LPN who does not want to be an RN?

minute1nurse · Aug 27, 2015

Hello, it is ok to be content with being an LVN. You will probably think about pursing your RN at some point during your career for different reasons. Those reasons may vary from, to make more money, to being qualified to take on other jobs in the healthcare profession, or just for self gratification. After you have been an LVN for a few years and gain more experience, only then will you know exactly you want to do in this great profession you have chosen.

jamielynn1287 · Aug 27, 2015

I feel the same way! I'm in school to be an LPN and everyone's like where are you going to go after?! I'm like hold your horses! I would feel comfortable making $18 an hour and maybe having a baby and going back in a few years MAYBE but why take a higher stress job? I want to be dedicated to my family. I have friends who became RNs at 22 and now at 26 they are BURNED OUT bad seeking OTHER professions!! I want to know.. is it really worth it??

Karou · Aug 27, 2015

If you are happy where you are at, then all these curious folks can mind their own business. Being an LPN on its own is great, and if it allows you to work in the setting that you want, then there would be no need for you to go for your RN. If you ever changeable mind then that's always an option, and it's good to know that it's there.

Personally I would never get my BSN if my job didn't require it (ADN now). When I graduated that's all anyone would ask me though, "when are you getting your bachelors?". It gets old.

If you are content where you are at then they should be happy for you.

cheaplabor · Aug 28, 2015

Hmm? If your primary motive to become a RN (vs a LPN) is money, I'd say considering changing directions entirely and get into IT. Why? For one, half the stress, yet nearly double the pay potential. I'm actually very serious. While he didn't achieve this overnight, my buddy's current base pay is, get this; $153,000 / year! Just a 4-year degree. Now, of course, he's had a strong history in IT. What I'm actually saying is that there are other careers (if you're motivated by sheer pay) that compensate better. And yes! Offer less stress too. Then again, nursing offers, for some, a great deal of flexibility.

amandab13 · Sep 3, 2015

I've been an LPN for 10years and absolutely love my job. I love the role that I play in and all the skills I am able to perform. When I first graduated I was asked constantly about becoming an RN. It drove me nuts!!!

I have gone back and forth with the idea of going to get my RN. Right now I think about it because of the pay. The RN I work with makes $48/hour (she showed me her pay stub the one day). And she sits around all shift. I do 10 times the work she does for a third of the pay. It annoys me.

LindsayEvaMaria · Sep 12, 2015

I have to agree with LPN to Rns post in that often I feel the lpns in my facility take on the exact same roles as the rn, and then some, and are paid a fraction of the wage. I too am hoping to go back to school this year to complete my degree, however not just for the wage increases (not going to complain of course...) however obtaining this degree opens so many more doors and opportunities for my future. As much as I love being an LPN and strongly believe in their roles, I do feel it can be very restrictive, depending on your personal preference.

KMRN77080 · Sep 12, 2015

I was an LVN for 6 years before I went back to school for my RN. But I will say my pet pieve for years was people, especially those not in the medical profession, would ask me constantly why I was not an RN. It was very annoying!!! I loved my job and loved being an LVN. The only reason I went back to school was that I didn't have kids at the time, and my job made it easy, both financially and with my work schedule. But I NEVER regret being an LVN.

StrawberryEssence81 · Sep 13, 2015

If you are content with being an LPN, that is perfectly okay.

I am a LPN. However, I do plan to pursue higher nursing education. I've already applied to a LPN-RN transition program. I have not decided what to obtain a graduate degree in yet, but that's my goal.

desertrose227 · Sep 13, 2015

I was happy being a LPN for 6 years, then I ran into a RN that would constantly throw the LPN's under the bus and in my opinion, was a careless nurse. She threw me under the bus one too many times. I got my RN to get away from her. Its been worth it and has open up many more doors. In my state, the LPN role is being diminished as there is an over abundance of RN's.

serotas · Sep 13, 2015

I have been a LVN for 28 years , I really wanted to be an RN for most of it but life took over and I wasn't able to go back to school.Having said that, I have had such a wonderful and fulfilling career as an LVN. Experiences with patients and families in the Private Duty sector that I wouldn't trade for anything. I just moved out of patient care into the office doing Clinical Scheduling Admin. and I just love it. It is very fast paced but because of my experience I just clicked with this new job ! Good Luck !!

serotas · Sep 13, 2015

I still get that, why aren't you an RN after 28 years as an LVN !!

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 13, 2015

It takes all levels to make the healthcare system work! There are healthcare providers on ALL levels that I'd love to take care of me or my family as well as some on ALL levels I wouldn't want to touch my dog.

If you're good at your job and proud of your job then you're doing well for yourself. Perhaps just answer them all with "I don't know what my future holds but I love where I am now."

I'm not sure why so many seem to think RN's are the end all be all of patient care. Are RN's important? Yes. But so are the aides, LPN's, RT's, phlebotomists, etc. I think the general public just doesn't know as much about the various roles.