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Discussion

I am content to be an LPN...is that wrong?

I have been struggling with this for a while now. Everyone tells me I need to bridge, but I am perfectly happy to be an LPN. I work in home health and I love it. I make a good salary, have good benefits, and love what I do. I have been a nurse for 5 years and I just can't see myself going back to school and working full-time. I love my life the way it is. But I feel guilty and like people look down on me because I'm not going to bridge to be an RN. Your thoughts?

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    • Featured Replies

    I think that other people should mind their own business. Your happiness and career are decisions only you can make and other people should butt out.

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    • Experts

    As long as you can find work, why not? But many, if not, most of those who attempt to get the RN license, do so because they are having too much trouble maintaining employment as an LPN/LVN. When unemployment starts approaching years from months at a time, it is time to try to remedy the situation. In my area, the RN job listings outnumber the LVN listings at about a 425/11 ratio on the employment department website, and of those 11 for LVN, at least two or three will be incorrectly listed RN or CNA listings. Therefore, it makes sense to get an RN license.

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    In my opinion, I do not think that is wrong. You say you make a good salary, have good benefits, and love what you do...sounds good so thats what matters. Hopefully no one looks down on you for that but if you ever decide to bridge mayb u can do online course or go 2 school part-time(just a suggestion if u ever change ur mind).:D

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    i am content at staying a LPN also.......i have only been one for almost 2 yrs now. people do ask if i am going back...nope i say,i am good where i am......i am 47, a new gramma and only work part time.....i went back to school after being home for 19yrs....like you..i also like where i work and have wonderful benefits....we live in a very rural are with no big cities around but getting a LPN job isnt a problem for some reason....

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    I'm content to be an RN, not a NP...is that wrong?

    Be what YOU want.

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    • Guides

    Well, you can try to ignore the pressure- but people will still look at you as if wondering what planet you just arrived from! :dzed: Sometimes I imagine myself just saying I'm moonlighting from my real job as a neurosurgeon, or a researcher in a cutting edge genetics lab where I'm about to discover a way to prevent replication of defective DNA strands. Sometimes you've got to laugh or you'll cry! :chuckle

    But seriously, you bring up several important points. First, working Home Health in my state is a niche where they prefer an LPN. I know several RNs paid as LPNs because they like that job.

    Second, even with the bridge program you will still have to spend a lot of time studying, taking exams, etc. You have to honestly ask yourself if you are willing to forego other important interests and activities to do something that you really don't feel a big motivation to do. Since many of the online programs are self-paced, it's all the more important to be completely committed to the RN program.

    Last, I ask myself what setting would I be working in as an RN? If a person wants to work in acute care, it's almost impossible these days to break into that area without an RN. If you only want to work Home Health or LTC, you are happy, you are one of the lucky ones!! If it aint broke, don't fix it!! :nurse:

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    I agree being a new LPN myself in home-health. I don't see myself bridging to the ADN anytime soon. I belong to three agencies/registries in my area who were the only places that would bring me aboard as a new grad back in October. I absolutely LOVE home health! The one-on-one patient care and not having to deal with the politics of a nursing home or hospital are a couple of the pluses to being in this specialty. However, I do wish to take an I.V. course and perhaps a phlebotomy class to make myself more marketable in the future.

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    • Experts

    There's nothing wrong with remaining an LPN. You've only got one life on this earth, and it is up to you to do what makes you fulfilled. You should not feel guilty for wanting to remain an LPN if you love your job, working conditions, pay rate, and other aspects of your career.

    LPN = Life's Perfect Nurse. . .

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    I've been an LPN for 25 years. I started once about 15 yrs ago to go back for my RN, d/t urging of my DON at the time. I stopped going when I had a major family crisis, and have never gone back. At this stage of my life, I don't see the need. Yes, I might make more money with an RN. But I'm happy where I am, and don't see the need to introduce more stress into a life I am trying my darnedest to get UNstressed.

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    No, you are not wrong, and you would not be wrong if you changed your mind five minutes from now and decided to become an RN, either. Each person has to know themselves and also allow themselves to grow if the position no longer suits their needs, or as mentioned, if suddenly, you find yourself unable to find a position as an LPN anywhere. I feel that LPN is enough for me and have cut people off midstream who had the nerve to feel comfortable to solicit uninvited advice. :D

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    The whole time I was in PN school I planned on returning right away for my RN. Now, the last thing I want to do is sit in more classes. I'm happy doing what I'm doing for now. I'll wait until my kids are bigger.

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    Nope - no guilt, and you should be mighty happy that you've found something you love doing and gives you a good paycheck and satisfaction. That doesn't happen very often in this life so enjoy. If for some reason you change your mind so be it...be proud to be an LPN!

    I'm 59 years old and I'm hoping to be a re-entry LPN after being out for a long time. I don't want a stress filled job, I want something steady that I enjoy since there will be no retirement for me. At this time in my life I have no desire to get my RN, I don't want to spend 3-4 years in school when I only have about 10+ years left to work full time.

    It sounds like you have a great job! You can look into additional certifications if you don't have them. So enjoy enjoy:rckn:

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