LPN duties & is it possible to work FT & attend school for LPN?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 3, 2008

Hi,

With regard to school I think it largely depends on what kind of student you are. Just by dumb luck I happen to test really well so I was able to work at least 30 hours a week all through LPN and RN school. Many of my classmates worked and were successful also but not everyone could have done it. In any event if you can have a bit of a financial cushion ahead of time that would be a good idea. Wishing you the best. Jules

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2008

LPNs function dually as charge nurses and floor nurses in LTCFs. Much of the time, they are the only licensed nurse in the entire long term care facility. LTC LPNs pass medications, supervise CNAs and medication aides, report changes in condition, assess, gather data, perform wound care, document, communicate with nurse managers and family members, provide patient teaching, do blood glucose monitoring, administer injections, give IV meds (if your state allows this), and so much more.

militarymom06 · Aug 4, 2008

I did work full-time, 16 hours every Sat & Sun and 8 hrs one day through the week, AND went to school full-time...Mon-Fri. I had 2 small kids with the oldest in 1st grade. It is/was very hard but somehow I managed. The only "financial" help I had was the Pell Grant for school, but that only picked up beginning my 2nd quarter. You didn't mention if you have children or not, but either way...it can be done. Good luck!!!

sfreders · Aug 4, 2008

Ok thank you. No I don't have children so that should make things easier :) I was thinking of doing the weekend opp too but still unsure if I want to work every weekend and doubles at that. I may have to though if I can't manage working during the week and attending class.

B-Soulz · Aug 4, 2008

i was curious to know how many patients and what the exact responsibilities of lpn's are in ltcf's. i have worked in assisted living passing meds, doing tube feedings, things of this nature, and i was wondering what i can expect once i get my lpn and go to a ltcf. i am also curious to know from everyone out there who has completed the program if it's possible to work full time and do the program fulltime. i want to know if i need to try to make some sort of arrangement for my finances while going through the program or if it's possible to work and get my license. thank you.

hello sfreders! :wink2:

well, for me i was blessed to have a husband who worked and paid the bills while i attended school, but i had a few classmates who worked full time and attended school full time as well. i think it depends on how easily you catch on in shcool, and how stressful it is for you. most of my friends did it with no problem, and some had to give up working if they wanted to continue with their schooling. i think it's up to the individual, and his/her priorities.

VM85 · Aug 6, 2008

Honestly, I think if you have to work and theres no other way for you to live without working, you be able to do it because youll go into survival mode basically-it has to be done. For me, the program I am starting, they tell you its nearly impossible-that we were giving up our lives for 10 months & if we couldnt fully commit, then we should take the part time course. But in the real world we all dont have the luxury of not working so I mean you do what you gotta do....If its to much maybe like *JULES* said just start planning for a rainy day....and ask for help if you need it and its available....But if you work hard at it Im sure youll make it through, knowing you can do anything....I wish the best of luck to ya!!!!!

Jingles808 · Aug 6, 2008

I just found this website and didnt start school yet...I will be working full time and going to school. I still have my doubts as I hear most hospitals no longer hire LPN s and that is where my first choice was...is it difficult to find jobs for LPN's? I need to be sure as I am putting myself first for a change and my husband is not happy about it...i have one child still at home who is sixteen...so my question is, is it worth it?? I am 46 and I think it would be too late to become an RN at this point...what do u think??

kathleenrswan · Sep 26, 2009

the others are right: it depends. what a ltc lpn does on a daily basis depends on not only the acuity and type of client (ltc does not automatically translate into geriatric. think: ms, als, closed head injuries, etc), but perhaps also where in (america) you work, as i have run into 'unfamiliar territory' when working within pockets of cultures and religions i was not familiar with. as for schooling: yes, it is possible to work and go to school. anything is possible. what may happen, though, is you either don't do as well in school as they demand, and therefore fall by the wayside due to inadequate grades, or your studies are great, but the family/home might suffer. everything is a balancing act...a give and take. what was so very important while i went through lpn school was a solid, active support system. that, and the fact that the passion could not be denied. and then, when i was in my late 40's, i started back into college to get my 4-year bsn (and ultimately, my rn). i was able to work the first 2 years, but then needed to concentrate on my studies harder. but as i said: anything is possible...and there were ladies in my class (and 2 men) who worked full--or nearly full--time, and most had a child or two at home. if your passion is true and your support system strong, anything is possible. if you never try, you will never know!!!