How do you like being an LPN/LVN?

*Posh* · May 23, 2011

I love, love, love my job! I think it all depends on the state you work in as to what your scope of practice is. That, of course, can limit where you can work. If I was in a state that limited me to basically working in NH, etc, I wouldn't do it. At all. I respect those nurses that do, but I love the fast-paced, ever-changing world of med/surg. The only thing RN's do that I don't are initial assessments and titrate drips in ICU. My dad is an LVN and is a certified wound care nurse. He contracts to dr's offices, home health and NH - excellent pay. My point is, you can do so many different things as a LVN. You do not have to be an RN to be a "nurse". Also, my opinion is that nurses should be required to be an LVN for at least a year in a hospital setting before they can get their RN.... I'll stop right there before I say too much :chair:

N.U.R.S.E. · May 23, 2011

I like being a nurse as more states and hospitals are doing away with lpn except for long term care go if u can hold out for your bsn or do rn and continue to bsn but if money and family obligatioons are of great concern then go for it lpn and if u don't mind being able to work as an lpn in ltc clinics schools then go for it God Bless I love. It not the high pt count though

Chin up · May 23, 2011

I have been one for 26 years and loved it for 20 of those years. I have a degree in science from a prestigious school and got a hair across my butt, when RN schools, would not accept my sciences. So I never got my RN and have no regrets. I am presently in law school, so that should tell you something about my love for nursing, but never feeling the need to get an RN. I do encourage others to, because it is not the same environment for LPN's as there were 26 years ago. Unless you have over 15 years experience, you are severely limited. Do what you love and you will have no regrets. Peace!

wifeandmomoftwo · May 23, 2011

I've had my license for about seven months. I was one of those people who said they thought they would hate working in LTC. I took a job working at a nursing/rehab center on midnights and LOVE it :) My little old people need someone to take care of them and much to my surprise they are so much like oversized kids you can't help but get attached to them.

I'm working on my RN although it's just the pre reqs for now. I used to think that I wanted to work in the ER or L&D but now I'm not so sure. I might just stay put. I'm glad I went for my LPN first. The learning curve after going out on my own was steep. I'm hoping it won't be as bad when I get my RN. I know I'll do things that I don't do now but hopefully I'll be more confident that I can do them. Hope that makes sense.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 23, 2011

I'm a LPN and have no regrets about it. My goal was always to become a RN. I did the LPN first so that I can work and have nursing experience while gaining RN.

I'm so glad I did ! I do like what I do, even though I'm not in the specialty of my choice. I just like being a nurse period.

The pros- Being a Nurse !

Cons- limited scope, and being referred to as just a LPN.

Brea LPN · May 23, 2011

I love being an LPN! I also love LTC. I was in a situation where I needed to get thru school the fastest and cheapest way possible due family circumstances.

Pros-Only having to go to school for one year.

Cons-Being "just a LPN" to some, which I don't agree with. A nurse is a nurse in my eyes.