Are You Satisfied Being An LPN?

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Jan 23, 2008

:twocents:I am quite satisfied being an LPN. :redpinkhe I have been an LPN for 24 years. I have worked LTC, hospital, agency and now in case management for an insurance company.

In the states where I practice, the only things I cannot do that an RN does is hang blood with another LPN, (has to be at least one RN in the equation) and remove Piccs or central lines.

I think I have as much knowledge or more than a lot of RNs, gained on the job. I have gone back twice to get my RN but didn't really have the time or money for it. I am just now in a job where getting my RN would raise my pay significantly but don't know if I want the increase in responsibility that would go with it.

That's my two cents. :twocents:

gt4everpn, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2008

i'm being honest- no, i want to work in the icu and become a cns in the future, lpns cannot work in icu atleast in my state and hospitals are shutting us out in record numbers! i want to work in the hospital so badly, anyway, lpns work really hard and dont get as much appreciation, lay people struggle to believe we are real nurses, its sickening! i'm respecting my time as an lpn for now but rn here i come!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 23, 2008

I don't plan to become an RN, because it really does not fit into my philosophy of life (I'm a practical person, hence, practical nurse suits me like a glove), and I don't think I would be any happier. I see too much responsibility that I am not interested in obtaining. I'm only interested in basic, routine care, sustaining life until help arrives and most importantly, teaching on a one on one basis. I take pride in learning how to understand information and breaking it down to simple terms so that my patients can understand what is happening with them. I have had opportunities in both, hospitals and otherwise in NY, and what I enjoy is comprehending what is going on, why (based on my personal level of understanding), and what impact I have in trying to do the right thing. My life is rich, I have all that I need meaning that I am a homeowner with no mortgage, a husband and son that love me, great friends and interesting hobbies. I live within my means, had at least 4 areas of nursing I have already worked within my first year and a half, have been able to pay off my bills and increase my quality of life. I can understand why people wish to become RNs, and support them, but that will not be my road in life.

Simplepleasures · Jan 23, 2008

NO, I was unsatisfied as an LPN and its limitations many times during my 27 years as an LPN. I could not afford to go back for the RN as I was raising four children by myself, but if my health would allow I would do the RN now.So many more options open to you as an RN.

changeofpaceRN · Jan 23, 2008

No I'm not satisfied with being an LPN.. I'm working towards my RN as we speak. I want to advance and work in NICU one day.. I also want to do alternative meds and possible go on to get my nurse practioner degree.

Also, I don't like being limited with my scope of practice- both in where I can work and what I can do as a nurse.

sellen1972 · Jan 23, 2008

No. I'm not satisfied and am in RN school now - done in May. Where I work, being an LPN doesn't mean less responsibility; it means less credit for the responsibilities you take on or that are put on you. God knows we need LPNs and if that is where you feel you belong - cool. Be the best LPN you can. I just know that after 10 years, it's not for me.

sellen1972

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2008

being a lvn is the best thing i have ever done. i will always credit all my nursing skills to my many years as a lvn. i am tired of being told i cant work in such in such area or hospital because i am a lvn. i have a nursing license and know how to use it. lvn's are way under utilized in my opinion.....

lorilou22RN · Jan 24, 2008

Was an LPN for 2 years of my career, and knew from semester one of PN school, that I wanted more. If you plan on being an RN, go thru an ADN, or BSN program. If you have aspirations of becoming a NP, CRNA, or just a simple Critical Care Staff nurse, do not waste time in an area that will not transfer credit for your knowledge, nor your years of experience.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 24, 2008

I think that the bottom line is that each person has to do what is comfortable for them. It will not be beneficial to ourselves or most importantly, the patients if you are doing something that you are not comfortable with. Also, people grow in different ways, some laterally, others upward. If an LPN feels that she has learned all that she can ever learn, and wishes to advance to become an RN, she will be doing the profession a service, because she wanted it. But, for one that may be doing it under peer pressure, or feeling that she is less than a nurse, and really doesn't want it, she would be a disservice because her heart was not really in it.

I cheer on all of the LPNs that wish to become RNs...if it is time, it is time. But, no matter what title, recognition has to come from within. There are times that even the DON may not be appreciated or respected for what she has done. Sometimes, though, we have to sing our own praises, because it will not automatically be given to us.

MzMouse · Jan 26, 2008

Yes, I am. I work in a medical clinic in a job I enjoy. If I were to aspire to work in a hospital in this area I would need to return to school for an RN license.

sha1318 · Feb 3, 2008

Ok when I lived in PA I can honestly say that I was satisfied with being a LPN, I felt respected and well compensated. I live in GA now and I have the totally different experience. I am now going back to school in May. I refuse to settle for less.