Does this sound like i would be wasting my time . . .

BigB · Jun 18, 2007

The general feeling on this board seems to be that getting your LVN, if you plan to get your RN, is not a good idea. I wouldn't say it was a waste of time though.

BabyEnjoli · Jun 18, 2007

What i meant to say that as far as nursing is concerned i would only want to get my LPN . . not even my RN, and to further my education by getting my B.S. in Heath Science.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2007

I don't know why you don't want the RN. You are limiting yourself with staying at the LPN level. But hey, it's your life.

Sue, LPN to RN student.

:)

linzz · Jun 18, 2007

I don't think that you are wasting your time but my opinion is that you should get your RN.

caliotter3 · Jun 18, 2007

When I was pursuing a BSN my minor was Health Science. The health science instructors made it clear when discussing opportunities in health science that it is almost a given that the masters degree is necessary, particularly the MPH, for employment. Nursing students who failed out of nursing school in my school usually changed their major to health science so they could graduate and not waste their time in a four year school.

If you want to get a degree in health science, then that is what is right for you. As far as the degree being useful in your career, it will show that you pursued a higher education, but I would bet that many prospective employers will specifically question why you didn't pursue the RN license and/or BSN degree. So, in that case, you should be prepared to answer these questions from them. Also, while I was employed as an LPN at the same time I was going to school, I made constant attempts to utilize what I was learning in school, and met with a lot of resistance from both my peers and supervisors. I understood the attitude from my co-workers, but I would have thought that the supervisors would have been more positive. I wasn't playing show off, but trying to bring about improvements for the betterment of patients. You will probably encounter negativity concerning your degree if it somehow gets discussed.

In spite of what was just said, I would like to congratulate you for doing what meets your needs. Good luck in school and on the job.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2007

you would be much more marketable as a rn if you wanted to pursue a career in health sciences. i'm not sure what exactly you want to do in health sciences but i'm sure it can be accomplished with a bsn. i don't think being a lvn is a waist of time but i also don't understand the rational behind having this degree and being a lvn.

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what i meant to say that as far as nursing is concerned i would only want to get my lpn . . not even my rn, and to further my education by getting my b.s. in heath science.

Rhfish2 · Jun 18, 2007

Okay . . . im going to school this fall . . . . for Practical Nursing, now I dont want to continue on and get my BSN, but i do want to get my BS in Health Science. In your opinion would i just be wasting my time? Or would that be good for me considering i dont want a BSN?
Any feedback would be great!!!!!!!!!

I really feel if your ultimate goal is to get a BS in health science then you should just go that route. By limiting yourself to an LPN and not going to the RN level it almost decreases the importance of the BS degree since you limited the nursing end.

BabyEnjoli · Jun 19, 2007

Okay . . . .

Thank you for your replies . . . . it made me think and honestly . . . . . i am going to go the LPN route and see where i am in about 2 years and then if no obstacles i am going back for my BSN.

Thank you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

;)

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 19, 2007

Personally, I don't think you would be wasting your time being an LPN, but, I would speak to a college advisor and get their input on your outlook.

I am an LPN that does not intend to become an RN, and I don't think I am limiting myself because it is an honest living and I am not interested in the stress that RNs go through. I have had many advantages thus far in a variety of situations, and was not really discouraged to use my skills. However, you have to see if there is an advantage in doing things the way that you want to at this time. You really need insight from an impartial person who can tell you which ways you can utilize your degree based on your plans.

Fiona59 · Jun 20, 2007

I've met an PN who has the Health Sciences degree. She manages a community health centre on a reserve. Since it is a public health type environment involving mainly diabetes eduation/management; immunization programmes; and other clinic type nursing she said she has never felt limited by her scope of practice.

Explore your options. Not everyone wants to be an RN despite what some posters on here will say..

Good Luck and enjoy YOUR education.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 20, 2007

I've met an PN who has the Health Sciences degree. She manages a community health centre on a reserve. Since it is a public health type environment involving mainly diabetes eduation/management; immunization programmes; and other clinic type nursing she said she has never felt limited by her scope of practice.
Explore your options. Not everyone wants to be an RN despite what some posters on here will say..
Good Luck and enjoy YOUR education.

I had those same thoughts, basically. I hate when people question why one would not wish to become an RN...there are plenty of reasons why. It is usually financial, or personal where most people would not understand. I do say, though, to discuss the plans with a college or career advisor to get their views.

Personally, I have never felt limited as an LPN. It may be because I just got the license last year, but, in my area, there are hospital, nursing home, even case managing, but they call it a different name for us. I plan to do them all.