Are you happy being an LPN?

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Hi, all. I was just wondering how many of you are really, truly happy being an LPN? I'm 28, and have been an LPN for 8 years now. I work in primary care, with super awesome hours, M-F, 8-430, no weekends/holidays. I have toyed with the idea of returning to school for my RN, but have realized that in my clinic (VA Medical Center,) the RN's don't do much hands on care. They sit behind a desk, and triage phone calls. For years, I wanted to go back to school and get my RN, just to have that title. The more I look into it, the more unappealing it seems to me. I love being hands on, but I don't want to be on a med cart on a hospital floor. I think if I did go back it would be solely money driven (as horrible as that sounds,) however, I am at the middle of the LPN pay scale ($24.80/hr), and I live pretty comfortably with that. It would take me 3 years starting this fall, and that's if I got into the actual program after my pre-reqs are done. I'm terribly indecisive. Just looking for stories from other, advice, or inspiration. Thanks :)

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Go back to school! I'm not an LPN yet, just starting the program, I'm 32, with an 8 year old, I make $20.91/hr and I feel like I'm struggling.. the cost of living will only become more challenging, get it now while you can.. the years will fly by.. and there are plenty more things you can do as RN, teach, school nurse(for your hands on needs) do some research.. pray on it and act!

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I started out with an RN program, but did not make it through. I recently just graduated with my LPN. It took me 3 years just to get it, but I am ecstatic more than anything. It represents who I am as a person and everything I stand for. One thing I have learned at my job is that there are people out there who have no ambition to continue their nursing education. Since you have the want and the drive, go for it! There will be more opportunities in the future that will present themselves that you would never have even considered had you not graduated with your RN. Good luck to you!!

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I recently just failed lit of RN program. I'm now applying for the LPN program I pray I make it in. I'm

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I was very happy as an LPN when I lived in MO. I was not happy as an LPN once I moved to FL based on the change in scope of practice and overall how I was treated.

It's what made me go back to school. Well, that and I wanted more employment options.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I'm lying here in a very nice hotel with daily meal allowances and mileage reimbursement to boot, all compliments of my non-patient new job. Had I not been forced back to school, I'd be nearly three hours into my normal twelve-hour shift, probably taking report on patient #6 or 7, while my med pass gets further delayed, and my drug-seekers skipping joyfully up the hall with a pain level of 12 on a scale of 1-10.

I didn't want to return to school, but HALLELUJAH!! I'm so glad I did!! June marks 7 RN years after 24 years of being an LPN. As they say, your mileage may vary.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
I was very happy as an LPN when I lived in MO. I was not happy as an LPN once I moved to FL based on the change in scope of practice and overall how I was treated.

It's what made me go back to school. Well, that and I wanted more employment options.

Scottishtape, I just noticed your accomplishments! I was like, whoa, how did I miss that?!??!! But then I looked back and your good news was during the time that I was in deep transitioning to my new job. CONGRATULATIONS to you and in advance for your BSN completion!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

MelissaLPN2RN, you do know that you can do a great deal or ALL of your bridge to RN online, don't you? Do some research with your state's BON, and compare an online degree to your future goals. Studying at your own pace can expedite those three years and bring them down to one year or a little over if you're highly motivated.

Helpful resources that I used: CLEP, instantcert.com, mystudygroup101.com

These are inexpensive (all under $100) and are great for knocking out those pre-reqs in a matter of months without sitting in a classroom. Find out if your college of choice accepts CLEP credits (most, if not all of them do), and you can begin knocking those out prior to even enrolling or applying to a college. CLEP stores those credits for you, and when you're ready, simply request that your CLEP scores be sent to your desired college.

Just because you're not sure about pursuing your education now, it doesn't mean that you won't be ready later. I had taken sporadic CLEP exams since 2002, until I was forced back to school in 2009. Those credits being taken 'every now and then' really paid off when I found out that they were good for 25 years, and were accepted in my college of choice.

Ultimately, it's your choice. But that's what I would suggest until you are absolutely certain that you're NOT going on to RN.

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I'm about 20 years older than "New_Me". I can't imagine taking student loans to my grave as I continue to age. I have a lot of schooling in several areas including high-tech.

I don't have to prove my academic abilities to anyone and I'm able to pay my bills and live comfortably etc.

Time is another hinderance to RN school...I barely have time for a single class right now.

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Thank you all for your stories/input. I have a lot of anxiety with how I am going to balance work, home, and school. I know it can be done. I do plan on taking as much as I can online so I can do it at my own pace. There is a community college about 2 hours away from me that does the LPN to ADN bridge all online, and you do clinicals at approved sites near your home every weekend. For now, I am just going to enroll in pre-reqs and get those started. Also, and I don't mean to offend anyone over 30, but I feel like anything I do after 30 makes me too old. I know it sounds irrational, but its just a personal thing I need to overcome! I should just keep my mouth shut because my wonderful mom went back for her LPN at 36, and finished at 38. She's 52 now, and never had a desire to go back for her RN.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I have been an LVN for 7 years & when my first son is in pre-k or kinder my second son will go to daycare & I will start applying to the bridge program in my town. I can't wait! I love being a nurse but there aren't many job opportunities in my town unless I drive over an hour. Also at that I screwed up as an LVN & job hopped at lot, add to that not working since I had my first son (in 2014). So I will get a fresh start as an RN. I can't wait!

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Scottishtape, I just noticed your accomplishments! I was like, whoa, how did I miss that?!??!! But then I looked back and your good news was during the time that I was in deep transitioning to my new job. CONGRATULATIONS to you and in advance for your BSN completion!!

Hahaha. Thank you! It's been a whirlwind year. It's amazing how all encompassing it is, then it's over in a blink of an eye!

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