Is becoming a LPN worth it?

emmy27 · Dec 7, 2015

Aside from that, whether an LPN degree is "worth it" depends largely on what you intend to do in the long run. An experienced LPN has a much higher wage ceiling than a Subway employee, and is much more likely to have access to good benefits. It's also possible (although not fun) to work as an LPN at least part time while attending LPN bridge classes to an ADN or BSN degree, and become an RN. That said, the type of jobs open to LPNs in most places are hard work and not glamorous (to the extent any nursing job can be said to be glamorous). Most LPNs I know are either grandfathered in to acute care/hospital jobs, but can't leave that specific job because the facility is no longer hiring LPNs, or work in LTC or home health. If you don't mind a few years of hard jobs and working your tail off as a student and worker at the same time, it can be a relatively financially secure way to advance, but those hard jobs are really hard

Nursing is a tough career and not, unfortunately, all about helping people (a lot of it these days is about meeting productivity targets and time limits, which in many cases goes directly contrary to helping people). But it is well-paid relative to the time investment in education, it is highly flexible and portable, and it offers a unique ability to step up through levels (such as becoming an LPN--->ADN--->BSN---->NP/CRNA/Nurse educator/manager) while working at a well-paying job.

kaitlynrmyers3 · Dec 7, 2015

I have been trying to decide whether or not I want to continue my education by becoming an RN or by getting my LPN license. I would really like to work in Pediatrics, but I am not sure which is better for that type of specialty and career path. Any information/advice would be very helpful. Thank you! :)

miszek · Dec 7, 2015

Are you still in the LPN to RN program or did you already complete it? I'm very glad it worked out well for you!
For me, it's less of a "don't want to be", and more of a "I know it's a rewarding, but difficult job so I'm hesitant".
There may be a very slight aversion to it because of the experiences I had as a patient, a new nurse once accidentally skipped a pain medication dose and I woke up screaming. She was SO upset and apologetic but she still got fired.
And before that, when I was 3 months old and in post-op, a nurse gave me a dose of morphine, didn't record it, and then another nurse came in and gave me a second dose of morphine, which ended up in defibrillation and a adrenaline shot or two. Still here, though!
I know, too much detail, but the idea of having a real honest mistake put someone in direct harm is stressful! I don't know how you do it, I bet you had good teachers!

I graduated in February from Pinellas Technical College and took my test a few months ago. It's accredited and everything. I didn't start looking for a job until recently, but I got a call back after a couple weeks of filling out a few applications a day. I don't actually start my first LPN job until tomorrow, but I think everyone is a little scared at first and you just learn. I think getting your LPN is a good place to start and you make enough money to support yourself and experience.

ambr46 · Dec 7, 2015

You have mentioned that you have some pretty severe medical conditions. Are you in chronic pain? Many nursing jobs require standing for long periods of time without a break and heavy lifting. If nursing isn't your passion you might think long and hard about this.

As for your aversion to nursing due to a nurse accidentaly skipping a pain med. I'm sorry that happened to you but it doesn't seem like termination material. If you do become a nurse I think you wil realize the amount of work a nurse must juggle in any given day.

Thujone · Dec 8, 2015

I think you may be confused, and perhaps getting information from incorrect resources. If you would, allow me to clarify a few things for you.

1. I have never heard of an LPN making $10/hr. That sounds more in-line with CNA wages. There is a big difference between an CNA and an LPN. Where I live LPNs make about $18-23/hr as new graduates (if they work in LTC). If they work in a doctor's office then the pay will be lower.

2. There are no completely online nursing schools. You must, at the very least, attend labratory hours. I would be very skeptical of anyone saying that they got their education online. There are LPNs who bridge to RN, and they do the theory portion on-line, but even they do lab. hours in the class room.

3. Don't let anyone fool you into believing that a college education will not lead to a stable life. It is the most important factor. If you have an educated work force then the particular field they work in is more likely to earn a higher paying salary/wage. Requiring that your work force members have a college degree decreases the supply of readily available employees, and at the same time the demand for them rises. This lead to better wages. That is a simple law of economics, supply versus demand.

Neural · Dec 8, 2015

LPN is a fine choice if you're using it as part of a 'stepping-stone' route to a BSN, e.g., LPN to ADN to BSN.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be too confident standing on that LPN 'stone' for too long; the tides are shifting.

I'm glad that's the route I'm taking. The experience is invaluable.