Is LPN as great a job as a RN?

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Hey, I'm new on this site. I'm current living in Louisiana but I'm origannally form NY and plan on moving back after LPN school. Just like my user name I'm 19 and a have a small child(10 months:redbeathe), So I need money NOW. I cant wait the 4 years to be an RN, thats why I'm taking the shorter LPN course. Is as good a job as an RN? As far as pay and respect on the job? I know RN's work long hours. Do LPN's work like 12 hour shifts also? I really want to just work like a 8 hour shift.

And also my schooling doesnt start until March, so I wanted to know what it's like. Is it difficult? And most importantly is it WORTH it?

Thnx.

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I cant wait the 4 years to be an RN, thats why I'm taking the shorter LPN course. Is as good a job as an RN? As far as pay and respect on the job?

And also my schooling doesnt start until March, so I wanted to know what it's like. Is it difficult? And most importantly is it WORTH it?

Thnx.

I understand your situation, but quite frankly, I'm amazed that you would already decide to attend an LPN program without even knowing anything about the pay.

Short answer: no. You will be paid significantly less than an RN in most places. Really, this should be obvious. Why would anyone invest the time, money, and effort necessary to complete a 4 year RN program, when they can make the same money by attending a one year vocational program? Also, while LVNs certainly deserve as much respect as RNs, they don't always get it. Its kind of one of those "sad, but often true" parts of nursing. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean LVN is a bad job. As a matter of fact, I myself am going LVN to RN. All I'm saying is, get the idea that an LVN with a vocational education is going to earn similar pay as an RN with a BSN right out of your head, because it doesn't happen.

As for the difficulty, that is all relative. Many people will say its difficult, many will say its just a lot of hours studying, and still others will say its easy. I think the answer depends more on how strong/confident you feel academically.

Personally, I do feel that its worth it, just please tell me you didn't pay like $30k for your program [a lot of people do, which is unfortunate].There are a lot of options open once you're an LVN, including bridge programs where you can become an RN in as little as one year, depending on whether or not you've taken all your nursing pre-req classes.

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I understand your situation, but quite frankly, I'm amazed that you would already decide to attend an LPN program without even knowing anything about the pay.

Short answer: no. You will be paid significantly less than an RN in most places. Really, this should be obvious. Why would anyone invest the time, money, and effort necessary to complete a 4 year RN program, when they can make the same money by attending a one year vocational program? Also, while LVNs certainly deserve as much respect as RNs, they don't always get it. Its kind of one of those "sad, but often true" parts of nursing. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean LVN is a bad job. As a matter of fact, I myself am going LVN to RN. All I'm saying is, get the idea that an LVN with a vocational education is going to earn similar pay as an RN with a BSN right out of your head, because it doesn't happen.

As for the difficulty, that is all relative. Many people will say its difficult, many will say its just a lot of hours studying, and still others will say its easy. I think the answer depends more on how strong/confident you feel academically.

Personally, I do feel that its worth it, just please tell me you didn't pay like $30k for your program [a lot of people do, which is unfortunate].There are a lot of options open once you're an LVN, including bridge programs where you can become an RN in as little as one year, depending on whether or not you've taken all your nursing pre-req classes.

I shouldnt have wrote that part, cuz I actually do know how much they get paid. and No i dont have to pay anything for school. I got a pell grant so I'm going absolutely for free:yeah:

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I shouldnt have wrote that part, cuz I actually do know how much they get paid. and No i dont have to pay anything for school. I got a pell grant so I'm going absolutely for free:yeah:

Well played!

(Seriously, God bless grant money.)

Well, I wish you the best of luck with nursing school.

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Great is what you make out of it. And as far as im concerned, it depends on you in some states about pay, i actually found out that i am making the same amount as an RN at the facility i work at. But as far as opportunity, very limited as an LPN. I am trying to find a LPN to RN program myself,but overall enjoy nursing. So any sugestions anyone on a good online program for LPN programs please let me know.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

No, its not worth it

Since you got the tax payers flipping your bill for you, go to school for something that will be worth your time, the taxpayers money and will bring you a decent living. I feel that LPNs are paid at decent wage for what they do

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I think both LPN and RN are good jobs. LPN's have a narrower scope of practice than RN's. I know LPN's who have been working for decades. They make decent money and seem pretty happy with their jobs so the scope issue hasn't bothered them too much. Now the catch is that many hospitals these days will only hire RN's - not LPN's. These days most LPN's are hired in places like long term care and rehab facilities. So if you want to work in a hospital you will need your RN license. But even if you eventually want to be a RN, there is nothing wrong with starting as a LPN. There are many schools that will let you bridge over to RN and/or BSN if that's your longer term goal.

Getting into the work force quickly might be workingmom19's goal since she has a baby to raise. It takes about 3-4 years (including prerequisites) to complete a two year RN program. A LPN program takes 12-18 months to complete. The starting pay might be a little less than RN but it's better than unskilled worker pay.

Congrats on getting into school workingmom19 and good luck. :)

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No, its not worth it

Since you got the tax payers flipping your bill for you, go to school for something that will be worth your time, the taxpayers money and will bring you a decent living. I feel that LPNs are paid at decent wage for what they do

Why don't you get off your high horse and actually read the OP? She clearly stated that time is a concern, as she has a 10 month old child and needs to earn some kind of an income quickly. Also,I really don't know where you get this 'make it worth the taxpayer's money' nonsense. LPNs are needed just as much as RNs, only in different settings [ex. LTC vs hospitals]. Furthermore, you said yourself that you feel LPNs are paid a fair wage for what they do. If LPNs are paid a decent wage, then your entire position is invalid.

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No, its not worth it

Since you got the tax payers flipping your bill for you, go to school for something that will be worth your time, the taxpayers money and will bring you a decent living. I feel that LPNs are paid at decent wage for what they do

Wow...this is as pompass and as ignorant as it gets. God this post really ticks me off. You make government financial aide seem like a handout for lazy people. Give me a break. Whether you use money that you're entitled to for a 2 or 4 yr degree or vocational school training doesnt matter. What is "worthwhile" is defined by each individual and that money is for people to get an education no matter what it is in. If others will be "footing the bill" for something, why not an education regardless of the type or area of study. Tax payers fund a lot of wasteful programs, but providing people with an education whether it leads to a stellar salary or not is important and is never wasteful.

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No, its not worth it

Since you got the tax payers flipping your bill for you, go to school for something that will be worth your time, the taxpayers money and will bring you a decent living. I feel that LPNs are paid at decent wage for what they do

1. You're a jerk

2. Everyone knows when going to school, you have to fill out a FAFSA. How would I know that I would be eligible to go to school for free? I'm definately not complaining. Most people my age(19) work at fast food places. and I for one am sick of saying "Welcome to McDonlads, may I take your order?". Minimum wage does nothing for me or my son.Since you feel I'm just useing up your precious "tax" money, when you cant afford that brand new Mercedes Benz next year, know that it was because you helped but me through school:D

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LPN student here...I have time issues as well, 52 yrs old and need a long term employment situation. I won't spend the time to be an RN, I feel the need to work as soon as I can. IT IS worth it, you are pulling out of a potentially difficult life by stepping up and committing to a career that will offer growth. The 'taxpayer' comments by others are unneeded and counter productive, when you start working, don't worry, you'll pay your share of taxes! Stand strong and the majority of us our pulling for you to be a huge success.

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You could go for your LPN and get the work and then go for your RN, that's what I'm doing. Where I'm going to school (U of MT) you are actually required to get your LPN first, I think its great because you can work as a nurse until you get your RN then you can kind of move up the ladder.

I think nursing school is a lot harder than other majors but it also depends on the school, how fast the track is, 4, 2 year, or less. WHat makes you want to be a nurse?

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