LPN...Is it a good move?

praise2u, CNA · Oct 8, 2009

Wow, I have read a couple of posts here and I have found there to be A LOT of LPN bashing. Somehow there is always a problem about who is better: LPN's or RN's. They make it sound as if LPN's are soooooooooooo inferior to RN's.
I am curious to know why they say that LPN's are considered non-professional. So are LPN's nurses or not? When I finish my LPN program, could I call myself a Nurse or do I have to say "I am an non-professional who just cares for your loved one at the hospital"
I have elected to go the LPN route just because after careful brain storming I think it will be best for my family. I have a 1 year old w/ kidney disorder and almost 4 year old who will be starting pre-school next year. I guess having failed my TEAS exam this month was the icing on the cake that made me realize that I need to take my time.
I will be honored after graduating as an LPN. I am planning on doing the bridge program to the RN program but If I fall in love with being an LPN, then I will stay. In the end, it is working close to patients that I want. Presently, I am a volunteer at Children's Hospital, New Orleans. It is the best feeling when I am there. I do it b/c I want to make those kids as happy as possible. I love what I do there. My dream is to one day work at Children's Hospital full time.

Kudos to you! I think an LPN career will be great, and if you decide to continue, continue the RN at your own pace! :yeah: . It doesn't matter what people think or say, at the end of the day are you happy? Keep pressing on!

praise2u, CNA · Oct 9, 2009

Ok, so I am finally coming to terms w/ having failed the TEAS-RN exam last week. It's sad but I have to move on. Anyway, I have started to re-think my career move. I requested the LPN program info packet and have taken an interest. The fact that it allows you to bridge to the RN program is a big advantage.
So, I have a couple of questions before I make a decision that I DON'T want to regret.
1. Is becoming an LPN a good idea?
2. Is it true that LPN's are being phased out? No longer needed?
3. Are they treated inferiorly by RN's? I ask b/c just by being a volunteer at Childrens Hospital, I have not been treated very nicely by RN's.
4. Would this career move work better if I have 2 young daughters (1 and 3)?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. I was told that this program requieres the Compass or the TABE exam. What were your experiences after taking this test? Would it be similar to the TEAS?
I want to become an RN with all my heart and now I am more determined than ever to succeed. I may be the 60 year old in the class, but I will work at this however long it takes.
Thanks!

I think becoming an LPN is an excellent idea. I myself am currently in school for LPN. Check out to see the availability in your state. I don't believe LPN's are being phased out, it just depends where you want to work. Some LPN's are charge nurse's in LTC. You can work in a school if you have small children, you can work in a Dr's office, or a group home, just to name a few. Don't be discouraged, and by all means don't let someone else talk you out of doing what you desire to do. You can become an LPN and work on your RN at your own pace. No pressure, no stress! My mom is in her late 50's and got her master's in social work. It will be a challenge, but you can do it. I choose LPN first due to my age, it would take me forever taking 1 to 2 classes a semester to be an RN, at least now I can be a nurse and work toward my NP, yes I have big goals!

miamigirl183 · Oct 9, 2009

I had to take the route of lpn first and hope to start the bridge program in May. I want to be a RN with all my :heart: bcuz it's something i love. So go for it. as for lpn jobs, only hospitals seem to be shying away from lpns but nursing homes and home health care, we are the bomb. So go make your money honey!!

queensgirl2054 · Oct 9, 2009

I totally agree!

niobe527 · Oct 10, 2009

Go for it... you'll get that experience under your belt and you'll find out just how much you'll like the job. Also being an LPN isn't a bad thing, it's just a different route.

queensgirl2054 · Oct 10, 2009

I agree do what you want get experience then figure it out from there

kdsharp · Oct 10, 2009

Absolutely, it's a good move! I was in school planning to apply to the RN program the following fall when my husband was hospitalized for a total of 27 days and 2 major surgeries. I had to go back to work. I found out about a PN program close by, lasted 11 months, and yes, you can bridge because I have just completed that program online through Excelsior College and will graduate next week with an assoc. degree in nursing.

Now, as to how you will be treated, that will depend on the RN you work with. First, you are a professional, you are licensed. There are differences in the lengths of the programs between RN's and LPN's, how much you are legally able to do (depending on your state's nurse practice act), and the facility where you work. But you are both nurses, caring for patients. Facilities are different in how they staff, also. In my hospital, we are on primary care, meaning that I have a group of patients that are my responsibility with no RN overseeing my work. I am always partnered with a RN on a hall who is responsible for doing anything I'm not legally able to do. Some hospitals do team nursing, where the RN does all assessments, IV pushes, etc. while the LPN passes PO meds, does dressing changes, etc. and a CNT who does vitals, toilets, etc.

It's just like you working with a CNT. She/he has a job to do just like you, are you going to treat her/him in an inferior manner just because they didn't go through a 1 year LPN program? Probably not, if you aren't the type of person who likes to mistreat people. If you come across someone who likes to mistreat people and uses the excuse that you are a LPN, believe me, that person would find an excuse, no matter what the title. Feel sorry for them, they are sad.

Every facility needs every single person in the building from the CEO to the housekeeper. They all have an important and necessary job!

I wish you luck, it can be done, because I am proof!

Kim

I don't honestly recall in 6+ years as a LPN being treated poorly because of it. There have been some RN's who made comments to me about finishing school so I could "do my own work" but I just made a joke about it to them, like "that's why you get paid the big bucks" and went on.

Hopefull nurse · Oct 21, 2009

Thanks for the encouragment. I guess that since failing the TEAS exam, I am just scared and nervous of another disappointment.

My classmate and I both failed the TEAS the same day and we have decided to go into the LPN program at Charity in New Orleans. It helps to have someone that will venture into this adventure with you. She is a great support.

I was reading something on-line that stated that LPN's were "little pretend nurses" and RN's were "real nurses". How mean is that. I have even gotten disappointed looks from people (family & friends) when I have said that I will be trying for the LPN program. My cousin laughed and told me that it was the stupidist mistake of my life. She said I could get an office receptionist job that could pay much more. She went on to say that the LPN program was created for those that were not that smart for the harder stuff.

Talk about kicking you when you are down.

Well, I have since decided to keep this to myself. Everyone has there say about things and sometimes they are hurtful things. I don't need that right now.

I will take my TABE exam and hopefully will pass.

PurpleLVN · Oct 21, 2009

Thanks for the encouragment. I guess that since failing the TEAS exam, I am just scared and nervous of another disappointment.
My classmate and I both failed the TEAS the same day and we have decided to go into the LPN program at Charity in New Orleans. It helps to have someone that will venture into this adventure with you. She is a great support.
I was reading something on-line that stated that LPN's were "little pretend nurses" and RN's were "real nurses". How mean is that. I have even gotten disappointed looks from people (family & friends) when I have said that I will be trying for the LPN program. My cousin laughed and told me that it was the stupidist mistake of my life. She said I could get an office receptionist job that could pay much more. She went on to say that the LPN program was created for those that were not that smart for the harder stuff.
Talk about kicking you when you are down.
Well, I have since decided to keep this to myself. Everyone has there say about things and sometimes they are hurtful things. I don't need that right now.
I will take my TABE exam and hopefully will pass.

Now I just rememembered why I got the HECK out of Louisiana!! The ignorant responses from people-whether I asked their opinion or not. :devil: I've NEVER had a negative response to my title since I've moved to Dallas 6 years ago. Hold your head high and go for it!!! YOU and your friend can make it!!!! :yeah:

Lesley Roth-Sanchez · Oct 21, 2009

I have been an LPN for 25 years. I am a nurse! I know more than some of the RN's with the experience I have. I worked in the hospital and worked along side many RN's, some who respected me some who did not. It's the person not the title. I am pursuing my BA. I will be a LPN with insurance billing and coding certification, and a BA. Many areas will be open to me. Hedis/Chart review, data coordinating with research, drug safety, and more. Just some other ideas to throw out there. Just always do your best work, and forgive the ignorance of others. Good Luck!:cheers:

kp124 · Oct 23, 2009

I was 20 when I applied to my dream school. But after two tries, I knew I had to look at different options. I actually did great on my TEAS but my pre-nursing gpa was just not up to par so I looked around and found our lady of lake college in baton rouge. They have an lpn program and an lpn to rn program that doesn't require a certain amount of hours you have to work as an lpn. I applied, got accepted, and moved to baton rouge. I finished last december, am now 22, and currently in the transition course. I will be done next december :) I am grateful of going through the lpn program because I was able to obtain a ton of clinical skills. Hands on type of stuff was never my forte. I believe everything happens for a reason and happy with the route I chose. Of course I would not have chosen this path if I had gotten into my dream school! But I decided it was better for me to go ahead and do something instead of applying again and waiting around.

That was just my personal story :) My advice for you is to definitely study and retake the TEAS. You know what to expect now so I think you could get a better score. But if anything, I think doing lpn to rn is a great option. Good luck to you on whatever you decide to do!! :)

Hopefull nurse · Oct 23, 2009

My mom says the same thing, "things happen for a reason". She and my husband are trying their best to keep me thinking positive.

Our Lady of the Lake has an accelerated program with EJGH. I am interested in it but need a chemistry class. I have also looked into the LSU Care program. I guess not passing the TEAS now gives me the opportunity to finish all of my pre-reqs that will allow me to then apply to LSU Care program and OLOL/EJGH program.

My dream was to get into Charity School of Nursing but I am losing faith.

We will see what happens in the next few months.