Reconsidering LPN/nursing after reading online blogs

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 14, 2009

Do you know why he is pursuing an RN now? I'm having this debate with myself because I am tired of school. I already have a Bachelors degree. I took an additional year of classes two years ago. And I recently graduated from a Nursing Assistant class last month. I am tired. I am ready to start working and living my life. So I'm having this LPN/RN debate with myself because I want to pursue something and stay with it for a long time.

I think it was always his intention to continue on. I don't have many conversations with this guy, but he seems to be an easy going person who always had a plan and intends to follow it. How old are you? Many LPNs are not content in their positions because there are more opportunities for RNs, and also that depending on where you live, LPNs are not being utilized in hospitals as they used to be. You may want to remain in nursing for a long time, but maybe not as an LPN.

I can understand your feeling about school, however. I only went for the LPN, but I was in an LPN to RN bridge program where it was mandatory that I sit for many of the same pre-requisites as the RN students. Personally, I hated school with an uncontrollable passion...I shock myself when I see myself get riled up just thinking about it. Recently, I had gone to a school to inquire about obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Health Education. It looks like I would have to take more general education classes and with that thought, I'll probably drop the entire idea because I had already fixed my brain to say that I may be able to do this part time in 2 years when looking at the core courses. But, close to five for including some junk general ed courses?? I doubt it.

Ling07 · Apr 14, 2009

I think it was always his intention to continue on. I don't have many conversations with this guy, but he seems to be an easy going person who always had a plan and intends to follow it. How old are you? Many LPNs are not content in their positions because there are more opportunities for RNs, and also that depending on where you live, LPNs are not being utilized in hospitals as they used to be. You may want to remain in nursing for a long time, but maybe not as an LPN.
I can understand your feeling about school, however. I only went for the LPN, but I was in an LPN to RN bridge program where it was mandatory that I sit for many of the same pre-requisites as the RN students. Personally, I hated school with an uncontrollable passion...I shock myself when I see myself get riled up just thinking about it. Recently, I had gone to a school to inquire about obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Health Education. It looks like I would have to take more general education classes and with that thought, I'll probably drop the entire idea because I had already fixed my brain to say that I may be able to do this part time in 2 years when looking at the core courses. But, close to five for including some junk general ed courses?? I doubt it.

Do you know if RNs with Associates have it hard?? I think I could do that in two years. I've done 1/4 of the coursework already. See I'm still having that debate with myself LPN/RN, LPN/RN. WHEN WILL IT STOP. lol.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 15, 2009

Do you know if RNs with Associates have it hard?? I think I could do that in two years. I've done 1/4 of the coursework already. See I'm still having that debate with myself LPN/RN, LPN/RN. WHEN WILL IT STOP. lol.

Maybe you have to further define what you mean by having it hard, but, for now, I guess it depends on where you live and if the hospital you eventually apply for is going for Magnet Status. Many hospitals are attempting to recruit BSNs rather than Associate Degree RNs, especially Magnet facilities or places that are trying to obtain Magnet Status. That is another never ending arguement...which route of education is the best. You will find some that will say that patients cared for by BSN nurses have better outcomes due to higher education. Not sure if this is true if support is not available. An LPN, RN or BSN is a human being, and if you continue to pile more and more responsibility without manpower to implement the nursing process in a productive way, the results are still disasterous. You'll just have nurses that know better but are powerless to make too many positive changes (that is my take on it, anyhow).

Again, if it is easier to get into an LPN program earlier, it doesn't mean that it is written in stone that you have to remain one. There are more options than before...bridge programs, on line programs, etc... Some people better appreciate a stair step progression rather than to be thrown to the wolves. I think you would serve yourself best by seeing what LPN opportunities are within your area, seeing what sort of competition the RN programs are (such as waiting lists, and how long is the list because some wait as long as 5 years to get a seat from what I read here) and go from there. If it is just a year or so, then, go for the RN, if that is your desire. Many RN programs have limited seats, so, they are fiercely competitive, damned near asking for a 4.0 GPA; others have a lottery system, so many ways to weed out applicants. You really need to see if this is the case in your area. Private schools are usually not as competitive and I hear more supportive, but they are expensive. Look into those as well. Finally, keep your ear to the post on how things are in this current economy. I keep reading here that new grads (both, LPN and RNs) are having a harder time getting their feet in the door because there are too many nurses whose hours are cut, been laid off, or returning to nursing after a hiatus because their spouses lost their jobs. More hospitals are laying off, cutting pay, cutting hours, etc...and bring in agency nurses. An agency nurse has to have experience and confidence to jump in because now, there is not much time for orientation except for the extreme basics.

Ling07 · Apr 15, 2009

Thanks for all of your input.

Maryvette · Apr 18, 2009

Hi, hope you think it over. If nursing is your passion and what give you most satisfaction just go for it. Been realistic about the economy is not been pessimistic is been aware that times are very hard right now, nevertheless this should not be a concern on whether or not you will pursue your goal to become a nurse. What is what you really want? Is nursing is your true interest then, go ahead that by the time you finish school there will be plenty to choose from.

Dawn674 · Apr 21, 2009

Thank you all for your great advice! My struggle is not if I should become a Nurse, it is the whole LPN/RN thing! I have come to terms with my plans and I am doing the LPN route. I am happy with my decision and can't wait to start! :yeah:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 21, 2009

and, no matter what, you will be a nurse. good luck on your journey!

ANurseWannaB · Aug 21, 2010

I went back and forth with the whole LPN/RN decision too. Too busy listening to what everyone else thought instead of what I knew was the right decision for me and my life. I've wasted a lot of time and effort chasing after schools when it all boiled down to my first decision -- LPN.

If I so desire, in the future I will follow after an online, RN Degree.

I will begin PN classes this Sept. and my heart is finally at peace :)

Follow your dreams -- not anyone elses.

God bless!!

liberty_bell · Aug 22, 2010

Dawn674,

Just understand going in that as an LPN you will not be hired at a hospital. Even hospitals that do hire a few here and there will take a veteran LPN. If your dream is to work ICU, ER etc then just understand that as an LPN you will need to get your RN to do that. LPN mostly work in LTC, SNF, home health, Dr Offices etc. So there is still a big job market for LPN's it's just not at a hospital. As long as you understand that you'll be ok.