LPN who does not want to be an RN?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Hello all! I'm a fairly new LPN, I graduated July '14 & I've been working at an assisted living facility since Dec '14. Since I became an LPN I've heard the same questions over and over..." when will you continue on to be an RN? Will you go straight for RN or wait a few years?" & "That's great, LPN is a great foundation while you work towards an RN degree!" Why do people automatically assume that I want to become an RN? Is being an LPN and having it as a lifelong career really that awful? I'm proud to be an LPN. I love what I do & I love the time I get to spend with my residents. I enjoy the clinical aspect of nursing and doing hands on skills. I don't want to take on the responsibilities that RNs have. Sure, the pay is way more for RN, but I feel that right now I could live a comfortable life on my wage of $18 an hour. So my question is.. any LPNs out there who are content with staying an LPN? Do you feel that it is a good career choice?

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.

Higher education doesn't have to revolve around nursing.

I've used my LPN wages to fund a degree in History. Might even go on for my Masters in that area.

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I'm so glad you said "real nurse". I constantly get asked as a LPN when I'm going to become a "real nurse". I then go on to say that I already am one and ask what they thought the abbreviation LPN stood for-- Licensed practical NURSE. I honestly think some people don't realize the things they say are rude or they just don't care and like its an okay thing since they are just a "blunt and honest" person. I agree, it's very irritating.

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I'm an LPN and going for my ADN. I'm just tired of doing RN work for LPN pay. Plus I'm looking forward to more opportunities. I probably won't go back for my BSN unless my job requires it.

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There's nothing wrong with staying an LPN. But a lot people seek career advancement and higher salary through continued education.

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Just went to a BBQ on the weekend and of course in meeting new people it came up what we do for a living. One of them, a paramedic, said oh a nurse? LPN or RN? I stated LPN, and from the end of the table someone piped up "loser practicing nurse!" Sigh...it honestly never ends.

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You have to do what is right for you. If you want to work in a hospital - an RN or BSN is the most realistic game plan. That said, so much of health care is done outside of the hospital now - clinics, home health, rehab and transitional units etc. There are plenty of options for LPNs.

There's always that push in this industry - well why aren't you an RN, oh.. an RN, you should really get your BSN.... BSN, well why don't you just get your masters?? You got a masters? Well why not go for your NP? Oh.. You're an NP, you should have just gone to Med School... Ack!!

If you are happy being an LPN, be an LPN. Keeping up with the Jones's or worrying about other people's expectations will just make you miserable.

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You know what...I'm in school now and that's all I hear from others. They say when you finish school don't sit out to long to become an RN or the famous one every LPN has heard"don't just stop here continue your education to an RN". Now don't get me wrong I do see myself ultimately as an RN in the future but let me get my feet wet as a LPN first. Now when I here others say that I say in due time that will happen but right now I'm fine with getting a LPN diploma then moving on. At the end of day you have to do what's best for you...what's gonna make you happy and what's gonna save you money.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

It's totally alright to remain an LPN! I am a licensed vocational nurse and I made pretty good money. I liked my job, as well. I had plenty of autonomy as well.

I'm enrolled in a bridge program now, but I have friends who are happy being LVNs.

It's too bad many of the general public, as well as those who work in health care, don't know that LVNs and RNs have very similar scopes.

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I have been an LPN for over 3 years now and I get the same comments and questions. I have no intention of going back to school for my RN. I do not want to work in a hospital setting or take on more responsibility than I have now. In fact I have thought of exploring other career paths to improve my income that do not include nursing at all.

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Thats me right here. Still wanna continue with education but looking into other areas other than nursing.

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