Is LPN as great a job as a RN?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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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.

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?

I love helping people. I love taking care of others. It makes me happy if I can bring a smile to someone's face. And quite frankly, it's where the money's at!!!! I'll always be employed, because as long as there are people living on this earth, there will always be a need for nurses.

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. The 'taxpayer' comments by others are unneeded and counter productive, when you start working, don't worry, you'll pay your share of taxes!

Heh, I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier....Good point, though. She'll likely end up paying more in increased taxes [due to increased income] over the next 10 years or so than she received in grant money. When you look at it that way, you can call grant money a sort of "investment" on the governments part. Basically, "We'll give you some money now so you can earn a higher income, then we'll take far more money in taxes over the course of your career.". I wonder if a certain rude and pompous contributor to this thread is feeling a bit foolish right now?

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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

Good answer workingmom :). A lot of people your age also don't know how to stand up for themselves. I know I wish I'd been a lot sharper when I was your age. It sounds like you have what it takes to make it in nursing school and you know what you want. In short you'll do fine.

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Specializes in MS/tele/peds/psych.

I think the LPN to RN route would be good for you and your child. It worked well for me! I was a 21 yr old single mom with a new baby, and although I didn't make a lot of money, I made more than I would have in a lot of other places. Flexible scheduling and good benefits mean a lot, too! And although I make more money now as a registered nurse, my best (favorite) job ever was an LPN position working with medically fragile kids. Nothing will ever compare to that job! Good luck to you!:twocents::)

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I just wanted to wish the OP good luck. She's young, already has a huge amount of responsibility, and really seems to have her head screwed on straight. My daughter is 18, and while I love her to pieces, I can't even imagine her in that situation and dealing with her life with such maturity.

I really admire the OP and think she deserves all the kudos and support most of the posters on this thread are offering her.

You go, girl!:yeah:

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I just wanted to wish the OP good luck. She's young, already has a huge amount of responsibility, and really seems to have her head screwed on straight. My daughter is 18, and while I love her to pieces, I can't even imagine her in that situation and dealing with her life with such maturity.

I really admire the OP and think she deserves all the kudos and support most of the posters on this thread are offering her.

You go, girl!:yeah:

:heartbeatWow thanx!!!!:heartbeat

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Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

Geez Patrick1RN,

I would never want to be your patient, and if i were, I'd crall outta bed and pull all the "wires"

because if the sickness did not kill me, your arogant imponent tone sure would!

I started from the bottom, worked construction, for years, paid taxes, and a whole lot of it!!! and could not benefit from FAFSA, because unfortunately I am not yet an American CITIZEN

I can't thank God enough, because if it wasnt for 1 single nursing student who kickstarted helped me into getting on my feet to go to school!!! I am so thankfull for this only person and will always do the same whenever possible.

I have a tip to you

google: "pay it back"

Google: "definition, grumpy"

...:idea:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
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

1. Its a Corvette and its already paid for.

2. I love being called names, its ok

3. Go for the gusto, get your RN, it pays more and you have far more growth potential

4. Dont make something I typed into something that it isnt

good luck either way

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

i think it's a great idea!

you can definately get a job working 8 hours as an LPN. physician offices, urgent cares, clinics, nursing homes, assisted livings, hospitals, etc all offer opportunities to LPN's. the pay wage varies from where you live and the setting.

i am an LPN and i feel respected by my colleagues for the most part. there are sometimes ignorant statements but i tell them remember the N stands for nurse, too.

nursing school is very stressful and it is never easy. it is alot to learn. but it is very rewarding and it will open a door for you if maybe when your baby is older that you can go back and bridge for your RN.

good luck! :)

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Just keep in mind that if you bridge from a LPN to a RN, that it may not carry over into other states. Meaning, the bridge program may let you practice as an RN in that state, but when you want to practice in another state, they will not honor the RN status but rather your LPN status. At least I believe that is how it is in California and if you want to leave to another state. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I am not going the LPN route so I'm not 100 percent sure on this. Check it out, and good luck.

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.
Just keep in mind that if you bridge from a LPN to a RN, that it may not carry over into other states. Meaning, the bridge program may let you practice as an RN in that state, but when you want to practice in another state, they will not honor the RN status but rather your LPN status. At least I believe that is how it is in California and if you want to leave to another state. Someone correct me if I am wrong. I am not going the LPN route so I'm not 100 percent sure on this. Check it out, and good luck.

i've never heard of this. i am in NC right now and starting an LPN-RN bridge in FL. i have a valid NC license and pending endorsement in Florida post fingerprints. the NCLEX-PN and RN are national exams. as long as i have a license, i can practice as a nurse in any state with proper endorsement. in order to go to another state as an LPN you have to be endorsed also, but when you become an RN also you may only have the RN license endorsed.

i think you may be thinking of some states being opposed to endorsing licenses of excelsior grads (which i don't know why--i think california is one of them, though).

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Wow, I am in this same situation. I completely understand where you are coming from on the length of BSN programs. I think the LPN program is a great idea, you're young so you can always go back to school when your son gets a little older.

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