Becoming an LVN or RN....

U.S.A. California

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I am still on the fence about whether I should go for lvn or rn. I have 4 kids and I would like some flexability to be here for them, to take them to school and pick them up. I have already decided that I would like to work nights. I heard that LTC facilities offer more flexable hours shifts, meaning that I would have better luck being able to accomidate my children when needed than an rn would. I also hear that LVN's have less responsibility than rn's. I am already constantly on my toes most of the time, and running around like crazy, so I think if what I have heard is true, that becoming an LVN would be best for my lifestyle. Being a little more laid back than an rn career. How do some of you that are lvn's and work in a LTC facility like your jobs?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I've liked the flexibility of working in a nursing home. To date, I have worked all shifts.

The flexible nursing home hours have enabled me to return to school to complete my RN degree. I have Monday through Friday off, work two 16 hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, and attend school full-time during the week.

However, you must carefully check out the job market in your city before making a decision on doing the LVN course. Also, you might not get exactly the shift you want as a new grad. Good luck to you!

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I think going for an RN would be more valuable than going for an LVN. From what I understand about the job market in the last decade is that hospitals are looking for less and less LVNs and going straight for the experienced RNs. If you became an RN you could work part time and most likely earn more money or the same money than you would as a full time LVN. And you don't have to work on a fast-paced, high risk unit. There are nursing jobs at convalescent homes, clinics, schools, and a myriad of other places. If it's the length and cost of school that is concerning to you you should take a look at the phlebotomy field. A friend of mine took a three month course and got certified. Now she works two days a week, starts IV's all day, and gets paid about 50 thou a year. Just a thought.

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That is a good thought, thanks for the ideas and advice. There are so many different aspects and angles at nursing, its mind boggling sometimes. And I keep hearing that LVN's eventually start to work towards their rn. I am currently taking 3 of the general ed classes for the ADN at my local CC, so I guess maybe I should just stick to what I am already doing. It is lengthy, and will probably take me 4 to 5 years before I will be finished. Which is a long time! Im 31 for crying out loud! Oh well...My youngest is 7, and by then my kids will be older so maybe it will all work out better in the long run. I have looked at job openings here, and quite a few hospitals seem to be hiring rn's and there are quite a few LTC's that are hiring LVN's. Are there any RN's here that work in LTC facilities?

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I think going for an RN would be more valuable than going for an LVN. From what I understand about the job market in the last decade is that hospitals are looking for less and less LVNs and going straight for the experienced RNs. If you became an RN you could work part time and most likely earn more money or the same money than you would as a full time LVN. And you don't have to work on a fast-paced, high risk unit. There are nursing jobs at convalescent homes, clinics, schools, and a myriad of other places. If it's the length and cost of school that is concerning to you you should take a look at the phlebotomy field. A friend of mine took a three month course and got certified. Now she works two days a week, starts IV's all day, and gets paid about 50 thou a year. Just a thought.

is she an lvn with a cert to do IV's? or just a straight up phlebotomist? I am interested in perhaps looking into that myself if this is the case. Can you give some more info. Is she working in a hospital? nursing home? thanks!

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She is a phlebotomist at a California hospital. She is part of a phlebotomy team and starts IV's and PICCs. She eventually went to school and got her BSN and is now doing both. She nurses two days a week and does phlebotomy one or two days a week. I'm not really sure about the route or job choices that are out there for phlebotomists. But from what she told me it sounded like a smart move financially with a quick and less costly education. It sounds like a good job if you have kids too. I didn't meet her until I was well into nursing school or I might have pursued it. If you decide to take this route keep me updated.

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thank you so much for the info. I will keep you updated for sure!

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I was an LVN for 7years before getting my RN. It helped me tremendously both in the work field and school. If you are able to go straight for RN I would recommend it, becuse there are alot of RN jobs with flexibility like HH or Hospice, charge at LTC. But if LVN 1st gives you the inital flexibility you are looking for go for it, it got me a house a great job and my RN in the long run : )

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