I understand why people go the LPN route

[downsouthlaff]

Well, I'm tired of living the way I'm living working as a CNA and EMT never having anytime off breaking my back and getting nowhere still not cracking 10 dollars per hour in either job. I've decided to enroll in a nursing program as soon as possible. Although RN is where my hopes lie, LPN seems a little more realistic right now. I know there limited in employment but I feel that I can make a good male Long Term Care Nurse. And 16 dollars and hour sounds better right now than 8 dollars an hour and 9.50 an hour. I've been working in LTC as a CNA for almost a year and I do like the environment besides all of its shortfalls. I know it's gonna be hard but to me it's more realistic. I can walk into vo/tech next semester and begin my actual second semester of LPN nursing school and learn actual nursing. If I go RN route it would take 2-3 years of absolutely going all out to earn a GPA high enough just for a chance at the RN program. I know that LPNs are not RNs and there's a reason why it takes longer and more prereqs but LPN is really appealing to me right now. And I know that if I retain employment at my current facility would hire me upon completion, and the starting pay is 16 dollars an hour but Nurses at my facility can earn up to 23 dollars an hour (LPNs) . The next time someone asks you why you didn't go straight for RN tell them, Have you tried it? It's not an easy road. I know that LPN school is gonna be hard as all get out for me but I feel it's something I need to do, I want to have a career that's i can truly live on. Any input?

[SarahbethLPN]

Hi, @ downsouthlaff, I was a STNA for two years before I became an LPN. My original goal was to just take my prereq's and try the RN route, but desperate to get my career going I decided to apply for an LPN program and I was accepted. During my clinicals, I felt very confident with the hands on aspect because of my experience I had working as an aide. I was able to help other people in my class who had no previous experience, and it felt great :) I now work in an assisted living facility making a lot more money, which really helps since I am back in school for my RN. Good luck to you and whatever you decide

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

Wow the cna's where I live at make $11-$18 an hr just starting out.

Sounds like you have a great plan and everyone cant go straight for their rn, some people have to start out low then work their way up. I have all of my prereqs for rn but doing lpn then doing my rn online. A few of my girlfriends are in school to be an rn and they wished that they would have done lpn first. Good Luck

[downsouthlaff, LPN]

Thanks everyone for the great info!! I will be enrolling in a night LPN program in August! Thanks each of you!

[lovinlife11]

Be encouraged by your choices, Lpn route is a solid choice an a good stepping stone if you do decide to go the Rn route. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders!! Good luck in nursing school!

[downsouthlaff, LPN]

Thanks Lovinlife 11 I was young and arrogant as many know on this forum but being an EMT and a year as a CNA in the nursing home definently whipped me into shape!! But I like to belive that I'm headed in the right direction and look forward to the future! I don't care if your a CNA and LPN an RN, housekeeper DON, lasting over a year in the nursing home is VERY HARD, it's real easy to fly off the handle with all the mean bosses, backstabbing co workers, mean residents, unbelievable work situations! But I like to feel proud of my accomplishment of sticking it out and staying! And now nearly a year later all of my CNA co workers are different people except for the 3 or 4 long timers! But it's great that after a year after all tge BS I would like to remain in this environment and move up in my studies. Working in a nursing home is like being a glass glass leaning over the edge of a counter top, it could fall over any minute and you can be fired for the most ridiculous thing but some of those glasses stay on the edge of that countertop for 30 plus years and do just fine!!

[traveljunkie]

Here in San Francisco LVNs make $25 to $40 per hour depending where you work. The LVN to RN is a very good route. You basically cut out the waiting period for the program. There are soooo many different opportunities. My friend who has been an LVN for 3 years recently got a job on a cruise ship as a medic. She gets to cruise to Mexico, S America and Canada all year round and make $$ doing it. Good luck and have a Blessed Life!

Nancy from SF