Are you content at LVN level?

[53Kalypso]

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?

[Ladysherry]

I am an LPN/LVN and have been for 26 years. as I love my Job as a Charge nurse on a Rehap long term care facility There are a lot of things I still have to have an RN do for me like mix IV's and doing assesments have to be done by the RN I am now at age 59 working full time and doing home study for my RN please rethink about finishing school its not all about the money.. and yes have seen a large jump in pay for the last 26 years ,, its also about being the best you can be and doing it for your self.

happy learning

Ladysherry

[FlowerbuddRN]

I never intended on staying an LPN. My brother who is a NP advised me to get my LPN so I could work as a nurse ( as long as it was in a hospital) while I went to school, then bridge, and then do my BSN online. I am grateful I have taken his advice because I have gotten such fantastic experience and assessment skills! My co-workers are sometimes asking me questions. I was fortunate to get in on a med-surg unit where I was able to team lead on patients, and then transfer to pediatrics, where all I do is take my own patients. All I am restricted from doing is pushing IV, ( we never have anything but IVIG in way of blood products ) working the unit with just a unit secretary when we are low census, and the RN I work with has to sign her name under mine on my chart. Basically I work totally independant, and I love it. They let me work the same when I did med-surg, of course being available if I needed help or had questions, but we each had 7-8 patients and it was busy there. I feel more than prepared for the bridge program I am starting in January. I've run into prejudice sometimes about LPN's which upsets me, because I think people have a skewed view on what an LPN does. Having a friend who does LTC, they don't realize often there is no RN on premises, and LPN's are often the only nurse there... 1 nurse to 30-40 pt's, maybe more!

While I do know a few LPN's who have no desire to take on the extra responsibility of an RN, and can fully understand that, I agree that there are areas I want to work that are not open to LPN, AND at work I am required to function almost in the same exact role as my RN co-workers, I even had to take PALS..and I make at least 10.00 less without diffs. For someone who is young, and doesn't have to worry now about kids I'd def take advantage of that. I am doing school with 5 kids and a husband.

[momtojosh]

ladysherry.......what homestudy are you going thru....is it hard.....what pre reqs do you need to get in? i need college math,and chem.....all my other credits from college many moons ago transfer......i hate math!!

let me know ok.....i see yoiu dont have an email addy.......you can email me if ya want.....

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

momtojosh, you can't do most distance learning programs unless you are elready a paramedic, rrt, or LPN.

[momtojosh]

i am a LPN......

so does anyone have any info

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

i am a LPN......

so does anyone have any info

Go to the Distance Learning forum and read the sticky on top entitled "Read before you post - tips regarding distance program." Then start reading and posting.

:)