Is being an lvn really that great?

caliotter3 · Jun 18, 2020

Of course she is going to defend her choice regarding how to pursue the career. You do you. Continue on your path to RN. Should you need to step back to become an LVN first, you will have the LVN to RN bridge option. It is good that you realize the obstacles that may be in front of you. That outlook will help you to approach this in a rational manner. And anyone can buy a used Mercedes. Actually I find it rather foolish to try to maintain a Mercedes on close to (soon to be) minimum wage.

Jade Nicole, LPN · Jun 20, 2020

I plan to be an RN, but I chose to become an LPN first. I am 4 months away from graduating. I have 3 little girls, and a day RN program was not practical for me because I take care of my daughters during the day, so I go to school part time evenings and weekends. I love the idea of getting a few years experience as a nurse before getting my RN and BSN. I don't believe it is a step back but rather a stepping stone.

After graduation, I am moving to my home state of NH, where LPNs make about $28 an hour, which I will certainly be happy with.

My nursing instructor worked as an LPN for 10 years before getting her RN and she said she breezed right through the bridge program because of it.

If you are second guessing the journey you are on, there may be a reason for it. If your mom got sick and an LPN is taking care of your mom and she's inspiring you, that may be the answer to your prayers/confusion.

Your pre-requisites have not been taken in vain, you will need them for the RN program when you're ready.

You can always apply for an LVN program and take the entrance exam and see what happens and go from there!

Hope this helps!

Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN · Jun 20, 2020

If you can help it, get your RN first. I know it’s extremely competitive and there’s are huge wait lists and random lottery systems trying to get into an RN program, so the LVN route may be good for you. LVNs in CA have such a huge range in pay. Anywhere from 17$ to 30$+ an hour as staff. I graduated from American career college and so far, it’s been the best decision of my life. I’m a traveling LPN now. That license has allowed me to become independent. And the prereqs you’ve done thus far, won’t be in vain. If you get your LVN, then go right back and get your RN, you could work as a nurse while waiting to get into an RN program and make decent money and gain invaluable experience in the meantime. Some RN programs give priority to those who are already LVNs sometimes too. There are pros and cons to each path. Good luck!

cookie123d, CNA · Jun 20, 2020

1 hour ago, Archerlpvn said:
If you can help it, get your RN first. I know it’s extremely competitive and there’s are huge wait lists and random lottery systems trying to get into an RN program, so the LVN route may be good for you. LVNs in CA have such a huge range in pay. Anywhere from 17$ to 30$+ an hour as staff. I graduated from American career college and so far, it’s been the best decision of my life. I’m a traveling LPN now. That license has allowed me to become independent. And the prereqs you’ve done thus far, won’t be in vain. If you get your LVN, then go right back and get your RN, you could work as a nurse while waiting to get into an RN program and make decent money and gain invaluable experience in the meantime. Some RN programs give priority to those who are already LVNs sometimes too. There are pros and cons to each path. Good luck!

Oh thanks for the advice! Are you going back to get your RN? Ya I guess what im ganna do is finish up these science classes and also get my cna license cuz alot of lvn school want u to have one just in case. Then ill apply to RN and lvn and whichever takes me first ill go for it!

and btw how did u get your first lvn job? Cuz I been looking at job listings for lvns here in california and all of them say oh u have to have one year experience in this and have certification of this and that

cookie123d, CNA · Jun 20, 2020

4 hours ago, Angel Jade said:
If you are second guessing the journey you are on, there may be a reason for it. If your mom got sick and an LPN is taking care of your mom and she's inspiring you, that may be the answer to your prayers/confusion.

Ya thats so funny! 2 years ago some lvn lady came to my house too and she was my moms friend. Shes the one in the first place who talked me into becoming a nurse LOL. So I feel like these are signs or something they have to be XD

Queen Tiye, RN · Jun 21, 2020

BSN is fast becoming the standard of entry into the profession. If your life can handle it, it may be best to get your ADN. If you are in dire financial need, then LVN first might be best. After your first year in an RN program, many states allow you to sit for the LVN NCLEX. Lastly, community colleges offer great quality programs at the lowest cost. Private/ tech nursing schools often lower their standards by having fewer entry requirements and Are very expensive. They get away with this because they know there aren’t enough programs to meet the demand of all the people who want to become nurses. I was accepted to an excellent community college program and I didn’t have all As. They consider more than your grades, like your essay and your interview. Go for it! The hardest part is getting in. Give it everything you’ve got, it will be so worth it?.

cookie123d, CNA · Jun 21, 2020

54 minutes ago, Queen Tiye said:
BSN is fast becoming the standard of entry into the profession. If your life can handle it, it may be best to get your ADN. If you are in dire financial need, then LVN first might be best. After your first year in an RN program, many states allow you to sit for the LVN NCLEX. Lastly, community colleges offer great quality programs at the lowest cost. Private/ tech nursing schools often lower their standards by having fewer entry requirements and Are very expensive. They get away with this because they know there aren’t enough programs to meet the demand of all the people who want to become nurses. I was accepted to an excellent community college program and I didn’t have all As. They consider more than your grades, like your essay and your interview. Go for it! The hardest part is getting in. Give it everything you’ve got, it will be so worth it?.

May I ask what your grades were? Cuz I got a c in anatomy (would have been a b if it wasnt for all this covid crap) and my nursing counsler at my school (since my GPA is only like 2.7 on top if that) kind of was like ya u might need to find another major,,whoch made me sad. And at my community college they do lottery which god knows if ill get in, and other community colleges in my area are either lottery or multi criteria like yours. But even the multi criteria one your competing against peiple with better GPA than u and better life experience or whatever else theyre lookin for ?

Queen Tiye, RN · Jun 21, 2020

5 hours ago, cookie123d said:
May I ask what your grades were? Cuz I got a c in anatomy (would have been a b if it wasnt for all this covid crap) and my nursing counsler at my school (since my GPA is only like 2.7 on top if that) kind of was like ya u might need to find another major,,whoch made me sad. And at my community college they do lottery which god knows if ill get in, and other community colleges in my area are either lottery or multi criteria like yours. But even the multi criteria one your competing against peiple with better GPA than u and better life experience or whatever else theyre lookin for ?

I didn’t apply with any Cs, BUT apply with the grades you have to as many places as you can, it won’t hurt. If you don’t get accepted, find out why. Perhaps retake A&P. Also get the latest Elsevier HESI study guide or TEAS guide. My program required the HESI entrance exam. If you master all the practice questions in that book and are current in A&P knowledge you can score in the low to high 90s which will indicate that you are a good test taker and are likely to pass the NCLEX. Schools want students that will keep that program’s NCLEX pass rate high. They will also consider this when reviewing your application. Try not to worry about the competition. When I was doubtful about my ability to get in, another student told me to apply anyway because everyone is allotted their own grace and mercy. I had a busy-body micro instructor that told me students with Bs don’t get into nursing school. She even went as far as to tell me I should stop at my BSN and not further my studies. Don’t worry about anyone else. Line yourself up with people who tell you how to win and you also be focused on winning. Nursing school is challenging and you need all the positive self-talk you can muster. Please keep us updated?.

Floor_Nurse · Jun 24, 2020

These are all good answers. You won't have any problems finding employment as an LVN or other nurse title. For me, I didn't want to have a large debt/student loan looming over me for years, although most nurses don't regret paying for an education. Having said that... I know a social worker/case manager who went to an expensive private college, and has been drowning in debt for many years.

Lynker, LPN · Jun 28, 2020

I went through my LPN program at a college. I'm currently working as a nurse per diem, and I'm in RN school full time. I love the route I chose, as I can still get experience as a nurse, and a LOT of money, while still going through my education and getting where I want to go.

If you can get into an RN program first, definitely go for it. But if the opportunity for LPN arises, it's SO worth it in my opinion. I love being an LPN, and I know I'm going to love being an RN!

Edit- I've been an LPN since October 2019, by the way. Still learning here! ?

cookie123d, CNA · Jun 28, 2020

20 minutes ago, JabuJabule said:
I went through my LPN program at a college. I'm currently working as a nurse per diem, and I'm in RN school full time. I love the route I chose, as I can still get experience as a nurse, and a LOT of money, while still going through my education and getting where I want to go.
If you can get into an RN program first, definitely go for it. But if the opportunity for LPN arises, it's SO worth it in my opinion. I love being an LPN, and I know I'm going to love being an RN!
Edit- I've been an LPN since October 2019, by the way. Still learning here! ?

Oh thats so great it worked out for you! Do you work in a nursing home or what kind of job do you do thats per diem? I heard bad things about nursing homes and I am worried