I'm in but I feel less than happy about it

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I graduated LPN school in Dec, passed NCLEX in Jan, and I have been working LTC ever since. I thought I was going to do EC for LPN to RN but my school is really a 1-1 program so the option to do the RN was always in the back of my mind.

I decided to take the exam to bridge and I did really well. I got my acceptance letter and if I want it I am in...classes will start the 3rd week of April. As long as I keep my grades up I will graduate May 09. A few more facts about my school. They are really not that strict and the director of my program knows my financial situation and has always been very understanding. When I was in the PN program there were instances where I had emergencies and I missed clinical days with no repercussions etc.

The thing is...I am just not sure if I want to go to school anymore; it wore me out the last time!

I hate my co-workers and the facility I work at is pretty crappy but I like the residents and I like making my money. I don't know about going back to the grind that is NS. I will have to change my shift to nights and I am going to be very tired for the next 11 months because working is an absolute must.

I was leaning toward EC because I don't have to be physically present in a school but I am wondering if it would be a foolish thing to do to pass a definite acceptance to a school where I know the people and their expectations to go do EC's LPN-RN.

I now understand why LPNs stay LPNs for years before going back to get the RN, if we go at all. I am making good money now and the motivation is just not here right now.

I need help seeing the big picture...someone please knock some sense into me!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Hi Falon,

Congratulations! As much as I enjoy working independently I'm not a big fan of some of the online programs because they aren't accepted by all states and that worries me. I'd also like to go for my Masters someday and don't want to have to repeat anything. I hated LPN school, hated it, but I really enjoy the RN program. Its still nursing school no doubt and maybe its because I knew what to expect but this has been pretty painless. Much of the lectures this year are just more detailed versions of what I learned in LPN school.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do! Jules

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

I agree w/ Jules. LVN was tough because it was all new. Part of the transitioning will be an intense review so hopefully that will be less stressful. You still have an advantage with the new things you will learn- I mean concepts, terms and processes will come easier to you. You probably have good study habits, too.

I decided not to jump on the online bus either. Many of my LVN co-workers did that and didn't follow through. Now they are stuck paying without the benefit of the RN. While I don't particularly like driving to class and clinicals (liquid gold in the gas tank) it is a motivator. It is only 11 mos.

The summer was tough transitioning but since then our schedule has been very do-able. I decided to drop to part time (two 12s every weekend) but probably could have kept my full time status and picked up another shift somewhere. Rarely, we did have weeks with things 5 days per week. This isn't the norm, usually it is 3 days per week.

You can do it. There is such a jump in pay from LVN to RN (at least here) and your options will increase triplefold. I say bite the bullet and do it!! Good luck in whatever you decide. We are here for you either way.

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Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know I just need to get a grip on myself and do this or I will regret it big time. I was so excited to start LPN school...I wish I had some of that enthusiasm now but I guess it's because I know how hard it is now.

I guess I will not think about it too much over the next few weeks and I will take each day as it comes.

I know I can do this!!!

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I agree with Kriso - Just go for it! I only wish I had the opportunity to be in your shoes. It's definitely harder to go back to school once time keeps passing. Go for it! We're here to cheer you on!

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Specializes in LTC, cardiac, ortho rehab.

just think of it this way. we get paid atleast 10 dollars less doing almost the same kind of work our RN suppervisor does in LTC.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.
just think of it this way. we get paid atleast 10 dollars less doing almost the same kind of work our RN suppervisor does in LTC.

so true. At my acute hospital on Med Surg, there is no distinction in assignments from LVN to RN. I have even been given more challenging patients because they knew I could "handle it". Frustrating but I have no one to blame but myself. The hospital is really getting a sweet deal- I'm cheap labor!!! lol

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Specializes in LTC, cardiac, ortho rehab.
so true. At my acute hospital on Med Surg, there is no distinction in assignments from LVN to RN. I have even been given more challenging patients because they knew I could "handle it". Frustrating but I have no one to blame but myself. The hospital is really getting a sweet deal- I'm cheap labor!!! lol

exactly, if you think the money is good now then the RN salary will be great.. anyways, about the assignments, same thing happens to me. they end up giving me harder runs than other nurses because of the same reason you stated, "handle it". oh well, it sucks that we dont get paid the right amount for the work that we do, but its cool when people think and speak highly of us... in health care, we are the third world country factory workers that make 50 cents a day. lol, im just joking, WE GET PAID PER HOUR! :up:

jon lvn

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Specializes in med-surg-tele-peds.

I graduated lpn school 2yrs ago and now I'm in my first semester of transition,I have 2 more semester to go.I feel as though I'm learning so much more than I did in LPN. Even though it is hard going to school and working,I enjoy learning but at times I want to stop....I just think about the how much more oppurtunity I will have as a RN and also the big pay increase.I feel as though I can help my pts so much more now because I'm learning so much more now.In LPN school it was so face paced the information went in my head long enough for the test but was fast forgotten.I feel as though i'm learning much more detial now.i don't feel as though it is as hard as lpn-its just hard to find time to study -because i'm working also.Just think....its only one year..you can do it...you may even like it.

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Specializes in LTC, HH, clinic.

I am a LPN and have been for 13 years and am going back for RN, A college in Longview WA has a LPN to RN program I can do online classes, then clinicals all summer then will be eligible to sit for boards. My license will be accepted by all states. I have heard that with EC, TCN type programs some states do NOT recognize them. I encourage you to continue in a school that will allow you to sit for boards and would have no reason to have your license and abilities questioned! Good luck to you!:D

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I'm in a LPN program and plan to graduate in Dec '08. I was on a year waiting list for the RN program (my original plan) and applied to the LPN program, thinking working as a CNA for 3 more years not good. Anyway, thankfully, worked out as planned.

I'm amazed at what the role of LPN entails (or can). I, like many people, was unaware of the rigors and skills required of LPNs! I'm ashamed to say, but I thought the LPN worked more like an aide. NOT SO!

Anyway, I'm set to start my RN program in Jan '09, about the time I'll be taking my NCLEX. I almost want to work year or so, fully enjoy my LPN experience, and then go for the RN. My clinicals have taught me that my first year on the job is going to be stressful (like it sounds you are experiencing) and rewarding (finally there..making good money, passing meds, etc.). I can see your point of wanting to be where you are for a moment, without rushing things.

I think it's difficult for ANY person who is finally out of school and working to go back and continue. It's going to be tough anytime. But, it sounds like you are stressed at work, and going to get your RN might relieve your stress (oddly) because you are taking positive steps out of an environment that might not be the best fit for you? I'm going to bite the bullet and continue in January, but so you know, you're not at all alone in your desire to wait to continue. Good luck to you.

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Meems. Hi! Can you possibly give me more info on that college that you are talking about that you mentioned in Longview Washington. I would like to look into that. I am on a hunt for online colleges that have the LVN to RN program. Specifically those that have a program that would enable me to practice in any state.

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