LPN to RN is it worth it?

MedicalLPN, LPN · Mar 26, 2008

I'm an LPN currently working on general courses to transition in an RN program so I'll try to answer your questions

1) In my opinion yes, as an LPN you'll always have a job but it may not be the job you want. As an RN pay is a lot better however being an RN is not for everyone, and that's great too because there is definately a huge need for LPN's.

2) Expect several general ed classes Anatomy and Physiology, English, psychology, and a few others. The nursing classes of course will be very difficult but being an LPN will really help you out tremendously.

3) Yes. An RN is many times in a Leadership role and is accountable for anything that occurs on the floor/unit he/she is supervising

4) An RN basically can work anywhere Med/surg, Telemetry, ICU/CCU, ER, Labor and delivery, Home Health, LTC/ALF, Hospice, Corrections, Pediatrics, Trauma, and all the other many many specialties there are.

Hope this helps!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 26, 2008

hello im 20 years old living in BC canada and just graduated from a private college as an LPN and owe the government a large sum of money and I have a few questions and thought this was the best place to get some answers,
1)is it worth it taking the transition program to become an RN?
2)what should I expect from the program(difficulty, study material)?
3)is there more responsiblity for the RN than an LPN?
4) what sort of job oppurtunites are there as a RN?
I would highly appreciate if I could get some anwers, thank you so much in advance.

I think it is fairer to evaluate once you really start working. You need to see how the job market is for LPNs in your area, because there are quite a few that are not using LPNs the way they used to (thank goodness this is not the case for me). And, WHERE are they being employed. If you like LTC, you should have no problems. But, if you don't (and there are PLENTY of reasons why most of us avoid that area like the plague), what else do they do? Most people on these boards go back because they feel a lack or respect and/or limited job options except for long term care.

Of course, there is more responsibility as an RN...this is a higher license, more pay and more accountability. Probably even more use of critical thinking. But, they have more job opportunities. When you do get a position, you will be closer to the RNs and I would observe what their duties are and see if this is what I want to do. In terms of the study...again, because they are the ones that really have to do assessments, make initial decisions and delegate on a higher level, then, I would say that it would be a deeper knowledge than what you aready know and also learning other things that were not taught to LPNs because of the limited scope of practice. You may aspire a leadership role or maybe not.

For myself (and myself, only, mind you), it is not worth it to me. RNs do make a substantial amount more than I do, for sure. But, the money is not worth the aggrevation to me. I was only interested in BASIC nursing...not the fancy stuff. But, that's me. I think that since you just graduated, taking the boards and finding employment will show you where to go, and you always have the option to change your mind. You are young, yet, and have the whole world at your footstool! Congrats on graduation and good luck! :yeah:

stevenblas · Mar 27, 2008

hello everyone! i was a sailor, a truck driver, a burn patient, then a CNA, after seven years as the latter, i decided to get my LVN, and it happened! I owe alot to my family and friends especially THE WIFE! She has the motivation I'm not really sure what I contributed? But as as CNA in the hospital setting for two years and a CNA in the Long Term Setting for five years, looking back, I guess it was a done deal. I took the NCLEX and it shut down after 35 MINUTES! (to my dismay) I studied school work but always (from day one the NCLEX CD ROM) And you guessed it! I passed the first time! It took some time and knowing the right people (from being in the field and i SCORED the awesome position in Assisted living at a very high end senior environment. Do not get me wrong life is not easy street but this is what I wanted and am glad to be the weekend supervisor. Yes it has been scary most of the time, but given the family support that I have I know I will succeed, also thinking more seriously about RN! So what the cost? at my age they probably will never collect. So I make sure my patients do!

MsLady06 · Mar 27, 2008

some people say they are more in debt as RN's...wouldnt be me

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 27, 2008

some people say they are more in debt as RN's...wouldnt be me

I had an Rn tell me once that CNAs had more than she did. It shocked me, but maybe since the substantial raise in pay, many obtain more debt due to school loans, private school for children, owning more than one home, many things. Sometimes, people who make less learn how to stretch their dollar. I really didn't change my standard of living when I transitioned from a CNA to an LPN. Because I had more opportunities to branch out to other assignments, I got to pay off on many of my bills, and saved a great deal of money. And, what I liked about it, personally, was that I did not have to depend on my selfish, callous supervisor to give me overtime, because as a nurse I had other options.

CHATSDALE · Mar 27, 2008

absolutely if you get the opportunity go for the rn

you can bridge to ad and take additional courses for bsn and beyond, i know a lot of people who have done

doors that you never knew were there will open

debts can be paid off

Fiona59 · Mar 27, 2008

Can this be moved to the Canadian Forum? Canadian LPNs work to different scopes of practice and our eduation is different from the US.

Thanks.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · Mar 27, 2008

Can this be moved to the Canadian Forum? Canadian LPNs work to different scopes of practice and our eduation is different from the US.
Thanks.

Done!

Fiona59 · Mar 27, 2008

1)is it worth it taking the transition program to become an RN? At your age yes

2)what should I expect from the program(difficulty, study material)?University level courses and competative classmates (again)

3)is there more responsiblity for the RN than an LPN? yes, the opportunity to be charge and a few additional skills, higher acuity patients

4) what sort of job oppurtunites are there as a RN?- Name it and they do it.

You need to consider that most Canadian programmes require PN applicants to have a certain number of worked hours before they can be admitted to a bridge programme. In Alberta it is over 1200 hours (or pretty much one year full time work)

The loans will get bigger to finance your education. Have you worked much and decided if you want to carry on your nursing education?

Your scope of practice will be limited by your employing health authority as is an RNs. Learn about the opportunities available in your area.

stevenblas · Mar 27, 2008

my lvn school was 25,000.00 maybe you know som tricks to keep costs down, but even so later in life (50) it's a little harder without the aid of others. As a man in nursing to some extent you are on your own "cause hangin around with 20 year old women is at best inappropriate. That being said ignore the costs financially and just do it!

linzz · Mar 27, 2008

I think it is worth it to upgrade if you want more options, more responsibility and of course $. At your age, you will have a good long career if you stick it out. I would be concerned with two things: one would be, how will I afford this program and will I be able to get more loans, here in Ontario, there is a maximum amount you can borrow from government student loans, the next thing would be is to ask yourself if you know what you want to do when you become an RN and really research the areas you are interested in in your area. Getting into a specialty area is not always guaranteed, many hospitals only offer less than five new grad spots per year in some specialty areas, so you may have to work in a differing area. In addition, I would make sure your school of choice does a good job and that students can pay back their debts.

It also may be a good idea to work a few years before going back as you may have to in order to bridge and you will gain invaluable experience.