Do you like being a LPN? :)

KRSLPN, LPN · May 6, 2013

The thing that makes me laugh when people start their posting with, "are you happy just being an LPN" is this, think about it, would you say to a bachelor degree teacher, are you happy just being a teacher? Don't you want to have a master's or doctorate in education?

Personally, I believe it's insulting to ask someone if they are "happy" as an LPN, to me that implies that you believe being an LPN is inferior.

Just for the record, I am an LPN, never wanted to "better" myself, I feel my position is worthy!

angieedoll · May 6, 2013

The thing that makes me laugh when people start their posting with, "are you happy just being an LPN" is this, think about it, would you say to a bachelor degree teacher, are you happy just being a teacher? Don't you want to have a master's or doctorate in education?
Personally, I believe it's insulting to ask someone if they are "happy" as an LPN, to me that implies that you believe being an LPN is inferior.
Just for the record, I am an LPN, never wanted to "better" myself, I feel my position is worthy!

That's what I'm trying to figure out. You just said you never wanted to "better" yourself or further your education. Why? Because obviously you enjoy being an LPN. Your in no need to enhance your career. I want to get information from nurses in your situation. Because MANY, not all, LPNs that I had met, just feel as though their LPN license is a "stepping stone."

I would just like insight from LPNs who are content with their career choice. And as for asking a teacher if they enjoy being a teacher, why not ask? Some may not wish to further their education, just like yourself. Hence the reason why im asking. As a Cosmetologist and Medical Assistant, I got plenty of questions such as, Do you like being a Hair Stylist? Why not become a platform artist? Weighing out differences. Humans ask questions for insight. That is all I'm doing. No harm, no foul. I am not trying to offend anyone. If you get defensive, I apologize for that. I'm a future LPN, so why would I criticize a position I am going for? It would be the same if I was asking a RN do you like being a RN? Maybe some do, others may not, and others may wish to further to NP. We all have our own reasons.

I'm just seeing perspectives of LPNs who do not wish to further their education. I'm speaking of JUST an LPN, not an in-the-process-of-becoming-a-RN-LPN.

angieedoll · May 6, 2013

I found the RN to be much easier than the LPN because most of it is material that is reinforced not new. The last semester it really got more in depth as far as understanding and interpreting labs and cause and effect. Overall it is just time consuming, there are a lot of papers to write and busy work, but it's doable especially if the information is still fresh in your mind. Keep this in mind: do not underestimate LPN school. I always did well in school and I just tested out of my RN school with a very high grade, but LPN program was the most difficult year of hell I ever had to go through. There is so much information stuffed into a small time frame. You literally have 2-3 EXAMS a week. I studied every single night and I'd wake up at 430am to study the day of exams and quizzes. Oh, plus clinicals 4 days a week. My class started with 32 and only 11 graduated. For the RN clinicals are only 2 days a week. If you can survive the LPN the RN will be a breeze.[/quote']
I have heard the LPN program is extremely rigorous. Learning an obscene amount of information in just a year. While obtaining your RN, were you able to work simultaneously? Like utilize your LPN license while working toward your RN?
Thanks again! :)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 6, 2013

I am very happy as an LPN. I love specializing in medically complex/fragile pediatrics.

I'm continuing my education because I want to expand my knowledge base and scope of practice. While my state doesn't have the strictest limitations on LPN scope of practice, I can further expand my skills and opportunities with more education, certifications, and degree(s).

The toughest part some of my LPN colleagues have is knowing where the line is drawn in what we can legally do, what must be relegated to an RN and what we cannot do but a patent/primary caregiver can with their own child (such as replacement of a g-button and re inflation of a g tube/g button balloon). But that is not only true for some LPNs but RNs as well, while a parent can give their child Tylenol or Motrin, as nurses we must have a physician's orders and some people forget that in a home environment.

I think having a parent willing and able to take child of their child's medical team/needs is one of the best parts of the work I do.

My education was very hands on clinically. My instructors were awesome in that not only were we taught how to do the skills but some of the why behind it.

I'd like to move more to a case management/resource nurse/clinical supervisor role in the future and for that, by regulation, I need to expand my education and scope of practice and earn my RN designation. While an LPN can work in a managerial role they cannot be responsible for the clinical supervision or oversight of RNs and in some cases other LPNs. However I'm not in a rush.

LisaLPN7 · May 6, 2013

I love being an LPN. Been one for 23 years now. I have absolutely NO desire to become an RN. In fact, I wouldn't go to RN school if someone paid for me to do so. Never been interested in it at all. I am currently working as a school nurse in a middle school (which I absolutely DESPISE) but come June 3rd, I'll be starting a new position as a nurse in a VA clinic. No nights, no weekends or holidays, no grueling 12 hour shifts, and, best of all NO KIDS.

angieedoll · May 6, 2013

I love being an LPN. Been one for 23 years now. I have absolutely NO desire to become an RN. In fact I wouldn't go to RN school if someone paid for me to do so. Never been interested in it at all. I am currently working as a school nurse in a middle school (which I absolutely DESPISE) but come June 3rd, I'll be starting a new position as a nurse in a VA clinic. No nights, no weekends or holidays, no grueling 12 hour shifts, and, best of all NO KIDS.[/quote']
WOW! 23 years! That's awesome! Hats off to you! How was the school nurse experience? We're there many incidents? What procedures were done? Were you able to give injections? I was thinking about becoming a school nurse as an option, after I got my license. So I'm thankful for your response!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 6, 2013

Not all states permit LPN's to work as school nurses. In CA, NY and NJ one must be a BSN prepared RN with school nurse certification. However in TX I believe LPN's are permitted to work as school nurses with RN oversight.

However I do go to school with medically complex children and tend to their nursing needs throughout the school day and during transportation. It's a 1:1 situation and the nice part is generally the school RN is there for advice and support.

dirtyred3 · May 6, 2013

I managed a specialty facility for 3 years. It is not unheard of in Ga, depending on experience but you will not be a manager in a hospital.

dirtyred3 · May 6, 2013

I agree, LPN school was hell. I'm in school for Asn but havent began clinicals yet. However I think it will be a refresher.

angieedoll · May 6, 2013

I managed a specialty facility for 3 years. It is not unheard of in Ga depending on experience but you will not be a manager in a hospital.[/quote']
Now in your managers experience did you oversee fellow nurses? I hear hospitals are phasing out of LPNs in hospitals. But I still have hope! Eventually, one day, I plan on bridging to RN. But who knows, I may just feel content with my position once I get my license. :) it's inspiring to hear other stories.

dirtyred3 · May 6, 2013

I was only over lpns, cnas, and med techs.

dirtyred3 · May 6, 2013

That rumor that hospitals are going to phase out lpns has been going on for years and has not happened. It is cheaper for them to hire a lpn vs. rn and our bedside care is vital to all institutions.