I don't want to be an RN

oohhjamila · Jul 10, 2012

Thank you for this post. It really helped to reaffirm my thoughts about nursing. I've been a CNA for 5 years and I'm starting an LVN program next month. I currently work in a hospital and all the RN's I talk to are miserable, yet they encourage me to go for my RN because of the pay. I'm the type of person who would much rather be poor and happy, than rich and miserable.

I think home health would be great because it's so hands on which I love. However, my ideal place to work would be in corrections. I always see openings for both of those areas, so I'm not worried about finding work.

At this point I have no desire of becoming an RN, yet, that may change in the future. The great thing about education is that, it's never too late to go back to school.

Good luck to you with pursuing your LPN. I hope it brings you great happiness!

scurbro · Jul 11, 2012

I do not see the problem with being an LPN your whole career. I think its really sad that a lot of employers are more interested in RN's then LPN's. LPN's have a place, same with CNA, CMA's, PCT's etc. Every one has a place and every one should be able to find work. LTC's are great places to work. Home Care is another. Maybe a group of LPN's can get together with RN's who they know respect LPN's and start more travel nursing that does dual teams, of LPN's and RN's.

Me, I don't know. LPN vs. ABSN...LPN vs. ABSN...that is my debate right now. Or LPN then ADN, then RN TO MSN. (I already have a Bachelors in Political Science, so...) Either way its a tough job market, but with enough planning I'm sure you can find a job. It will be difficult, but nothing is impossible. Though it may feel that way at times.

I am still deciding, and to help myself in the process I am going to be applying to a care giver position. Hopefully something works to tell me whether or not this is for me.

Good luck to all!

scurbro · Jul 11, 2012

Also somehow I believe that I am being pulled either toward dentistry as a career, or to Nursing as a career. I am interested in both, just what do I want to be doing most is my question too.

So I have to add I am thinking about becoming a Dental Assistant too. I though hear all the opportunities for Nurses and think "Wow, so varied, I could do anything".

:uhoh3: :confused: :twocents:

Amber628 · Jul 11, 2012

To the original OP. you can work in long term care as an RN also, you dont have to be in a hospital! Do whatevers best for you. Doing an LPn To RN bridge wouldnt hurt but if its not something you want; dont do it. They will never phase ALL LPNs out. Its impossible! :)

loriangel14, RN · Jul 11, 2012

I am a PN and I am perfectly happy doing what I am doing. Where I am PNs work in all areas of the hospital except ICU and I have no desire to be anything else than what I am.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 11, 2012

If you are happy with your decision it does not matter what others think. I am glad you found your niche!

ShesAcuteNurse, ADN, LPN · Jul 11, 2012

I will be starting an LPN program next month. I have said that I would be bridging to RN afterwards but I have decided to wait and see firsthand what the RN actually does in a hospital and LTC setting. I have an aunt with children and she's been an LPN for years now and she has always said the money was good, she owns her home and car and she gives great Christmas gifts....a little humor :lol2: . My sister, who is an RN with kids, works at the hospital here, makes REALLY good money but is struggling financially so the money is there with both titles, the variables are up to the individual.

I don't think the decision should be anyone's but yours. Others will always have something to say....but it would not be good for you if you loved being an LPN but get pressured into becoming an RN and find that you don't like it as much. I don't think you can go back to LPN once you're RN. Just wait and decide for yourself by observing the roles of both positions during your studies.

ionatan · Oct 29, 2016

I realize this post is four years old now. I'm curious whether your thoughts have changed at all. I've been an LPN for about 7 years and I don't regret going to LPN school. I wanted to become a nurse, and that's what I did. Up until recently I didn't want to go back to school for RN. Whenever someone would ask me about it, it really irritated me. I don't need to prove that I'm a good nurse by going back to school. However, now I am looking into returning to school, but that's only because my employer will help pay for it and I feel like I need to advance myself since I have the opportunity. I don't know any other practical career to pursue with my background at this point. For anybody else interested in going to LPN school, all I can say is it's better than not pursuing nursing at all. It's a cheaper and shorter way to find out if this field is for you. I've talked to RNs who hate being nurses and thought that LPNs were crazy for going back to school for RN. If you really want to do it, just go for it. Nursing can be very stressful, but also rewarding in many ways.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 31, 2016

I admit, I ask out of curiosity. Not with a "why did you settle?" attitude, just curious as to why they opted to be a LVN instead of a RN. No different than asking a nurse why they went into the specialty they did, IMO.

Most of the LVNs I've asked fell into these categories:

1. They wanted to be a LVN in the first place, so they went to LVN school.

2. They wanted to be a RN in the first place, but for whatever reason were unable to do so, so they opted for the LVN route instead.

3. They are a LVN and perfectly happy as one, and so have no desire to pursue RN licensure.

4. They are a LVN and want(ed) to be a RN, but for whatever reason are unable to pursue licensure (money, age, lifestyle, etc.).

OP: if YOU are happy as a LVN, what everyone else thinks does not matter.