Is it worth it?

Baber · Jul 1, 2013

I think it depends on what state you live in on what you can do with an LPN licensure. I have been a LPN for 20 yrs and live/work in Indiana. I currently (for the last 6 years) been a nurse in a specialty office (surgeons) and prior to that worked in a heart hospital as a staff nurse. So, there are other options than working in a nursing home. I have enjoyed being an LPN and have made a good living as one. However, I am finally going back to get my RN. Hope this helps!! Amber

1Luv_xo · Jul 2, 2013

Thank you. I just want to be sure I'm making the right decision. :)

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Jul 2, 2013

It depends on which state you live in. Some states dont have many lpn jobs and or, some states dont let lpns have many job options. Do your research on the job market in your state and if it is good, then yes it will be worth it.

T-Bird78 · Jul 2, 2013

I only work in doctor's offices so I can have my evenings, weekends, and holidays off with my family. When your baby gets older and you decide to bridge to a RN program, go for it. You'll probably have to take some pre-reqs again but it is feasible. Go for it!!

tbehlow, LPN · Jul 2, 2013

I agree with the other posts, it depends on where u live.. It's too had your program doesn't count toward the bridge program.. I love my role as a LPN . I work at a hospital on the med surg floor. I do work weekends and holidays , but that is them life and times as a nurse .,

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2013

Not to sound "old" but when you're 18, everything seems like it's forever. I have changed jobs about every two years all my working life. Now I know, that's not everyone's style, but don't say "I will be an LPN forever". If you want to sure. I know LPN's who have done it "forever" and that's their choice. The LPN program is generally less than a year in school for about a $40,000 salary. Not bad by any standards. Nursing homes are the most abundant jobs available and you will always have work. Clinic jobs few and far between with a lot less pay. So it depends on what you want. Steady income or Mon-Fri.

It's definitely worth it no matter what. Being an LPN gives you that hands on experience you don't get in other areas. You get to know your drugs and treatments inside out. You have a close relationship with your CNA's which will serve you well forever. In fact, I suggest being a CNA first. Climbing the ladder gives you a perspective and respect of your peers you can't get otherwise.

Look into community colleges who will take your LPN credits. My school is allowing me to challenge NU101 and NU102 for already being an LPN. ANd listen, I graduated LPN school at age 50 at the top of my class. Going to leave RN school at 57!! Never say never and never say always! Think outside the box. Best of luck!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 2, 2013

WHOA!!! Slooooww Downnnnn! :)

I am coming from a POV that started as a nurse assistant at your age, was a LPN, and became a BSN at 31. I just turned 32. I am one who "went up the ranks" successfully.

I am going to address each of your statements from your original post:

I was gonna for my BSN in nursing but personally do not have 4 yrs to spend on school considering I'm only 18 with a baby. I need to earn money fast. Is being an LPN worth it? I don't want to work in a nursing home but preferably in clinics. My LPN program is at a tech school and the credits won't transfer to a bridge program. It isn't "college credit"

Being a LPN is "worth it." You learn a great foundation into nursing. I have worked in rehab, home health, clinics. I have care for clients across the life spectrum....and given a ton of complex care, and advocated, educated, and collaborated with patients and my peers.

An option for you while working as a LPN is to get your required courses from a community college, get your associates and transfer into a BSN program afterwards. Make sure you compare programs and get required courses specifically for the programs. I did this with much success.

Am I making the right choice for my son? Is LPN a good, stable career?

Yes...see my first response. I have been a pediatrics nurse and a rehab nurse. I was proficient in wound care as a LPN. If I was a RN, I would have been able to become certified in the specialties that I worked in; you have to be a RN to become certified in the specialties that I worked in, although LPNs can be wound certified. That was a driving force for me to get my RN.

Once I do this program... my career is over. I'll be an LPN for the rest of my life.

A little too defeatist, I think. You make it like being a LPN is a bad thing. You will have a career in nursing. Your career will begin.

It will be ok :)

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 3, 2013

Once I do this program... my career is over. I'll be an LPN for the rest of my life.

Only if you want it to be like that. Many LPNs are happy to stay LPNs, while others go on to become RNs either through getting their ADN, BSN or even MSN. You are not trapped into being a LPN forever.