LPN as a starting career choice?

U.S.A. Florida

Published

I've been wondering if becoming an LPN is a waste of time? I'm eligible to start practical nursing school right away. My hope is to become an RN(BSN) however my TEAS score is lacking a few points ;-) and I'm anxious to get into nursing! I'm currently working as a patient care tech(CNA) at a hospital and ready for the next step up. I know as a LPN, my career options may be limited. I would love to get into case management, and ideally Informatics. I am NOT a fan of nursing homes so would this even be a smart decision? Also my credits I've been building up towards obtaining an RN are getting old and I don't want to retake classes ! Any advice?

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I've asked around before about whether I should get my LPN and many people have said that if your end goal is to be an RN, being an LPN is a waste. To me, it came down to being paid more sooner, however, I don't NEED to be paid more and I calculated that it would take me even longer to get my RN if I got my LPN first. So, I stayed patient. I start an RN program in the spring but this is after finally finishing almost two years' worth of prerequisites. Also, if you don't want to work in a nursing home, LPN may not be for you. I've rarely heard of LPNs working anywhere besides nursing homes, rehab centers and home health.

Anyway, it really comes down to your goals and financial situation. I completely understand being impatient but it's not worth it to jump into something you don't REALLY want. Good luck :)

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I did it. Around the area I live in, it is very hard to get into the straight RN programs. So I went EMT to LVN then worked as an LVN while finishing my pre-reqs. I did work in a SNF though. I felt like it helped me know meds and be faster at assessments and made me recognize changes in conditions. I even worked in a hospital on Medsurg as an LVN while waiting to take NCLEX. There are urgent cares and even some ED's that still utilize LVN/LPN. Recently at the hospital I work in they are hiring them for float pool too.

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