LVN/LPN am I too smart?

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Hi everyone and a special hello to my LVN/LPN brothers and sisters. I just wanted to get this off my chest.

I am an LVN and while I have been taking a class here and there, in preparation for the Excelsior program for about 4 years. I love being an LVN, the connection it allows me to have with my patients, the slightly less paperwork that I am responsible for and all of that. I came to realize about 2 years ago that I was really only trying to get my RN for more money, it has little to do with anything else. I get so tired of people, especially other nurses saying "You're too smart to be an LVN", and "You could be a charge nurse if you got your RN". Point #1, LVNs are very smart nurses. Would you rather work with a stupid one? Point#2, I never said I wanted to be charge. Admissions, assessments, med recocikiation, etc......no thank you. What gives? Does anyone else get pressure from their peers that they should want "more"? I have 3 teenagers in high school, plus a husband who works full-time. I Am fine and comfortable doing what I do, without RN begins my name. Is that so bad?

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Hi welcome to allnurses! I am moving your thread to the LVN forum for better responses

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I made the transition from LVN to RN because I wanted to be paid what I was worth. I have no regrets now that, as an RN, I earn almost twice as much money to do very similar work as I did during my LVN days.

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No its not bad, if you are happy where you are at stay there.

I heard all those same comments, drove me up a wall. I have to admit I became an RN because I a) wanted to be paid the same amount of money for as the RNs who were doing the exact work I was (at that job it was the same), and b) I was tired on the disrespect and "looking down on" from others (especially RNs) that comes with being an LVN. I hate saying that, but its the honest truth. I hope as an RN I can set an example of how to respect job titles that are "below" mine.

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Specializes in Home Health; Hospice.

Ive been a graduate of the LPN program for a little over a week now. When I speak to my friends and family, they ask me, when are you going to be a Real Nurse? RN. I think a big part of the issue is education. We need to educate those around us. Be familiar with our scope of practice to be able to compare what LPNs can do to what RNs could do. I dont know about you guys, but during clinicals and lab time and classroom time - I was feeling like a Real Nurse. Too smart to be an LPN? Naw. Do what you love. In the end, its YOU who has to work your shift every day. Then again, Im just an ecstatic noob taking her boards on Monday!! Be happy with what you do.

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I feel the same. I'm constantly asked why I don't get my RN, you'd be a great supervisor or charge nurse, etc. There are many reasons why not. My pay as an LPN in my area is pretty darn close to an RNs pay. I am 35 with a preteen and teen son. My husband has a great job And provides well for us. For me more responsibility isn't worth whatever they want to pay me. I have enough responsibility raising my two wonderful sons and taking care of my family. Don't let anyone make you feel like being a LPN is a career for dumb people. We need smart and good LPNs. Why not be one yourself. Jmho

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