Is being an LPN REALLY that bad?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Updated:   Published

It seems like people frown upon LPN's....always saying "Just become an RN." I thought becoming an LPN was a good career choice...other people don't seem to think so though o_O

So for all the LPN's out there, do you enjoy your job? Do you think you made the right career choice?

Specializes in CD pysch.

I realize this thread is 8+ years old. There are still positions in LTC, pysch, home health, doctors' offices, and even schools. It is also a good starting point if in the future, one's confidence in skills increase to apply for the RN. We all have a role to play. I enjoy mine in behavioral health.

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Specializes in ICU.

It was the best decision I ever made. I went into Nursing not knowing if i was going to like it & didn't want to waste my time/financial aid on years of education only to find out i hated it.

I LOVE going to work. I'm part time at two different places because I didn't want to choose between the jobs. They both fulfill me in different ways. I got lucky enough to get a job at the hospital (which honestly, is my favorite so far). On my 3rd day of orientation a patient told me "Thank you so much for being my Nurse, You are the best Nurse I've had yet". Nothing can beat that feeling like you've done something important; every single day I feel like I've done something to help someone else, even the little things make me happy/ feel lucky to have these 2 jobs.

Nursing has definitely given me a sense of purpose that I never had before; even "just as" an LPN. I would perfectly fine stopping as an LPN too- but I also love school and want more opportunities (because lets face it, LPN's dont always get the recognition or pay they deserve.)

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Specializes in Nephrology.

I absolutely adore being an LPN..I attended school three months after losing all my possessions in a natural disaster. I graduated at the Top of my class, received the Highest Award, awarded to a Nursing Student in the College, I have worked as an educator along side RN's and was chosen over many who applied because I stood out. I now work along side an NP as A Triage Nurse . I make over 25 dollars an hour and have no current interest in going back. Nursing School was hard. I managed to do it with 3 boys..

We started with 65 students some who had previously been in an RN program..I was one of 6 who graduated. Darn Proud and I do not feel inferior to an RN ..Blessings

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Specializes in Critical Care.

If you want to work in a doctors office or nursing home you should go for it, but most hospitals I know have extremely limited LPN positions.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

there is so much more to nursing than LPN or RN.

There are so many types of nurses in so many kinds of roles at so many facilities.

There are nurses in hospitals, yes - and most don't hire LPNs, this is true.

There are so many other avenues to go down though and If I didn't start with my LPN I wouldn't have experienced nearly as much as I have so far because I'd probably be much like everyone else and working in a hospital.

I work in a skilled nursing facility and I have up to 20 patients on my day shift assignment. They are long term, hospice, rehab, medical management, psych or all of the above depending on the group i have at that time.

I could elaborate but I don't want it to fall on deaf ears so I will just say that I love what I do and my skills are not wasted.

We need people who are genuine and caring but also knowledgeable and educated caring for these folks.

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