Furthering career options to my LPN degree

nurse.sandi · Apr 28, 2011

This question is right up my alley. I earned a bs in community development and a masters in leadership and neither are helping. Take my advice. Get a ASD or BSN or MSN if you want to stay in nursing. Now I am working on a doctorate in education in org. leadership to be a college professor. I wanted a new career path.

You could also try a bachelors in case management.

Another idea..look at future market trends in your area.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 28, 2011

When I was a LPN I worked most of my career in psych without a psych degree. I say go for the holistic cert. UNLESS you plan to get a MS, PhD/PsyD in psy which will actually be useful. If you want to go for your Bachelors do a LPN to BSN program and find a field that will work for you in the diverse world of nursing. GOOD LUCK to you!

agldragonRN · Apr 28, 2011

i know one person who has a bs in psychology who is now trying to become an rn. i say go for your rn. there are a lot of lpn-rn bridge programs in new jersey.

good luck.

Akeos · Apr 28, 2011

If you want to have a broader scope of practice you need a RN license. the holistic med rout might be helpful after you get that.

SilentfadesRPA · Apr 28, 2011

You wrote "I have LPN (with AS) degree in NJ...looking to obtain either a BS in Psychology or cert of holistic medicine. Which would directly apply to Nursing more and with greater success in forming a new career path?! Opinions/thoughts/information would be greatly appreciated."

My reply -

I so very much agree with the others who suggested that strongly consider the goal of an associates in nursing.

In response to your question lets look at this from each --

Holistic approach is often seen as a threat and even has been seen as counter to the traditional approach in medicine/nursing.

I could see an institution thinking that in employing a person as a professional with a holistic background degree could be the source of potential problems. Perhaps seen as threatening or a potential risk coming from a holistic view. Thinking that hiring such an individual could/would increase conflicts or the possibility of for patients, MDs, and patients. The idea of boundaries being crossed with liability if advise given from a holistic approach and what if this was in conflict with a prescriber. What if a patient family or patient complained or wanted your opinion where the provider did not share in this philosophy?

(I'M NOT SAYING YOU WOULD DO ANY OF THIS,BUT THIS IS HOW IT COULD BE VIEWED BY AN EMPLOYER )

As an LPN you really have little to no say over how you practice in an institution beside being safe. An LPN has no independent ability to advise patients so this really would be of minimal to no value and as shared possibly a barrier to you being hired. I also would be concerned that no matter what you said it could be misconstrued as giving holistic advice even though you did not.

Regarding the BS in Psychology- again an institution is going to look at what can you bring to the table and more so how is this going to be financially beneficial to the institution - is this degree a chargeable or billable service ? A BS in Psych has absolutely no financial benefit along with a LPN license for billable services that I am aware. If it did then the question would be are you practicing in the realm of an LPN or as someone with a BS degree doing counseling ? Again this may be seen as you having the POTENTIAL to overstep bounds. Also could put you in the possible of being accused of practicing in another specialty and not in the differentiation in the art of nursing as defined by the nurse practice act.

I could see it if you were to work in hospice or with MMR clients or a psychiatric facility as used dually and possibly helpful.

Bottom line if you remember the advertisement slogan for Wendy's where the old maid Clara use to loudly say - "WHERE IS THE BEEF" ?

WELL I ASK YOU - WHERE IS THE MONEY? And in my thinking neither of these extra studies will truly help you and could even be prohibitive or be a handicap from the advancement you so very much desire.

Though it is not my style or how I practice, I personally do think that the holistic approach, care, and philosophy does have a place in nursing and medicine. But I would be very concerned as an LPN with an additional degree in either for the reasons mentioned above and ultimately a barrier to you and your career professionally.

All the best to you in your goals

Marc

mmcdlpn · Apr 28, 2011

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and comments to my question. Would love to continue to hear more responses.

My thought was I wanted a BA/BS degree but I am not sure I want the stress of the schooling for the BSN. Or even the stress from LPN to RN program....I remember how much time and stress went into Nursing school. Not sure I have it in me to do it again now that I am in my 40's! :)

drmorton2b · Apr 28, 2011

With a BS in psych you would make way less then you are as an LPN. You need that Masters to be able to do any therapy and diagnose.

elkpark · Apr 28, 2011

Unless you are looking for a pathway out of nursing, there is no non-nursing degree or certification you can get that will benefit you professionally as much as pursuing additional education/degrees in nursing. If you want to stay in nursing, look into RN programs.

If you want to pursue a degree or certification in a different area for your own personal enrichment and satisfaction, that's an entirely different matter and I salute you for wanting to do so -- just don't expect it to help you professionally (within nursing).

Best wishes!

Jules A, MSN · Apr 28, 2011

Yup I'd suggest getting your RN it is quick and cheap if you go the ADN route through a community college. My bridge program was a 6 week summer course and the last two semesters with the RN students, fast, cheap and nearly painless. Good luck!