LPN's who are going on for their RN ...

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For all of you LPN's who are furthering your education by going on to get your RN, what is the main reason you are choosing to do so?

Is it JUST the money?

(debating about going on for my RN myself)

In my area LPN's are being phased out and can only work in LTC or DR offices. The first one has way too much turn over, the second option doesn't pay well AT ALL. I am going to RN school part time (just started pre-reqs) because I want to work in acute care and have more opportunities. I am working on my ADN right now and plan to go on to get a BSN. Luckily, I work at a VA and tuition will be covered after a year. I have to sign a contract to work for them after I graduate, but that doesn't bother me. I think of it as job security. I know I'll have somewhere to work after I pass the NCLEX. Money is also an obvious issue. I'm bringing in about $36k a year and the RN's I work with are making nearly twice that. It's a no brainer. If you're willing to put in the effort, it's worth the pay off.

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Specializes in LTC, Correctional Nursing.

I am doing this because it's a personal thing for me. My husband has a terminal illness and I know that I am going to have to support my 2 kids on my own one day. I don't care about the money honestly, but I know that I need more money to take care of my family. I am quite happy being an LPN for the rest of my life. Personally, I am sick of school and this nursing school that I am going to is a joke. But, I know that when this is all over, I can move out of this town closer to my sister and get a better job to take care of my kids. If I was single and no kids, i would be content to just stay where I am doing what I do now. :)

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
I am doing this because it's a personal thing for me. My husband has a terminal illness and I know that I am going to have to support my 2 kids on my own one day. I don't care about the money honestly, but I know that I need more money to take care of my family. I am quite happy being an LPN for the rest of my life. Personally, I am sick of school and this nursing school that I am going to is a joke. But, I know that when this is all over, I can move out of this town closer to my sister and get a better job to take care of my kids. If I was single and no kids, i would be content to just stay where I am doing what I do now. :)

I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I lost mine in February this year to metastic prostate cancer. His dying wish was for me to finish w/ my degree. I've been doing a couple of classes a semester for the past few years. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Long term care, Sub-acute, Hospice.
For all of you LPN's who are furthering your education by going on to get your RN, what is the main reason you are choosing to do so?

Is it JUST the money?

(debating about going on for my RN myself)

Hi, I've been an LPN for the past seven years and I will be starting a RN program this December at ITT Tech in Orland Park, Il. One of my main reasons for going back to school is because I never intended on being an LPN. I took the program because it was easier to get into because the school I went to offer all prerequisites classes in their program. Money is also another reason why I would like to finish my education. I also feel limited. In the Chicago area getting a job in most hospitals require having a RN license. But it's a personal goal. I reached other goals I had set becoming an RN is just one on the list.:idea:

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Specializes in PD,Nxstage,hemo.

The reason I finally stopped playing around about trying to get my RN, wasnt money because I make more than some RN's make (I'm in a specialty with alot of experince). But it was the doctors I work with that made me say ok "its time". I had 3 different doctors within a 1 year period ask me to run their program and I had to decline because I didnt have my RN.

Once I made the decision to go back. I went part time, only taking 2-3 classes a semester.

I found out I was accepted to the LPN to RN bridge program on September 3rd and I will be starting in January 2012!

I'm super stoked, but I'm not unhappy with being an LPN and I'm glad I went this route to get my RN.

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Its not just the money but it is nice. Its the experience and a better job title. I got turned down for a postion for unit manager because they decided to go for RN's. But the RN they r thinking of hiring is not very good with time management or organization skills. Plus, he got a second chance after pulling a no call no show on the job. ***, if it was me i would have been gone. So that is the reason im going back to school for my RN. Another reason is I have 4 kids and an EX husband that doesn't pay his child support. :lol2:

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Specializes in home health, LTC, assisted living.

hmmmmm, let's see, more job security, more employment opportunities, more money? that would be nice, but overall I think the job market for LPN's where I live is so limited and small. Most days I feel there is no choice. :nurse:

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Specializes in Occ. Med, Neuro, and Medical office.

Hey pat8585, my name is Monica and I have been a LPN for 13 years now, I have worked in on the floor and in MD's offices, and that's where it ends...I want to work in PACU, where I started as a tech many years ago, it is my love and I can't do it as a LPN, so this is why I'm in the bridge...Just to name a few other reasons, I want a collge degree too; I went to a vocational school in Tampa for the LPN, also the $$$$ helps, too.

Take Care and Good luck in your decision.

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I've already picked my school, Athabasca University, for my bridging program and am currently doing my pre-reqs.

Money is a factor for sure but honestly, I just don't like being told I can't do something when I know full well, given the education, I can! LPN scope can feel somewhat limiting when working so closely with RNs. I honestly want to do more and be more utilized.

Job opportunities and growth is another factor. More specialties, advancement, travel etc. Why stop learning and evolving, really?

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Specializes in RN.

I entered with the intention of being an RN. My program does have a PN option and I tested for mine and got licensed and have been using my LPN license. It has been great! Very proud to be an LPN. I am in Michigan and I do want more options for myself ie; hospital, travel nursing etc and it will only happen with an RN. Or at least for the direction i want to go. Have wanted to be a nurse most of my life, am 47 presently. I did not get into it for the money, BUT after all it has cost me(Literally every penny I have) I will be a money whore for awhile, just to get these bills taken care of. I graduate in 12 weeks, I almost wanted to stop and take a break after working all Summer as an LPN, but am glad that I didn't stop at this point. Nothing wrong with that, but I am glad to be almost done! Good luck to you all!

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Hi! I have read your post about failing a nursing program twice, and your effort to get your LPN and then RN through the LPN Career Mobility Program.. First, I admire all you hard work and your never ending motivation girl! I am proud of you! I have SO many questions I would like to ask you.. can I please call you? I feel like your post, and what you have been through is identical to what I am going through now- you have been an answer to my prayers!! PLease let me know asap if I may call you and we can go from there. Thanks so much!!!

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