I'm considering becoming an LVN....need advice :)

SaraO'Hara · May 28, 2006

Nursing is one of the least meaningless jobs I can think of, but if you're only wanting to go into it because "it's a job," then you're sunk from the beginning. It's too important in so many ways to be picked up as a means of breadwinning alone.

If you have a really genuine reason, go for it! I would also advise calling the long-term care facilities in your area, to see if they are hiring and willing to train CNAs. That will be my first nursing job.. starting Tuesday!

By the by, the supervisor of CNAs at the LTC where I'll be training / working is an LVN, and has been for thirty years.

smk1, LPN · May 28, 2006

i can't get past the 20k for an LVN.... That is highway robbery! Are there any 4 year universities around that you could get into fairly quickly? you'd be paying not much more than that for a BSN most likely. Keep looking, because 20k to pay back on an LVN salary is not going to be fun.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 31, 2006

Keep looking, because 20k to pay back on an LVN salary is not going to be fun.

I borrowed $20,000 to attend a private LVN program and absolutely do not regret my decision one bit. I am in better financial shape than many RNs.

I live in a brand-new house that is paid off with cash (no mortgage!) and have a sizeable savings account. My car is paid off with cash. I earn in the $40,000 to $50,000 range per year and, while I'll never be rich, I earn more than enough money to enjoy middle class comforts and continue my education. The average American worker earns $550 per week, so I earn more than the average worker. My friend has a bachelors' degree in public health and her education was only worth $10 hourly. She went back to school to earn her LPN license and now earns $20 hourly. Therefore, her LPN license is worth twice as much as her 4-year degree. I do plan to continue my education and become an RN in the near future.

To the original poster: go ahead and earn your LVN license. You can bridge to the RN program if that is your goal.

NurseyTonyaLPN · May 31, 2006

I'm an LPN and I don't regret it a bit. My schooling was expensive, too. i got some grant and some loans but they're manageable to pay back (about a hundred bucks a month) and I'm making 22-25 an hour working for a nursing agency. I love my job and it was worth it to me. I am continuing my RN though, which is always an option if you decide to do that. I was going to do RN to begin with but got frustrated with the waiting lists, this school wanting these prereqs, finishing those and not getting in that school for that year and having to take ONE other prereq and wait a year to get in the next, blah, blah, so I went to an LPN school I could get into right away. It was the right choice for me and I'm glad I made that decision. Of course, yours is up to you.

smk1, LPN · Jun 3, 2006

Well, everyone has to decide what is going to work for their situations. I wouldn't want to spend 20k because it is completely excessive for out area and i would feel ripped off knowing i could get the same license for about 1/5the cost. That is just me though and obviously it works for some of you. good luck to the OP.

chrispicritah · Jun 3, 2006

Hello, Im new to the site and need some major advice. I quit my retail job about 3 weeks ago and am currently jobless and not in school. I have taken a few general classes and have switched majors many times. I have wanted to go into nursing at my community college but I can't even get into the prerequisites! Its been over a year now and they are always full, with 50+ people petitioning. Plus the program already has a 2 year waiting list. I am 24 and dont want to waste anymore time. Im considering Bryman or American Career College. I Know they only have LVN programs and tuition is about 20k+. I would have to take out a loan of course. But can anyone tell me if they have had experience with this sorta school and if its worth it to be an LVN? I really don't want to get another meaningless low paying job. I would love to go to school full time but im sorta lost and confused. The schools I mentioned make it sound wonderful, just want to know first hand from people that have experienced it.

do you want to be a nurse because it is in your heart, or because of some other reason (i.e. not wanting another meaningless low paying job) that is not a good enough reason for going to school to be a nurse. it is hard work, and it gets harder everyday. there are plenty of things you can do, make money and be happy. if you want to be a nurse because you really want it, then go for it! it will be worth it. but, before you make any choice, why not go to a career counselor and do an assessment to find out what you really are cut out to do? i believe that we live longer and happier lives when we are doing what we are put here to do. for some that means nursing, for most, it is something else. just make sure you are doing the right thing for the right reasons.

be well

cc

soon to retire june 30 2006:balloons:

Taxminia0311 · Jun 3, 2006

I Know that 20k is high for an LPN Program but you do what you have to do in order to not be place on side line on a waiting list. Look at me I'm going to pay 29k for and evening LPN Program at NETI and that is well over 20k but, it also will all pays off at the end that is what everyone keeps telling me and I believe them because I have seen the proof...Good Luck and just go for it Tranquilskies....P.s. study and study and more study

Taxminia0311 · Jun 3, 2006

Thecomputer give me you secret on paying off you mortgage and living the middle class, that the route I would love to take and live for my family and I....I know you must've buss you caboos just to live that life style did't you e-mail me [email protected] also once I finish my evening LPN I will be relocating to Texas perhaps houstonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn yehhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaa ridem cowboyyyyyy lolololo

Taxminia0311 · Jun 3, 2006

Thecomputer give me you secret on paying off you mortgage and living the middle class, that the route I would love to take and live for my family and I....I know you must've buss you caboos just to live that life style did't you e-mail me [email protected] also once I finish my evening LPN I will be relocating to Texas perhaps houstonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn yehhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaa ridem cowboyyyyyy lolololo

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2006

Thecomputer give me you secret on paying off you mortgage and living the middle class, that the route I would love to take and live for my family and I....I know you must've buss you caboos just to live that life style did't you e-mail me [email protected] also once I finish my evening LPN I will be relocating to Texas perhaps houstonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn yehhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaa ridem cowboyyyyyy lolololo

Hard work is no secret. It is easier for me to save money because I have no children.