feeling discouraged

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 18, 2005

Hello folks.I'm trying to get my start in the
nursing world. Actually, I've been planning
it for quite sometime. I live in Dahlonega,GA.
NGCSU has an ASN program that I'm interested
in. But I'm told it's nearly impossibe to get in.
The popular opinion seems to be that the nursing
dept. is very "clickish" and close-knit. In short,
you'd better be somebody's cousin just to get a hello.
I hope that's an exaggeration, but it's still a 2yr waiting
list. My second option is the LPN from Lanier Tech.
My main concern is difference between RN and LPN.
Which is the better career choice? I'm not looking to
get rich, I'm curious about the content of job, doing
it effectively, and loving it. People keep bringing the
money issue up: RN's make more money, LPN's get
treated like dirt and do the exact same job, etc.
The only difference in the two is phlebotomy, correct?
Just trying to other opinions that what I've been getting.

Hello, jiffynick,:balloons:

There are numerous threads on this very issue. Conduct a search and I am sure you will find the answer to most of your questions/concerns.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

jiffynick · Sep 18, 2005

Hello, jiffynick,:balloons:
There are numerous threads on this very issue. Conduct a search and I am sure you will find the answer to most of your questions/concerns.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

Mimi_C, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2005

Hello folks.I'm trying to get my start in the
nursing world. Actually, I've been planning
it for quite sometime. I live in Dahlonega,GA.
NGCSU has an ASN program that I'm interested
in. But I'm told it's nearly impossibe to get in.
The popular opinion seems to be that the nursing
dept. is very "clickish" and close-knit. In short,
you'd better be somebody's cousin just to get a hello.
I hope that's an exaggeration, but it's still a 2yr waiting
list. My second option is the LPN from Lanier Tech.
My main concern is difference between RN and LPN.
Which is the better career choice? I'm not looking to
get rich, I'm curious about the content of job, doing
it effectively, and loving it. People keep bringing the
money issue up: RN's make more money, LPN's get
treated like dirt and do the exact same job, etc.
The only difference in the two is phlebotomy, correct?
Just trying to other opinions that what I've been getting.

Being that you live in Ga (as I do) I am going to be very honest with you. From what I have seen LPNs do MANY of the same things that RN's do for MUCH lower pay. Sometimes as much as a $10 an hour difference (talking about new grad LPNs and RNs here) Even though state practice acts state that only an RN can assess I will tell you that LPN's assess also it's just that the RN has to sign behind them. It really depends on the facility. LPNs can hang blood at some hopsitals and can not at others. I would say if you know that you eventually want to be an RN, go for it the first time instead of making extra steps for yourself. Have you applied to the college yet or asked them if there is anything you can do to improve your chances? Would it be at all possible for you to go to an ASN school in Atlanta or another city in GA. I don't know if you are willing to relocate and how easy it would be for you to do so. There is nothing wrong with being an LPN if that is what you want to do. I worked as a nurse extern while I was in RN school and my preceptor was an LPN and she was great, everyone on the unit always went to her for advice and the doctors always valued her opinions. I always thought it was unfair that she got paid so much less than the RN's that did the same work that she did. All I'm saying is if you know what you want to do is be an RN then try your best to do that. I think you would be frustrated with being an LPN if that is not what you really want to do.

Chermene, RN