Are there any LPN's not going for RN?

[HippyDippyLPN]

I feel like I am the only LPN out of my class mates and co workers that isnt actively trying to pursue their RN. Is it so bad to " just " be an LPN? I am not saying that one day I may not look into it but I am pretty happy with my LPN license.

I work in a clinic and dont plan on leaving the clinic field so an RN would not benefit me much, only a couple $$ pay raise which by the time I got through school I would already be making that much due to raises. Also my LPN classes would not transfer so I would be starting from square one even in a bridge program. I already have a lot of experience as an LPN that really benefits me so I also would not be keen on being considered a new grad and having to trudge throught the new grad job market again. The first time was rough enough!

Anyone else not planning on going for RN anytime soon? Sometimes I feel like a slacker for not wanting to!

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

I am currently an LPN (licensed in 2008). I am 3 classes from ending my LPN to RN bridge course. I had really no desire to get my RN when I first graduated LPN school. But after a few years of working in LTC (which I LOVE by the way) I realized I wanted to have the option of more job diversity. In my state, LPN"s have a very narrow Scope of Practice compared with other states. I wanted the option of working in an acute hospital if I chose too or any other area. While I do love LTC, I would like to be able to try out the waters in other areas. Having my LPN I am limited in that regards.

I don't fault anyone for not wanting to go back and obtain their RN. Heck, I was one of the nay-sayers who said I didn't want to do it. Had no reason to..didn't want the added debt for tuition, didn't want the added responsibility etc..and here I am 4 years later doing exactly what I said I wouldn't.

If YOU are happy with your LPN, that's wonderful...stay right where you are....and should you ever change your mind...you have that option too. :)

[joyfullpn]

CT pixie, I'm also from CT. Where are you doing your bridge program?

[cchezem15]

I just graduated in May with my VN certificate and everyone in my class is all about getting back into the program next year. Yeah I want to transition to RN, but I need a little break from school. I just want to live my life for a bit without always having to worry about school work. I will start again in 2014 :)

[andreaogrn]

I was an LPN for 10 years...was very happy. I became an RN to get a better retirement income. BIG mistake.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Not a LVN myself, but I used to work with one who didn't want to be a RN because she didn't want to have to deal with the administrative/managerial end of nursing and preferred to remain right where she was because she was happy. Can't say I blamed her one bit.

[rena86]

I have no reason to become an RN. I love my job, so I am staying put. It bothered me for years hearing how I should become an RN, but I am so over that! It is my life and the ones telling me I should be an RN have no clue about nursing....it was all about the money. They weren't considering the cost of going back to school, gas mileage (an hr away from home), etc...

[newnurse_12]

I just graduated in July and justed passed NCLEX! I'm currently looking for work, but no one wants to hire a new nurse! Especially LPN and it makes me wonder would I have a better chance at getting hired as a RN. While I was in school, I often felt that being a LPN is a pit stop on the way to RN! All my instructors were asking when are you going to transition! I just want to explore nursing as an LPN to see were I fit, but I don't really want to go back to school, at least not yet anyway! The areas that I actually loved are wound care and OB, but no one will hire an LPN to do that! It almost seems like it is a direct route to nursing home! Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I can't see myself doing that long term!

[Songbird,RN]

I finally decided to go back to school and received my RN at age 58!!! It was not easy, girls, but worth it due to pay raise in the school system. AND if I decide to work a few PRN shift by going back to hospice nursing after I retire, I can work less for more money. It had nothing to do with how I felt about myself as a LPN and everything to do with earning more money through retirement.

[CP2013]

I finally decided to go back to school and received my RN at age 58!!! It was not easy, girls, but worth it due to pay raise in the school system. AND if I decide to work a few PRN shift by going back to hospice nursing after I retire, I can work less for more money. It had nothing to do with how I felt about myself as a LPN and everything to do with earning more money through retirement.

This has nothing to do with LPN/LVN or RN - but as a 20-something, I just want to say I hope I have your fire to still continue my education at 58! You are an inspiration that age is just a number, and has nothing to do with how your own motivation can take you places. Way to go RFarleyRN! :)

[Elladora]

I'm currently "just" an LPN and as of now have no immediate plans to change that. When I started nursing school I was 100% sure I would not quit until I was at LEAST an RN, possibly a BSN. Then reality set in. I got a job I love and that's close to home. School is expensive (not to mention a two hour round trip daily). Fortunately in my job there are opportunities for advancement as an LPN. Will I go back someday? Maybe, but it's nothing urgent.

[guest2210]

I've been an LPN for 30 years and have never had the desire to go on to be an RN. My experiences have helped me transition into a new career as an EMR trainer. Travel and ridiculous amount of money still in the medical field-best of both worlds.

[DogWmn]

At my age 61 nearly 62 I have no desire to go back. The areas of nursing I enjoyed most were clinic nursing and rarely do they hire RN's.