Seriously thinking about getting an LPN degree

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Hey guys, this kind of post has probably been done before- But I have a few questions that follow.

I work in a nursing home (as a dietary aide) for the past year, and I'm getting really used to the atmosphere. I get along well with much of the residents, and I also get along great with all the nurses in the building. I'm 19/M/Gay working in Jersey City, NJ (if that matters).. I never knew what I wanted to do with my life, and dropped out of the first semester of community college, depressed, without any idea of what my future career will be. It's been rough, commuting without a car into the city via bus/train 5 times a week, not many friends I know (who are the same age) do this kind of commute. It gets quite costly, and I want to move in the JC area.

I don't come from a very fortunate family, but I am able to afford LPN courses.

I like the idea of being an RN, but I don't think I'm up to the extra years and responsibilities that comes along with it. Becoming an LPN is where I see myself in the near future, and I'm hoping it's a career that can get me on my feet to live independently.

I'm pretty good friends with an LPN in my facility who seems to be happy with her job, and she has a good attitude. She does a good job breaking down the procedures to the patients, and seems to stay out of trouble. I like being around her, just knowing there is a strong possibility I could be doing the same thing.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling- There's just a few questions I want before I look into this any further..

I'm not worried about making tons of money, I just want to live comfortably.. What's the salary for LPN's who first enter the field? bi-weekly rates preferably. (In the NYC/JC area)

How overwhelming can it get in a medium sized nursing home?

How may it effect my social life?

Thanks in advance :D

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Sounds like you've given this some serious thought. In my family we all started with the LPN program first, some have gone on and got their RN, some havn't. LPN is affordable and gives you great experience, it also can be a way to afford to go on to RN if you choose, and there are many companies with tuition re-embursement. Although I don't know what JC starting wages are, I can tell you that you will make decent money, much more than other young people your own age. Check into government assistance, check out the different schools in your area, some will help you with financial aid. Look into scholarships, ask at your local high school, library, ect, they are great assistance when looking for financial help, take advantage of all the assistance you can get. Good luck, I hope everything works out for the best.

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It's a program that takes alot of time and studying. They dont let just anybody become a nurse. You have to work hard and get accepted into the program which is difficult. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Case Management.

Look into this school, its close to jersey city http://www.hohokus.com/

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Specializes in Adult ICU/PICU/NICU.
Look into this school, its close to jersey city http://www.hohokus.com/

Remember that the above school is FOR PROFIT, and these are generally much more expensive than state community colleges. The main goal of a for profit school is to make money for the business.

I would say that you should get your RN instead of your LPN. You might like working in LTC now, but you never know when you might like to do something different. Getting your RN will give you more options in the future...and this advise is from a veteran LPN.

Best to you,

Mrs H.

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Go for it, sounds like you'll make a great nurse! :) Just study hard, & never ever give up, no matter what anyone tells you during nursing school! There's lots of people that will try to shoot you down, but don't let them. You can do it, if that's what you want...

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You definitely sound like you will make a great addition to the industry. As others have said aim for your LPN and if you'd like, get your RN. The money will surely be good pretty much anywhere you end up working.

Sky is the limit :)

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Hello :) a fellow LPN here! Male/ 19. I used to be in the exact same situation as you are right now. The only exception is that I started the LPN program right out of high school. I needed money to support my parents and sister. And the LPN program was the quickest and most accessible to me. I was able to working shorter hours and bring in more money. Right now I'm working at a wound clinic that is a part of a rehab hospital. I'm making $23/hr no benefits because I only work 2 12 hrs Saturday and Sunday. M-F I attend a community college working on my pre reqs for the RN program. Fortunately, my LPN program has an agreement with the local community college, if you have a B- average on all pre reqs, you will be admitted into the RN program and finish it in 2 semester :)!!

I whole-heartedly believe that you can't go wrong starting out as an LPN, unless you're doing in for the wrong reasons.

P.S I know you said you're not sure if you wanna continue for your RN, just a side note, nursing is a life long learning process, you have to keep up with current information and technology in order to provide the most up to date care as possible :) Good luck! There will be times where you wanna quit because of school and the life your currently living, but look at the overall picture and the life you could possibly have after you're done. That's what kept me sane during the hard times in school and realized that I have to do this not only for my own fulfillment but I have people who are counting on me. PM me if you have any questions!

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P.S about the LTC care, I'm not sure, but I have friends who are caring for avg of 14 patients in some LTC and night shifts have about 30.

In my wound clinic, I typically see about 16 patients a day. That's the most I've ever seen. I basically clean wounds, pack them, measure, document, provide treatment etc and teach patients how to do it themselves.

As for lifestyle, because I work 2 12 hrs saturday and sunday 7-7, I have no problem :) some days I'm so tired and all I wanna do is sleep or if I have an exam monday I'll use whatever time I have to study. But I basically have time to go out every weekend :)

Time management is the key!!

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