I Need Advice from Experienced Nurses...

grinnurse, RN · Jan 22, 2006

I am always encouraging the LVNs where I work to go back for their RN. Where I am at it is only another year of education but usually at least another 10$ in pay. At the hospital that I work, the only thing that they don't do compared to an RN is hang blood products!! Also, in the area where I live they are phasing out the LVN position all together.

If you could tolerate NS just a little bit l would say go for the RN and be done with it. You might also be able to find a position where you could teach as well with your other degrees.

Good luck with your decision.

doddlebuggin · Jan 22, 2006

I love being an LPN and am 47 didnt become a nurse until in my early 30s but if I had to do it all over again I would go the RN route simply because so many facilities are phasing out LPNs Each year the board of Nursing in my state says there is another thing that is beyond my scope and I cant tell you how hard it it to change your mind set on what you could do yesterday but cant do today.My advice even at 50 complete LPN schoo; then do the upgrade program 1 year of school and become an RN..

hollykate · Jan 22, 2006

Depends on what you want.

Really think about what you want/need based on money considerations, and job responsibilities, and opportunities. Some areas, LPN's will not be hired into psych. In other areas of the country LPNs have broad opportunities.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your nursing career, and do not let anyone tell you what is right for you.:roll

Trauma Columnist · Jan 22, 2006

At 50, you could work another 20 years! I say go for the RN! With your police background, psych nursing, ER nursing or any type of nursing would welcome you.

MissPiggy · Jan 22, 2006

I'm 50 yrs. old/retired policeman...I'm nearly thru a LPN program; giving consideration to psyche nursing. I know there's more money
paid to RN's and rightfully so. I'm kinda burned out at this point.
I have a BS degree and an AS degree in other fields of learning.
I don't have alot of time at my age tho I'm healthy overall. Give
me some imput; should I pursue the RN? Surely out of l00K
members I can get some educated opinions. thanks
Jimbob7777

If you already have A BS & an AS, you should breeze through the RN program... it is a lot of work but well worth it & an RN after your name opens up a lot more doors than an LPN. As far as the age issue goes, I firmly believe that if you don't use it you lose it. I am 53 & and am working on a Masters' degree - intend to keep on learning til I die, as it is to prove a point to myself that I CAN do it & not so much an issue of what I want to do when I grow up. :chuckle

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 22, 2006

I highly recommend you spend time IRL with nurses and see for yourself is this is what you want. It's not for everyone, certainly. Maybe you can volunteer or shadow some nurses to get a picture of what nursing is like before you invest any time or money going to nursing school. GOOD LUCK.

Hoozdo, ADN · Jan 22, 2006

I'm 50 yrs. old/retired policeman...I'm nearly thru a LPN program; giving consideration to psyche nursing. I know there's more money
I am the same age as you and entered nursing as a second career. I got my RN and don't regret it. There are just way more opportunities open as an RN. Seriously consider continuing your education one more year.

weetziebat · Jan 22, 2006

Hi Jimbob,

Experienced nurse here, and will gladly give you my opinion. I was an LPN for years, before going back for my RN. The only reason I returned to school was because of all the talk about phasing out LPN's (became an RN in 1986, so this talk has been going on quite a while).

Aside from the addition pay (which is a lot), it seems more and more that LPN's are being confined to working in LTC facilities (I could be wrong about that. If so, its just my understanding). If you want to work in Psych. my advice would be to continue on for another year and get your RN. I know how long that year can be - good luck!

leslie :-D · Jan 22, 2006

hi jimbob,

i'm w/all the others and encourage you to obtain your rn; many more options and higher pay. and it's true, lpns are being phased out in many areas of the country. so for 1 more yr., you get the job security, higher wages, tremendous flexibility and far more opportunities. i wish you well.

leslie