LPN mistake??

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hey everyone

Im full time as a tech at a local hospital working days and night and love everything about it. Recently i've started looking at LPN programs bc i can get through them in 12-15mo for $3000-$10000 with the eventual goal to be an RN. With a full time work schedule and 2 young kids (toddler and infant) I don't think i could honestly give enough time to RN studies, and don't want to set myself up for failure.

I got the opinions from some nurses at work about becoming an LPN to eventual RN and 99% percent of them said dont do it bc i'll get stuck as an LPN, just do an RN program.

My question to you all is, was becoming an LPN worth it? are you looking into RN programs? And are you having a hard time finding programs that will accept you? Do you wish you'd done an RN program to begin with?

My mind is racing with what decision to make and if its best or the right one (I'm really not usually this indecisive)

Any feedback would be helpful!!

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hey everyone

.

My question to you all is, was becoming an LPN worth it? are you looking into RN programs? And are you having a hard time finding programs that will accept you? Do you wish you'd done an RN program to begin with?

My mind is racing with what decision to make and if its best or the right one (I'm really not usually this indecisive)

Any feedback would be helpful!!

Yes, the short program worked for me and I learned what I needed to during the program. So, yes, it was worth it. No, not having a hard time finding a program that would accept me for an RN program...BUT, there are hoops to jump through and 3 year long waiting lists which i am not interested in doing right now in my life. Being an RN comes with more responsibility, which can be over whelming...but, also with more pay, many times for doing much of the same type of work.

It depends what you are initially wanting to invest, both time and money wise, as to what will be the right choice for you. For me, as far as nursing programs went, the LPN was the right program for me at that time. Sometimes I do wish I would've done the BSN program, that would open a whole lot more doors!! As an LPN here, I am limitted to clinic settings/Long term care/or Med-Surg in hospital setting. Not a whole lot of other opportunities for LPN in this state.

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I beccame an LPN because I wanted to. I have never had the desire to be an RN.

It will be easier for you to get into a bridge program to obtain your RN-either ADN or BSN-if you are an LPN...some bridge programs you can get your ADN in 15 months, with all pre-reqs included in the program's curriculum. They may be a little pricier, but if you figure out the costs of taking pre-reqs at a community college then trying to get into their nursing program, you'll find it comes out about even.

Good luck....:smokin:

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I just received my LVN license june this year, it's a bit tough finding jobs right now since most places want experience, I just got hooked up with an agency and started getting cases, I am gaining experience and do intend to further to RN which I already did the prerequisites for... I'd say you know what you can handle but once you stay focus everything should be fine...

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I am also a new LPN as of Aug. 2010...I have heard that once you become a LPN you will never go back to school or it will be a while before you bridge... I feel as if that is YOUR choice not someone elses. I will eventually go back to become a RN but right now I am content. I worked very hard to have LPN behind my name so I'm going to enjoy it.. As someone said before some people dont desire to become a RN. Only two people out of my nursing class want to go back to become RN's. (I'm one of them) The others are happy with what they have..

In the end its your choice and do what's right for you...:nurse:

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It absolutely is what you make of it! I'm so glad I did the LPN first, as I like the idea of gaining experience as I continue with my nursing degrees (I plan to be a NP). I'm currently in my last semester of my RN program, and plan to go straight into a BSN. As a LPN, I pass meds, do assessments and treatments, supervise aides...a lot of what I'm doing and have done in RN clinicals I do every day anyway as a LPN. When I'm an RN, I hope to expand with my BSN, working at the same time I go to school.

As for LPN school, I thought it was a LOT more difficult than the RN. A lot of the RN is refresher, but the point is, I had to study way more for the LPN (and couldn't have worked full time personally) than I studied for the RN. It's all very personal, so do your own thing and it will work out YOUR way!

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Don't let anyone here tell you what to do, but if you want the honest truth from my perspective, there is a lot of negativity towards LPNs but there is a lot of negativity in nursing in general and it is something we must learn to deal with. I wish it were not true but it is, try to keep a smile on your face, and best of luck with your dreams

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Thanks everyone for your advice!! It's good to hear things from others perspective sometimes. :)

Ive decided to attend the local community college and get my associates as an RN.

Thanks again :)

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I've never regretted getting an LVN first, and it's much easier now to get to an RN from an LPN/LVN. There were virtually no online courses, accelerated "bridge" programs, etc. back then.

The only thing that's changed for the worse is that fewer acute care hospitals are hiring us anymore, and that reduces the scope of available jobs. I can only speak with certainty about my area (So Cal) but I'm reading many posts from around the US that say the same thing. Best wishes to you!! :)

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.
thanks everyone for your advice!! it's good to hear things from others perspective sometimes. :)

ive decided to attend the local community college and get my associates as an rn.

thanks again :)

did you get accepted in the rn program already? if you did, then that's wonderful. use only lpn as a back up like for example when an rn school will put you on 2-3 years wait list.

good luck to you!

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I am a brand new LPN and wouldnt have it any other way. I am 24, live on my own, and don't have too much money. I have known I wanted to be a nurse forever. Working in LTC as a CNA for 3 years really introduced me to what LPNs do...and I was pretty stoked to become one. So, I have been an LPN for 8 days now, looking for my first job, and currently taking my last prereq for the RN program. So, basically, I did the LPN because I just couldnt afford to give up all that time working my minimum wage job. I can make very decent money working as an LPN while gaining VALUABLE experience...so, when I finally become an RN a little later down the road, I will already be financially stable, have already established connections in my field, and have a couple years experience under my belt to help me get that awesome RN job!

Good luck to you! You will do GREAT!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dementia.

I wish I would have went straight for RN.

The reasons I didn't was because I wasn't sure I was going to like nursing to begin with and I wanted a short program. Both good reasons to go through LPN program.

BUT...

Once I got a decent paying LPN gig, I thought I was a big shot and bought a house, nice car, made lots more bills for myself.

Now that I want to go back to school for RN, I can't afford to work part time and go to school at the same time. It sucks, but going back to school is just not doable for me now. That is why I wish I would have went straight through to Rn the first time.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with just being an LPN though. Don't let anyone ever tell you that. Everyone has their own life and situations.

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