LPN REGRETS?

momangel29 · Jan 18, 2001

I have been an LPN for almost three years and I am not sorry that I did this first. I am now just starting an RN program but not because I am ashamed of being an LPN but because I want to do more and have the education. It isn't about money for me even though I need money to survive. I am proud to be a practical nurse and I will also be proud to be a registered nurse. You have to do what is comfortable for you. momangel29

maikranz · Jan 18, 2001

Originally posted by blindog45:
Hi, this is off the subject, but I noticed you commented on LPN's being needed in NC. I was thinking of relocating to Hickory NC. Do you have any knowledge of jobs there or in Lenoire?? Thanx..

Greetings! and welcome to the Piedmont/Foothills of the great North State!

After the snow y'all have endured, NC probably does look warm.

The Sunday issue of The Charlotte Observer (www.charlotte.com/observer/ I think) has pages of openings under "healthcare"--Catawba Memorial Hospital and Glenn R. Frye are two hospitals in Hickory; I'm not sure about Lenoir. The two cities are only ~20 miles apart. Good luck

DIMPLESFULOFLVE · Jan 22, 2001

HI Julie

I'm a LPN and have been one for 18yrs.I've heard all the jokes about Lpn's and all the disrespect that we can receive from other's. What it comes down to is we need our nursing organizations to start to respect us so that the community and the RN's will give us respect also.Many Lpn's hold manager positions and can run circles around some RN's.AS an LPN I've held many RN positions and recieved high praise by our state surveyors,but all of that is concered nothing to many but to me I'm very proud.And one day our nursing organizations will place LPN's and RN's on the same level unless the RN has a master degree or higher.so be proud of being a LPN I am and would like to unite the LPN all over the world to fight for our reconition that we deserve.I'm starting my own Nurse consultants firm and have RN'S who will work for me.Will also be starting school for my RN's Just because of my business.But I will always rally for my fellow LPN's.

rpnursie · Feb 12, 2001

Don't let others dictate to you what a real nurse is or isn't. I have been an RPN now for almost 11years. I've been working in Emergency/ICU. I have taken trauma courses, EKG interpretation course... If you enjoy what you are doing and are good at it, you will gain respect from your co-workers. I did. Both RN's and Physicians alike. To them I AM equal...Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do. Just remember that nursing is probably the most rewarding career choice anyone could make....

Originally posted by julie:
I RECENTLY PASSED MY STATE BOARDS FOR MY LPN LICENSE.THE MAJORITY OF THE CLASS I GRADUATED
WITH ARE GOING ON TO AN RN PROGRAM.I DECIDED NOT TO CONTINUE AT THIS TIME BECAUSE I FEEL SO BURNED OUT WITH SCHOOL - I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY TO TAKE CARE OF. NOW I HAVE SOME REGRET AS TO TAKING TIME OFF AND NOT PURSUING MY RN. PEOPLE TREAT ME AS IF AN LPN ISN'T A "REAL" NURSE LIKE AN RN. ARE THERE LPN'S OUT THERE THAT ARE HAPPY BEING LPN'S? SO FAR, I HAVE FOUND THE JOB MARKET VERY DEPRESSING.IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO TOOK TIME OFF BETWEEN LPN AND RN SCHOOL? I WOULD LIKE ANY FEEDBACK!! THANKS!!

terriv · Feb 13, 2001

I am an LPN of 11 years. I started out as a CNA. Seems to me that the further up the ladder of nursing you go, the less you see of your patients. After all, that's why I decided to be a nurse in the first place. I got a hug and kiss and an "I love you" from one of my patients today. Not often you see that with anyone but CNA's and us. I thought about the money, but it's not as important to me than the joy I get from careing for the folks. Then you have your good RN's and bad RN's. Just a fact of life. The good one's will treat you with the respect you deserve. Take your time if you can afford to and learn from what you do. It may help you in the long run and show you just how valuable an LPN is. Then you can remember that when you become "the" RN.

Chris30 · Feb 18, 2001

I am an LPN and currently only have two quarters to go until I graduate from an associate degree program. I worked as an LPN for six years before making the decision to pursue my RN. I was always happy being an LPN. However, I'm so glad I

decided to go back. I've learned so much!

Take your time. Get some experience under your belt first. If you should ever decide to go back to school you'll have a marked advantage over the rest of the students who didn't receive their LPN first. I know your feeling burnt out right now-believe me I feel your pain! LPN school is like boot camp!

jenjer · Jul 8, 2001

I have been an LPN for 7years and love it! I am planning on going through Excelsior College's (a.k.a. Regent's) online LPN to RN program this year because it is bothersome that RNs get better money for doing the same things I do...that's really it. I have been IV certified for 5 years and have been called on by RNs to start the ones they couldn't get. I have worked L&D, Special Care Nursery and a Family Practice Clinic. I was called upon by the doctors I worked for in the clinic setting before newer RNs were to approach difficult catheter and IV procedures because the physicians were appreciative of my experience and the skills I possessed. It's true that often LPNs are looked down on but I have heard ADNs say the same things about BSNs looking down on them. I think that once some people work hard to complete a program, they feel they have to justify their hard work by belittling other nurses. WHY?!? We are all here to care for patients together. If I am unable to complete a task, I am the first on to ask for help from whoever is the most likely to be willing and able to help me, regardless of their title. I have known LPNs who have been practicing for 20 years to whom physicians have come asking "is this something you have ever seen before?" Why can't we all just appreciate each other for our skills? You excel in some area where I do not, that is where I would like you to teach me to enhance my effectiveness. This is how I try to look at working with other nurses AND CNAs, MAs, etc. Keep working as an LPN for awhile, would be my advice, to be sure you are in the career field you want to continue to pursue and then, if your heart leads you to it, continue your education so that you will make the money you deserve for the hard work you do! :confused: :rolleyes:

MQ Edna · Aug 9, 2001

Hello to everyone! I'm in transition at the moment, LPN to RN. I have been an LPN for 13 years and have loved every moment and experience. I work on a med/surg floor of a small rural hospital, 28 bed. I have been fortunate to get my IV certification, obtain my ACLS, work daily with care plans, and numerous other experiences, too many to mention. I feel that going back to school is the best thing I could do, mostly to be independent, not have to have the RN's mix my meds, etc. I can be responsible for myself. Of course, the pay increase will be worth it, but it isn't the main reason. I feel that I have reached the top of the ladder in relation to learning new skills, etc, as an LPN. I am looking forward to learning more as an RN, hoping to obtain a position in the ICU where I presently work, and being able to use new skills and knowledge. So, to all the people thinking about going for their LPN, do it! Then go on if you want, but its the best way to get the experience of nursing. Don't let the negatives outweigh all the positives of licensed nursing!