Is LPN as great a job as a RN?

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2008

Hey WorkingMom - I am in Louisiana, and I went to LPN school first. My mom suggested that so I "wouldn't waste all the yrs in college if I didn't like it, so I went the route you are talking about. I already had some prereqs that I could apply towards my RN after finishing LPN.

I finished and started working 3 to 11 on a busy med surg unit. I had to work my tail off, both working as a new LPN, amd also as a student in RN school. It was hard and I missed a lot of sleep, but it was definetly worth it in the long run when I got that diploma!

In Louisiana, you can usually work either 8 or 12 hour shifts. Some places still work around your school as much as possible, and let you work "weekend option". I didn't like the idea of that, the weekend was really the only time for me to relax and study.

Anne, RNC

mama_d, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2008

I'd recommend going on for your RN as soon as possible, just because the opportunities and pay are not as limited.

I was 22 with a six week old when I started LPN school...now I'm ten years older with four kids and working on my RN. There was no way I could afford to go the RN route at the time, and my LPN has provided me with a way to support my family as I work on progressing up the ladder. I can't wait to get my RN, I'll be pulling in about $18K a year more before taxes and such.

And pffft to the poster who made an issue about the Pell grant... Personally, I'd rather see my tax money going to someone trying to become a productive, contributing member of society instead of to someone who has made a career out of playing the system.

SDChargersGirl#31 · Dec 31, 2008

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SDChargersGirl#31 · Dec 31, 2008

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).

"potential students include students who wish to transfer from another nursing program, licensed vocational nurses wanting to continue their education to become registered nurses, and students wishing to apply equivalent health care experience toward an associate degree in nursing. please view current policy information in the college catalog. [color=#750075]note: current increased enrollment numbers in the rn program have made placement in the lvn-rn transition option and the 30-unit option very difficult. please continue to monitor the nursing website for updated information.

[color=#0000a8][color=#0000a0]lvn-rn (transition [degree] option)
applicants who are currently licensed california lvn's desiring to complete courses required for california rn licensure. applicants must also meet same application criteria as for n 001.
this application is available from october 1-october 31.
thirty-unit option (non-degree option)
applicants who are currently licensed california lvn's desiring to complete courses required for california rn licensure. note: this is a non-degree option. states other than california may not recognize this educational track as a valid preparation for licensure.
this application is available from october 1-october 31."

i hadn't realized i was looking at the non-degree option. i had come across the information on my community college website. i guess the words of caution are to make sure you go the route that will grant you an associates degree.

LeesG · Dec 31, 2008

As I read this post I found myself saddened over Patrick1rn 's response. Were I live I see young mothers everyday, receiving welfare benefits and not trying to do anything more than collect their check each month. As a tax payer myself, I have no problems with my tax dollars going to help a young mother who is trying to achieve a better life for herself and her child. If she needed yet more help as she is in school, as in food stamps to help feed her child, again, as a tax payer I have no problems with that because she is trying to help herself. When she succedes she will be a tax payer herself rather than a welfare recipient.

Look around at the number of people who collect government $'s everyday !!! The drug dealing young mother who forgets to tell her local Welfare Counselor that she had a MAN living with her and her children and still collects money she doesn't deserve. To the people who say they have mental problems and cant work and get SSI, for no reason. The person who sells their food stamps for drugs...These are the places your anger should be directed, not towards a young mother trying to help herself and just needs a little boost.

To the OP....you go for it !!! As long as you are serious in your venture, and you do want to succeed, dont ever let anyone make you feel badly for needing any help you may require along the way.

Your son is lucky to have a mature young Mom who wants to make something of herself.

As far as the original queston you were trying to ask...My sister did LPN school first and is currently working on her RN. For the same reasons as you she took this route. She needed to be working ASAP. She struggled with 2 kids and a minimum wage job for the 12 months LPN school took. After graduation she worked a year, making more than double what she made while in school and got her and the kids comfortable in a new place. Now she is back in school and happy with her choice to do LPN first. Everyone has to make their own choices....Good Luck whatever you do and never let negativity change your mind for 1 minute.

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 31, 2008

As I read this post I found myself saddened over Patrick1rn 's response. Were I live I see young mothers everyday, receiving welfare benefits and not trying to do anything more than collect their check each month. As a tax payer myself, I have no problems with my tax dollars going to help a young mother who is trying to achieve a better life for herself and her child. If she needed yet more help as she is in school, as in food stamps to help feed her child, again, as a tax payer I have no problems with that because she is trying to help herself. When she succedes she will be a tax payer herself rather than a welfare recipient.
Look around at the number of people who collect government $'s everyday !!! The drug dealing young mother who forgets to tell her local Welfare Counselor that she had a MAN living with her and her children and still collects money she doesn't deserve. To the people who say they have mental problems and cant work and get SSI, for no reason. The person who sells their food stamps for drugs...These are the places your anger should be directed, not towards a young mother trying to help herself and just needs a little boost.
To the OP....you go for it !!! As long as you are serious in your venture, and you do want to succeed, dont ever let anyone make you feel badly for needing any help you may require along the way.
Your son is lucky to have a mature young Mom who wants to make something of herself.
As far as the original queston you were trying to ask...My sister did LPN school first and is currently working on her RN. For the same reasons as you she took this route. She needed to be working ASAP. She struggled with 2 kids and a minimum wage job for the 12 months LPN school took. After graduation she worked a year, making more than double what she made while in school and got her and the kids comfortable in a new place. Now she is back in school and happy with her choice to do LPN first. Everyone has to make their own choices....Good Luck whatever you do and never let negativity change your mind for 1 minute.

My point came across the wrong way, I forget everyone is so sensitive. My main point is, if your in school, you might as well go for your RN, it will be less HA and worth the time and effort, since she is going to use the taxpayers money anyway, why not go for a degree that can help her out even more. Never was it my intention to discourage this girl from doing her thing.

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2008

My point came across the wrong way, I forget everyone is so sensitive.

then again...while some have plenty others lack!

patrick1rn, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 31, 2008

then again...while some have plenty others lack!

But answer the original question, No LPN is not as great as being a RN.

You have higher earning potential, learning potential,

You can get certified in Critical Care, ER, med surg, oncology etc as a RN, those certifications are not easy mind you, I am a recent FNP graduate and i use the CCRN certification review as a personal review and reference myself.

Their is the growth with earning your masters degree in administration, infomatics, education, CRNA, NPs, CNS, or a duel degree in business and administration.

LPN school teaches you the basics to function at a set level, you have to be supervised by an RN, Ive met some LPNs that really were to good to be LPNs and should go on for their RNs.

Luckily, they have education programs that bridge LPNs to RNs, but I always tell someone if your going into nursing, start out with your 2 yr ASN, work, heck your job might even pay for your RN , then go for your BSN, if your happy where you are at, great, if not, then you have a chance to work in a setting that you want to, and under your terms.

modelmama07 · Dec 31, 2008

I would say look into an ADN program, and get your RN. I get Pell Grant money and that is what I'm going for. Me and my husband are both young and in school but we get grants every fall and spring semester. I wanted to make sure I used it that money for a degree that would pay off in the long-run. I eventually plan on becoming a CRNA, but at least I know I can get my RN paid for and reap the benefits. I don't know how supportive your family is but even if you have to move back in with your folks to make it for a couple years then do it! I have a friend who is a single mom and after, one semester of pre-reqs she got accepted into the nursng program and is now on her 3rd semester! She's almost finished! It goes by faster and than you think it does. If I were you that's what I would do, and that way all you have to do is get your BSN, if you choose to do so. Yet, you will already have so many more oppurtunities as an RN. Good luck in whatever you decide. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2009

But answer the original question, No LPN is not as great as being a RN.
You have higher earning potential, learning potential,
You can get certified in Critical Care, ER, med surg, oncology etc as a RN, those certifications are not easy mind you, I am a recent FNP graduate and i use the CCRN certification review as a personal review and reference myself.
Their is the growth with earning your masters degree in administration, infomatics, education, CRNA, NPs, CNS, or a duel degree in business and administration.
LPN school teaches you the basics to function at a set level, you have to be supervised by an RN, Ive met some LPNs that really were to good to be LPNs and should go on for their RNs. Luckily, they have education programs that bridge LPNs to RNs, but I always tell someone if your going into nursing, start out with your 2 yr ASN, work, heck your job might even pay for your RN , then go for your BSN, if your happy where you are at, great, if not, then you have a chance to work in a setting that you want to, and under your terms.

(Sometimes it's not what we say, but how we say it.)

I have to agree with you here. I would always encourage someone considering nursing to get an RN. For a year of pre and co-reqs and another year of nursing school, one can increase earing potential by 5.00 to 10.00 per hour entry level, and have so many more opportunities for growth and variety.

This is not a judgement of who is the better nurse, but the market reality.

There are many compelling reasons why someone would want to go LPN first and then go RN, which is what I encourage the OP to do. There are also many compelling reasons why someone would want to stop at the LPN and be totally fulfilled, and I completely understand and respect that.

gcupid · Jan 1, 2009

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. :)

Bsn= 4 years to complete.

Adn=3-4 years to complete even though its a 2 year degree.

Please do not crowd me for saying this but Why do a lot of people say that it takes about 3-4 years to complete a two year rn program. I haven't seen many catalogs but every ADN program catalog that I browsed through includes pre-requisites & nursing courses within a 2-year slot.

The only way I can see someone not finishing a 2 year program within 4 years is if there is either a waiting list or the student is attending part-time. (or failing their @** off).

If we are counting prerequisites, wouldn't it take 5-6 years to complete a BSN? It's like we are marginalizing a BSN's success, to make ourselves feel better.

My advice for the young lady is, if you have a good family support and someone is willing to help watch and take on some expenses with the baby, Pursue an ADN program (RN)... Get it out of the way. :twocents:

superstar70 · Jan 3, 2009

I have worked all my life and recently going through a divorce. I have two daughters that I have to care for. I decided to go through a nursing program so i will be able to take care of my kids, and in doing so, I qualify for pell & single parent help. I am not ashamed of this help, I am however very blessed to get it, and will take any help I can get. Being 38, and going back to school after all these years, I need everything I can get. I am glad there are programs so people can make a difference in their future.