hubby that you will make at least 50% more money as an RN. Research pay rates for LPNs and RNs in your area and share the info with your hubby. He may be more willing to sacrifice when he thinks about how much more money you will make.

L&D_2b · Jan 17, 2006

I appreciate your honesty. I have the choice between either program, it's just that one is during the day and one is in the evening. I don't have anyone else to help with our children, except my husband. That's why I'm torn between the programs, even though the RN program would be a lot less in terms of tuition.

Thanks again for your advice.

Doing LPN first was the best choice for me at that time, but I don't recommend it.
I loved it at first, then as I gained experience over the years, I not only felt very limited in the number of areas where I could work ( I wanted something more than just med/surg or LTC) but I ended up working with many RN's (not all, don't jump to conclusions people) whom I not only oriented to the job myself, but they really weren't pulling their weight and I became very resentful that by virtue of their title, they would always be making more money than me, even though I felt that I was providing a better quality of care to the patients than some of them were.
As a former LPN and now an RN, I am telling you that you will work just as hard as an RN for less money and a lot less opportunity and career options.
Again, for me, being an LPN first was the best thing, so I'm not trying to dog it.
But unless you have life situations (money, child care, etc.) preventing you from doing the RN program or not having access to an RN education (i.e. waiting lists) and you can pick from either program, the RN program will always give you a better return on your investment, IMHO.