lpn or rn in office setting

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jan 29, 2006

https://allnurses.com/forums/f43/how-new-grad-office-nurse-76930.html

Here is a link to a thread on the pros and cons of working as a new grad in an office setting.

As for the question of whether one should pursue an LPN or RN, I am an RN working in a clinic setting and wouldn't have gotten hired there as an LPN. I understand that many offices may not hire RN's at all, but most in our area do. Assuming all things are equal and you have the finances and flexibility to spend the extra time in school now, you might want to consider the RN. There are many other non-hospital opportunities that may or may not be open to you with an LPN. (Please, no flames from anyone - lovelovelove LPN's, just speaking to the emplyment picture in my area. :))

flashpoint · Jan 29, 2006

No matter what I wanted to do in the end, if I had it to do over again, I would go straight for the RN. It pays better, your knowledge base is more broad, you are much more respected, and you never know...some day you may change your mind about what you want to do. I get paid very well for what I do, but I know I would make more money as an RN and I would have more independence...

lgnurse20 · Jan 29, 2006

I am asked the LPN vs RN questions a lot. No matter where you want to work you are limiting yourself with an LPN. Also for both RN and LPN and office is going to want experience and it depends on what you want to do. A specialist office is going to be different than a Primary care office.In my position (urology office) a LPN could not perform my job.We do chemotherapy which can only be administered by an RN.

You could always consider doing MA classes first to start in a docs office. After you have office experience you would look very good as an LPN or RN in most offices.

P.S. I am an RN that was able to take LPN boards halfway though my nursing program. I worked 6 months as an LPN and found some annoying limitation. Many LPNs have more experience than RN's but end up losing opportunities because of a mere 2 semesters of difference in college.

stephiebob/lpn2rn · Feb 22, 2006

I recently recieved my RN after 15yrs as a LPN. Go for the RN first! There will be so many times that you are limited as a LPN whether it's a particular skill or place of employment. The extra time in school is worth it.

LorraineCNA · May 2, 2006

Hi everone.
I want to work in a Dr's office as a nurse. Should I just go for my LPN or is it worth it to go for an RN if you don't want to work in the hospitals. Also, is it possible for a new nurse to work in a Dr's office without experience?
Thank you
Nurse Wannabee

I don't know where you are location-wise. I'm a MA in Pennsylvania and there are very few openings here for LPNs outside of the LTC arena. Docs offices here hire mostly MAs and RNs. We have one RN for 5 MAs. She's going to retire end of this year and she doesn't seem sure that they're going to replace her...which is IMHO absurd. I'd hate not having a RN around to work with.

Lorraine

CMA, CNA

ms_orion · May 2, 2006

Go for your RN...it's only one more year of education but there is a difference in pay. LPN's where I work: $16.00/hr, RN's: $20.00/hr to start. Yes, different parts of the country offer different rates but why cheat yourself? One more year.....and you open alot more doors.

Oh...my very first job just out of school was in a family practice clinic. They paid me the very bottom price because I had no experience at all outside of nursing school. I "proved" to be worthwhile and my pay was raised to the "competetive" level.

J Lynn · May 4, 2006

Hi everone.
I want to work in a Dr's office as a nurse. Should I just go for my LPN or is it worth it to go for an RN if you don't want to work in the hospitals. Also, is it possible for a new nurse to work in a Dr's office without experience?
Thank you
Nurse Wannabee

The doctor I work for wouldn't hire a RN due to the pay scale. After I got the job, I was glad to be a LPN b/c it's an awsome job to have. I'm surronded by different doctor's offices that either hire LPNs or MAs or CNAs.

P.S. I had NO experience and that's exactly was he was looking for.