Is it worth going to school to be an LPN?

smiletoday · Apr 18, 2009

In 2003 I decided on becoming a nurse. I went to look at several schools and found out that there was a long waiting list. I could of taken two years of generals then waited to see if I was accepted. Instead I begun my nursing career as a LPN. The LPN program took me to 2 years to complete, this was going part time as I owned my own business and had a family to care for. Once I graduated 12/2005, I immediately applie for the LPN-RN bridge program. I was accepted into the RN program beginning that Fall. I complete a few more required generals while I waited to start the official program. I also began to work as a LPN in a LTC/TCU facility. That is were I first gain my confidence. Honed? in my assessment skills. Learned how to write a order, work with the pharmacy, deal with families, death, charting, PT/OT/social workers, and JACHO. I had a real cases to apply the knowledge that I learned in the RN program. I believe that my LPN experience was very valuable in my nursing career. When I graduated as an RN and got my first hospital job. I was not overwhelmed. I already knew what was expected of me. All of this took from 2003-2007. All nurses may not agree with me but, I feel that by going this route it made me a better nurse than if I would have went straight into a BSN program. The BSN program would have recognized my skills more. But I do not feel that I would have been a better nurse.

jhenderson7593 · Apr 18, 2009

Once states start allowing CNAs to start passing meds after they are trained too, athere will be no more LPNs. Many states will be going that route I hear

sunray12 · Apr 18, 2009

Once states start allowing CNAs to start passing meds after they are trained too, athere will be no more LPNs. Many states will be going that route I hear

CNA's in my state can pass meds if they take the MA (medication aide) course. I think there's a lot more to being a LPN than having med pass privileges but if you're a LPN and it comes to the point where you know your job is going away LPN to RN courses are easily available at your local community college.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 18, 2009

Once states start allowing CNAs to start passing meds after they are trained too, athere will be no more LPNs. Many states will be going that route I hear

This does not fly in every setting. Most hospitals would not allow CNAs to pass medications, and even those that do, may not allow CNAs to administer injections, IVPB, insulin and other high risk medications.

Dani3176 · Apr 25, 2009

I'm in LVN school now and will graduate in Aug. I went LVN first because it's only 1 year compared to 2 or more for an RN. It's been very very hard money-wise because my husband is the only one working so the year program was about all I could do for now. I have met a lot of LVN's too who you couldn't pay to be an RN...they just love the LVN role. So, you have to look at if you can afford a longer program and what is your end goal. I plan on working, getting good experience while doing the RN program online so that may be an option for you, too.

SunnyAndrsn · Apr 26, 2009

Hi everybody,I'm enrolled in an LPN program that starts in October.My girlfriend had conversation with an RN today who said that going to school for LPN isn't worth it because most places want RNs and they are phasing out the PNs.Not only that but she also said that they don't get paid well.

This is why my LPN co-workers were wary about me when they found out I was in RN school. Not that they are afraid of being phased out, but of being marginalized. The LPNs I work with that have been LPNs for a long time are have heard for 20+ years that they are being phased out.

Honestly, their is a pay difference, my raise was almost $5. That's pretty significant. Also, I'm working PT at a home care agency and just accepted a casual call position at a local hospital. As a new grad, I'll make $10/hour more than what I did as an LPN. The pay difference is HUGE.

There ARE more career advancement opportunities for RN's--no doubt about it. But when I look through the job listings, there are more jobs in my area (Twin Cities) for LPNs (espceially new grads) than for new grad RNs.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 26, 2009

What way do you think that your LPN collagues feel they will be marginalized? Just curious. I am also quite surprized that there are more positions listed for LPNs than RNs in your area. Good luck in your advancement!

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2009

Once states start allowing CNAs to start passing meds after they are trained too, athere will be no more LPNs. Many states will be going that route I hear

I simply do not believe this.

We have had QMA's in my state all of my 22 years of nursing - most of that as an LPN. We have never gotten rid of LPN's to be replaced with the Qualified Medication Aide.

sparketteinok · May 3, 2009

Before today, I would've said go for it, all the way!! And, really, you must make the decision that's best for you. But consider this: where do you want to work? If it's in a hospital, what style of nursing do they use?

Today, my facility (a 400-bed hospital that serves a lot of rural areas, and the only game in town), decided to go to team nursing. Team nursing here consists of 1 RN to do: assessments and charting mainly, then PRN meds, FSBS, doc pages, etc., and 1 LPN to pass meds and PRNs and dressing changes. There are a lot of other things on the list, but these are the biggies. And we get one aide. We have 11 patients always.

Today was the first day. Today, I thought about quitting. I got my 0900 meds passed by 1230, couldn't get FSBS til after lunch, did all PRN meds, all scheduled meds, mag drips, now orders, doc pages, etc. I was only able to drink 1 glass of water, used the restroom one time, could not take lunch because there was no time, and did not sit down until 1545- literally- really not exaggerating (except to go pee).

The RN did her assessments first thing, then charted the rest of the day. When I asked her if she could do some of the mag drips and now orders, she said there was no way she could chart on 11 patients and get those done. Did not help me one iota.

Maybe it will get better. :cry:

If I had known this was what nursing for an LPN would have turned out to be (up til now, we've done primary nursing- responsible for 6 patients), there is NO WAY I would've gotten my LPN.

BTW, if all goes right (with getting enrolled in 4 prereqs I have to have), I should be in the LPN-BSN program in Jan 2010. I went this way because I can get my BSN in the same amount of time as an ADN.

Rob09sfa · May 29, 2009

I am an LPN in FL and i hate it....however i moved from TX where i was an LVN ( same as LPN) and loved it....i get paid more in FL though....I hate being an LPN for the simple fact that i do not have many options....if i could i would have gone to RN school first but at that time i couldnt do it....but i am glad for all of my experience regardless and am fixing to go to RN school...as someone else said before it depends what state you are in....but if i were you i would def go RN if you can....if not then do LPN cause its better than nothing and you get to be a real nurse no matter what and get experience.

Good Luck with your Decision!!!

cursedandblessed · May 29, 2009

i'm a pros and cons person. take out a sheet of paper and write out the pros and cons of each. job market, $$$, how long to get into the rn program before you would start both if you applied now to start their directly, and if you were to bridge, family situation, passing/graduation rates. etc.

having things written out tends to make it a little clearer for me. only you can make the decision, but if it's going to take you another year or two to get in and start the rn program directly, i'd go with the lpn where you have already been accepted, that way while your waiting to start the bridge program you could work and help out your family.

TheNewCuteNurse · Jun 5, 2009

It is worth it to become an LPN. I strted out as a CNA for nearly 4 yrs and i had to move up. To me the CNA was a stepping stone into the nsg field and becoming a LPN is a door opener. Of coorifice the HOS doesn't need LPN but many other places do. Whater ever you do(LPN or RN) is great and with either one, you wont be wsting your time.