Is it worth going to school to be an LPN?

[Shawn7997]

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.

[lp_825]

Why not go get your LPN, work part time/weekends. You will get paid alot more than min. wage and get some experience. Also have your foot in the door where you already know your staff and residents ( because most LPN's work in LTC ). If and when you decide to become and RN you will more than likely be the "Charge Nurse".

I say go for it. I love my job. But i am oging on for my RN.

[maxcat]

I'm currently working as an aide in a LTC facility. LPNs are hired to do both med and charge nurses. Every single one of them plans on applying to or is currently in an LPN-RN program. They get paid OK as LPNs-about $18-$20 per hour (with weekend/night differentials). One reason the LPN program is so popular in our area is because it is 1) quick and 2) the closest nursing program around. They have a part time option (2 year) as well, which is great for people with jobs and families. This is what I plan on doing. I have 2 kids and a husband who is very busy-this is really the only reasonable way for me to get into nursing-do the LPN (CNA is required for some programs, btw...), do it either part or full time, as our situation requires at that time, and start working. Then, there's a LPN-RN program through a state college that pretty much is there to service the graduates of that LPN program. That will be my next step-it's only 2-3 days per week, and most people continue to work as LPNs during that time. Worst case, if I can't commit to that RN program, I can just continue doing the LPN gig for decent money (at least, by our area's standards) until later on.

Seems totally worth it to me, and I'm glad it's an option!

I will say, that our hospital hires more RNs than LPNs. But if you are OK with LTC work, then there are plenty of jobs (I'm in CO, btw). I've heard that CNAs here (in CO) can take a medicine course, to pass meds, but I don't think our LTC facility has any CNAs that do it.

btw, a LPN coworker of mine, who is in the RN program, said that most RN positions want a year of some experience anyways. By working as an LPN (charge and med nurse), she's got that experience.