Is this the right decision?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

Published

So, I was in the RN program and didn't pass my last semester. The Dean at my school suggested becoming an LPN while waiting to get back into fourth semester. It looks like I probably won't get in until Fall 2007 and even that is questionable. The Dean was willing to help me fill out all the paperwork and after that I can take the NCLEX-PN.

I thought that instead of feeling sorry for myself this would keep my foot in the door and help me practice certain skills I've acquired.

I live in Northern California and wonder what the salaries are here and whether I'll be in a LTC facility or if there is a chance I can work in the hospitals?

Is it a wise move for me to be an LVN while I'm waiting to be an RN? Am I taking a step back or forwards?

Thanks for your advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

Not sure about your state situation, but any healthcare experience you can get prior to graduating as an RN will be great for you - good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

WOW, that really stinks that they have no openings for you to retake your last semester. I don't understand why though? we have people drop out or fail all the time, but they get right back in the next semester (but they can only do that once)......

if it were me, i'd spend the time working in the field (aid), instead of burning my brain out & spending extra money. you can always go over the material you already have while you wait to get back in. just my two cents!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LPN.

I agree, any experience is better than none. If you are an aide, you already have had a lot of helpful experience in pt cares. If you have the money, or can just pass the LPN test, you will get a lot more experience. LPNs most of the same things RN do. Thats why we are called LPN-low paid nurses.

In the long term facility I used to work at, I did more as a LPN, then the RN's do at the hospital I am currently working at. I miss a lot of the decision making, and hands on skills, like starting IV's and doing blood draws. There were RN's on staff, just that they didn't have time available to give us.

I ended up doing subacute care at the LTC facility, and loved it. That may be an excellent place for you. However, jumping right into an LPNs shoes is not as easy as it seems. It may give you insight to what the LPNs where you work are experiencing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I think it's a very good idea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediactrics geriatrics med surg L+D.

no no no lpn is lets pretend nurses lol anyways that is what i did i am working as an LPN while i am getting my RN it has help me so much because i am working with the RN's and they can tell me what this or that so i would go for it

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was in the RN program and ended up with phlebitis and the doctor advised me to get out of the program at that point. I left the program with an A- average and I was so depressed for awhile. I planned to go back for the RN but ended up doing the LPN program so I could make enough money to get through. Now, I just started the Excelsior program. So, I'd say... go for the LPN and then do the RN while making more $$$

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
WOW, that really stinks that they have no openings for you to retake your last semester. I don't understand why though? we have people drop out or fail all the time, but they get right back in the next semester (but they can only do that once)......

if it were me, i'd spend the time working in the field (aid), instead of burning my brain out & spending extra money. you can always go over the material you already have while you wait to get back in. just my two cents!

People think differently, but personally, I disagree with this. As an aide, you will be basically doing backbreaking ADL care, and would have no access to charts or basic nursing skills. And, aides do not make that much money. An LPN does not make close to an RN salary, either, however, you would have exposure to medications and treatments, charting, doing nursing notes and learning to speak to the physicians about patient care. One of my friends told me that the hardest thing she had to do is to communicate with an impatient physician...it is not always as easy as it looks. If you decided to become an LPN, you would have a better idea of how much you really want to be a nurse; you can save money, maybe even hire a tutor to get you through the more difficult areas that challenged you. And, you would be working closer to the RNs and can ask them questions. You may even use your assessment skills (but would have to report them to the charge nurse/RN). It may give you incentive to pass that class the second time around. As an aide, you may just be burnt out. This is my perspective. Also, you will have a chance to experience NCLEX for yourself...the anticipation, preparation etc...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Got to agree with Pagandeva.

Why loose your nursing skills working as an aide. Dijmart has no idea of what we LPNs do to make such a statement.

Not everyone wants to be an RN and at least you have the choice right now of working in the field.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in disability.

Go with what your heart tells you. After all this you will come out a stronger person. Challenges are good because they require you to reassess where you are going. Challenges that are over come make you a stronger person & give you that much extra self esteem. This will also aid you in the future with what ever other difficuties you will experience. Hang in there reassess & look at all your options carefully then make a informed decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Got to agree with Pagandeva.

Why loose your nursing skills working as an aide. Dijmart has no idea of what we LPNs do to make such a statement.

Not everyone wants to be an RN and at least you have the choice right now of working in the field.

I am one of those nurses that is not interested in becoming an RN, and I don't regret that decision. But, the original poster would certainly have the advantage of both worlds...getting experience to what NURSES (may they be LPN or RN) do on a daily basis. There are many RNs that may take her under their wings knowing that she is aspiring to go further. I remember my college advisor gave us an assignment to sort of shadow a person in the career we are interested in, and assess for ourselves if this is really the career that we want. Nothing can beat having the responsibility and seeing for yourself what happens in the daily life of a nurse. You can begin to build your time management skills, prioritizing care and applying all that you learned to the real world versus textbook world of nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Preaching to the choir, I also have no inclination to go further. Yes, the paycheque would be nice but at my age there are loads of things I'd rather spend my time, energy, and financial resources on.! Like my getting my kids through uni, heading to Mexico when it gets cold, reading trash not textbooks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment