Should I go for RN?

[LPNTELE]

First off, I am sorry for the long post.. I tried to be short but I am a talker.

When I started my LPN program I had all my intentions set for RN. LPN was supposed to be a milestone for my RN. Well, after I graduated my LPN program and passed my NCLEX I applied for 15 different jobs within a week, one of those jobs was my dream job which I never expected to land with 0 experience. Somehow I landed this job (woo hoo!) and I have been working here for almost 1 year now. This job is strictly LPNs only, and if I were to get my RN I would no longer be able to work as a telemetry nurse here. I'd be forced to take a job on the floor. I love this job, but.. the pay is very poor. I make slightly more than half of what an LPN anywhere else would make. I am realizing that the salary of this job is not going to be enough for the lifestyle I planned on having in the future. It's a shame because if this job paid more I would never be thinking of changing anything!

LPN school was a HUGE struggle for me. I was one of the younger ones at 20 years old. Even from the very beginning, I only got accepted into the program because someone dropped out before the program started! There were several tests where I just barely made the mark... and don't get me started on those horrible ATIs... I had to retake half of them in my LPN program. It seemed like no matter how hard I studied I always just barely passed. I also felt very stupid during my clinicals. When everyone else seemed to have their stuff together I was almost always lost. What I am terrified of is that RN school will be like LPN school on crack. I am also not sure if I am smart enough to be an RN even if I manage to get through RN school.

There are so many quick decisions that an RN is expected to make. I even catch the doctors on my floor asking the RNs here what they think he should do! It's like the RNs run the whole show! I am not sure if I am smart enough to take on such a responsibility.

All in all, I am scared I am going to hurt someone, and I am scared I am going to regret leaving my comfy underpaying job. I am torn! Any advice would be VERY appreciated.

[brownbook]

I say give it a try.

All your fears are exactly what I and probably 90% of every RN student felt. It is scary. With your experience as an LVN, and just "growing up" from a 20 year old to a 24 (???) year old will have matured you.

I was a horrible college student at age 20, never studying or paying attention didn't help much. I started nursing school at age 28, studied, paid attention, and got good grades. You have a huge advantage over me, and most likely many fellow nursing students, in that you know a lot about the job. Your classmates may be people (like I was) who have no idea what goes on inside an acute care hospital.

[MotherNurseWife]

I agree. Go for it. Most RN programs have 3 semesters of prereqs before your can apply. By the time you are done with those you will know for sure if you want your RN. Good luck!