Does anyone regret becoming an LPN?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

You are reading page 2 of Does anyone regret becoming an LPN?

pagandeva2000, LPN

7,984 Posts

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I have only been an LPN since June, 2006; however, thus far, I do not regret it. I do get annoyed when the famous questions "When are you going for your RN" comes into play, however, I always knew that I had no intention of taking on RN responsibility. It is almost as though the perception is that if you are not an RN, you are perceived to be without ambition or in short, useless. I don't really care what other think of my personal life decisions, anyway. Since I am only interested in practicing basic nursing, the limitations do not bother me....(here in New York, there don't seem to be many limitations, per se). I get annoyed with an RN tries to dump on me, because I see that the ones that I've encountered are very overwhelmed. My personal feeling is that as adults, we are responsible for knowing what we are getting into. The LPN be constricting for some and rewarding for others, the RN may have a vast amount of opportunities but may be burdensome; but BOTH...LPN and RN must also accept the responsibility of all that our titles entail. We also have options to change our situations if we are really determined to do so. More options are available...examples are the on line courses, etc...

Bottom line is try and not let other people define who you are and what you can do. You can certainly become an RN with determination. Believe in yourself in the meantime and have faith that what you need can be brought to you at the right time.

Personally, I plan to expand within this scope, with courses such as dialysis, IV and wound certifications, etc... (primarily for mobility and becoming more marketable) but, RN is not in my field of vision because it equates too many headaches for me as an individual. What I think is that while you are feeling this way, observe your options to move up...investigate the on line courses, begin studying again independently while you are searching. Nursing periodicals have updated information all the time, and you would be surprized of the right article to help you understand a process and may be able to recall that needed piece of information when you enter into an RN program. I think that Excelsior offers tutoring. I have a friend that does it, and she told me she is very pleased with it.

pagandeva2000, LPN

7,984 Posts

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Moodychick.. your post is the reason why I posed the question. The picture isn't very pretty here either as far as opportunities go. And like you traumaRN, I prefer to work in a hospital. So I've been in school for two years to become an LPN, graduated, passed the NCLEX, and am now having the hardest time finding a fulltime job. Now I'm back in school for another 3 years hoping to not be put on someones waiting list! I'm just having a hard time with this. I know you all may not be in the same boat.

What state do you live in? I do think that it is a crying shame that there are so many road blocks for those who do, in fact want to become RNs.

wefdm21

66 Posts

GA...

But I do love what you said pagadeva2000...

"Believe in yourself in the meantime and have faith that what you need can be brought to you at the right time."

I will try to do this.

linzz

931 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

Great post, pagadeva, you have given me lots to think about. I just love your attitude, too many of us worry what others think and it really is just a waste of time.

pagandeva2000, LPN

7,984 Posts

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Great post, pagadeva, you have given me lots to think about. I just love your attitude, too many of us worry what others think and it really is just a waste of time.

I'm glad that I can offer some inspiration to people regarding this subject because I see too many people who are down because the opportunity to become an RN has been road-blocked. In many cases, the same one that is making a person feel small has issues themselves; and there are those that do not share the other side of the fence.

I do think that there are many more options to go further in education than before, and it is about finding the nitch that connects the dots for each individual!

Hershey's Mom

22 Posts

Specializes in SNF/LTC, H.H.

Nope. Being an LVN, well a nurse period, has its ups and downs, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else.

baylay

75 Posts

I totally agree with you pagandeva2000! Even though I have just finished school as of 2 wks ago, and haven't even taken my NCLEX, people still hit me up with "when are you going for your RN?" I have no desire to. Being the age I am I just want to get started with "my" career that I have wanted to do for so long (now that my boys are starting college). And like you said, I don't want the responsibility and headache of the RN. (not that the RN's job is a headache they do a great job, it would just cause ME to have a headache) Too much for me. LVN is just more cut out for my personality.

Now I'm just finding out that our local hospital (we only have 2 where I live) makes you sign a contract saying you'll start the RN program within 1 year or....I'm assuming they let you go? Financially they are better off with some LVN instead of all RN's duh. So why is this happening everywhere. And I really want to work in a hospital so I'm getting a little worried.

Euskadi1946

401 Posts

Specializes in Medical/Surgical/Maternal and Child.

I for one feel that the LPNS are a vital part of the nursing team. When I did my nursing clinicals I got to follow a couple of veteran lpns who were excellent nurses and I learned a great deal from them. When I was hired as a new grad on the same unit I had the privilege of working with these same nurses. Both of them were happy with their career choices and neither of them wanted to pursue and RN degree. People should always be respected for whatever career choices they make in life. Everyone is a vital part of a team.

allantiques4me

481 Posts

Specializes in Brain injury,vent,peds ,geriatrics,home.

I personally dont regret getting my LPN.I was always in the medical field since I was 16 y/o.Got married and had kids young.Im able to make a good amount of money,not rich,but thats another thread,I love the job I have.I have been researching going back for my RN mostly to prove I could do it.But genuinely am happy being an LPN.I guess Im not doing too bad Im paying off my second house(rental)I certainly couldnt have done that if I were not an LPN!The bottom line is,if youre happy with what you do.Thats all that matters

SaraO'Hara

551 Posts

Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

I don't think I will regret becoming an LPN when I graduate in 2008. The way I see it:

1. I'm young and inexperienced.

2. I'd rather become comfortable with some level of nursing experience before attempting to get into the larger scope of practise of an RN.

3. It's always easier to climb stairs than a steep ramp.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
It's always easier to climb stairs than a steep ramp.
This is a wonderful outlook on things. For some of us, it is necessary to stair-step our ascent up the nursing career ladder. I was asked by a student who was attempting to get into a generic RN program, "Why would you become an LVN before getting your RN?"

If I wasn't a nice person I would have responded, "Look at you. You work a menial job, live with your parents, and receive low pay while you attend school. I earn decent money as an LVN, live in a brand new house, drive 2 newer cars, and have money left over to save while I attend school."

Mander2

15 Posts

Specializes in medsurg, urgent care, peds.

I have been feeling so frustrated with the limitations placed on me as an LVN. I do not regret the people I met, the education and experience I received as an LVN, however I do wish at times that I had of went straight to RN school while I was going. Now I have to finish prereqs and return to school. In the mean time I am longing for the freedom to work wherever.

So I quess my answer is yes and no.

+ Add a Comment