Are you content at LVN level?

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Hello! I'm in the first couple of months of an RN program right now that allows you to stop off after a year and take the LVN test. I'm considering doing that and not continuing on for my RN. Everyone is telling me that's a bad decision because LVNs don't make much money and the work is harder and blah blah blah. And most of the LVNs I come across tell me how bad they want to go back to school! Well my question is to the LVNs. Do you like your jobs? Are you able to support yourself financially? I don't have any kids, and don't plan on having any either, it's just me. I'm not going into this field to be rich, I just want to work with patients. Isn't a normal person able to survive on an LVN paycheck?? I think it's madness that it's viewed as such a rediculous thing for me not to get additional licensure. What do ya'll think?

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I think you should do it but FINISH to become a RN. I say this because some people may take the test, become a LPN and not go back.

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I think you should do it but FINISH to become a RN. I say this because some people may take the test, become a LPN and not go back.

...but why is there such pressure to "go back"?

I know I sound completely ignorant here, but isn't being an LVN a good enough job?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I was in a 1+1 program in Las Vegas where you did one year of pre-reqs for the RN program, did one year, took the PN NCLEX and then went on one more year for the RN (ADN). I did the one year of pre-reqs, did the LPN year, took the NCLEX but then hubby got orders to move...so my education was interrupted. However, I continued immediately when we moved and did the ADN bridge from LPN to RN. Never ever regretted it.

With the economy bad, more education is where its at! Don't stop at the LPN. Its not only the money. You have to think ahead to when you get a little older and might want somethingless physically demanding and the RN will give you more options.

You're going to have some decisions to make. Hopefully, we will give you some varying views.

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I'm in the second year of a 1+1 and my advice is to keep on going. The LPN license has been very good to me (financially) but NO I do not like my job at all. I work in a skilled nursing/long term care facility and it's hell on Earth to put it mildly. The nurse patient ratio is horrendous and I'm sorry but I am just NOT paid enough for all that I do.

I know that some LPNs work in states where the hospital jobs are plentiful but in my area they are not. There are only a handful of hospitals that hire LPNs and the ones that do don't hire a lot of us. I'm not even keen on working in the hospital anyway because I have a few friends that do and they complain about being looked down on by the RNs.

Don't do it to yourself if it's only going to be one more year to get the RN and you are already in the program just stick with it.

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I was not happy with being an LPN. I am, bluntly, too bossy and bloody-minded to work under an RN. I resented the limited scope, the low pay, the high level of responsibility with little authority, and the sometimes condescending and supercilious RN's I dealt with.

Of course, it doesn't change a lot as an RN but it makes it possible to get off of LTC, doctors' offices, and med surg. And into a desk job when you realize you're too old for this stuff.

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Hello! I'm in the first couple of months of an RN program right now that allows you to stop off after a year and take the LVN test. I'm considering doing that and not continuing on for my RN. Everyone is telling me that's a bad decision because LVNs don't make much money and the work is harder and blah blah blah. And most of the LVNs I come across tell me how bad they want to go back to school! Well my question is to the LVNs. Do you like your jobs? Are you able to support yourself financially? I don't have any kids, and don't plan on having any either, it's just me. I'm not going into this field to be rich, I just want to work with patients. Isn't a normal person able to survive on an LVN paycheck?? I think it's madness that it's viewed as such a rediculous thing for me not to get additional licensure. What do ya'll think?

Honestly i am not contended at LVN level. I love my work, confident with what im doing and okay w/ the hourly rate.But i feel the need to pursue my career in this field rather than just being "okay" as LVN. Right now, I need strong motivation to start my pre req's for the RN program. I will be taking online classes for a start at college network and continue at Indiana State University (online) I just hope i'll be doing the right thing. :typing

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I don't think you should stop. I started out at a community college and did my prereq's then I applied there and at a university. I got into both and decided to go to the university. I went and found out I was having a baby and stopped, against my advisor's judgment. You shouldn't stop because it can take a while to get in and anything could happen to derail you. I would have graduated this year with my BSN, but instead here I am in an LPN program and wishing I had dragged my pregnant behind to class. Point is, you are there, go ahead and do it. When I'm done with LPN program I have no interest in stopping because you get comfortable and if you return it may take years and that's if you ever return. Just keep going and get the RN done and over with. I know I wish I did. I don't know the reasons why you feel that way, but just go ahead and do it. You'll be glad you did.

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

For what it is worth, I feel the same way you do. I do believe that RNs have more opportunities and make more money, but I don't want to do it. I do feel, however, that since you are in a program that incorporates both, try and see if you can complete the RN program. I don't plan to become an RN myself...I make decent money. I do work in a hospital and while I have a great deal of responsibility, the RN has much more than I personally desire to acquire. I already own a home from an inheritance, no mortgage to pay, am married and can live decently. I don't plan to move, and am content, mainly because I am not in the situation where I am paying the high rents or house payments most of my friends are.

Bottom line, though, is that you have to live for yourself. Don't let anyone influence you to do what you don't want to. I have had too many people say that I should become an RN. I don't regret or nor desire in the least bit to become one. It is very true that if you stop now, life may interfere and prevent or distract you from going back at a later date for the RN. But, if you are determined enough, nothing will stop you.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Well my question is to the LVNs. Do you like your jobs? Are you able to support yourself financially? I don't have any kids, and don't plan on having any either, it's just me. I'm not going into this field to be rich, I just want to work with patients. Isn't a normal person able to survive on an LVN paycheck?? I think it's madness that it's viewed as such a rediculous thing for me not to get additional licensure. What do ya'll think?

I'm an LVN in the DFW metroplex of Texas. Although there are plenty of opportunities for around here, the nursing homes, home health, and staffing agencies are the only workplaces that pay LVNs well. If I worked at a hospital, clinic, doctors' office, psychiatric facility, or other setting, I would have to accept a huge pay cut.

I am single with no children, and am able to support myself on LVN pay. In fact, I will surpass the $50,000 mark this year if I am still employed on December 31. However, I had to work overtime shifts and two jobs during the early part of this year to get there. I am pursuing my RN licensure because I want and need the extra money.

Virtually all of my LVN coworkers would salivate with pride if they had their RN. With the exception of nurses who are nearing retirement, all of my LVN coworkers and friends want their RN. In addition, it is difficult to get accepted into an RN program in this area due to the fierce competition. While I live in Fort Worth, I will be attending an RN program in Oklahoma because I wish to wait no longer.

However, remaining an LVN is a personal choice that is nobody's business but yours. If you want to remain an LVN, you owe an explanation to no one. Good luck to you.

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...but why is there such pressure to "go back"?

I know I sound completely ignorant here, but isn't being an LVN a good enough job?

Yes, it is good enough but others will tell you differently. I hear it daily. I may or may not go back to be an RN if only for the pay. Besides that I am proud to be an LPN and feel quite content as one. This is the LPN forum, there should only be praise here for LPNs and nothing less. Also, I know many LPNs that are quite satisfied with their salaries and dont want to be an RN for whatever the reason. If you choose to do LPN (shorter time) you can always change your mind and continue on, if you choose RN (longer time) and dont pass or cant finish for whatever the reason, you are left with nothing. Ive seen this too. Good luck to you in whatever you choose.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
In fact, I will surpass the $50,000 mark this year if I am still employed on December 31. However, I had to work overtime shifts and two jobs during the early part of this year to get there. I am pursuing my RN licensure because I want and need the extra money

I went through a 1+1 program and was tempted to stop. I make $56,000 a year working 3 x 12 a week. I couldn't do that as an LPN.

With the cost of living and the economy as it is the extra money is a tremendous benefit :twocents:

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