Should I stop @ lpn or go on and get my rn?

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Hi, I'm currently in a Chicago Public Schools nursing program that i started last school year. I wasn't too excited about it at first but as we started having clinical i started to feel like nursing is for me. once i complete the program i'll be able to take the NCLEX-PN to become a lpn. Everyone keeps telling me that i should go on to college to get the rn because of money, my highschool counselor even said "do you want to be cleaning the booboo or telling someone else to clean it?" but i don't know if i want to keep going. i really don't feel like having to go through the whole college searching thing either. what should i do?

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Well either your counselor doesn't know much about nursing or he/she was just trying to scare you which doesn't make since to me. Anyway, an LPN job does not 'typically' consist of doing perineal care, but there are times when they have to step in and help the CNAs, but the same thing goes for the RNs. This is of course assuming you are working for a nursing home. At the same time, I would recommend that you pick something out and stay focused on that goal. I was in your shoes a few years ago, and ended up studying several different fields, and wasting valuable time to finally figure out that I was right to begin with... the LPN program. But it is true that RNs make more money, but they also have a heavier case load and they earn that extra money. Another advantage of being an RN over an LPN is that RNs have the ability for more career growth (ASN-BSN-MSN-Doctors), , but on the other hand as an LPN the growth you have is a bridge program from LPN to RN (which will get you an ASN), and quite frankly, as far as I am concerned, they are both respectable professions and they both earn their money.

Essentially, I would finish what you started, make good grades, and get your RN through a bridge program. But that is just me, you have to figure out what is best for you.

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Specializes in SNF, 2 year s hospital.

You should keep moving forward! When I first became an LPN all I wanted to do was make money to get out of debt. That was a great thing but my career ladder stopped. My pay rate wasn't going to get any higher and I wanted more. As I tried to expand my career I constantly ran into " only RNs" can do that. So I finally decided to make a move and change my path. I've enjoyed everything that being an LPN has allowed me to gain but its now time to move forward. I feel everyone will know when its time to change ;)

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Specializes in Telemetry, OB, NICU.

For your information: I, as a RN, clean patient's bottom, give bath, change patient's beds, empty foley bags, clean the floor if soiled by poop/urine, and many more a nurse aide does. Every day. My nurse aide can't be everywhere at once. And I am not supposed to leave anyone soiled and wait for someone else to clean them. Your counselor is misinformed on this. So, if this is a concern for you and if you think once you are a RN, you won't have to do any of these, re-consider your career choice to prevent a big disappointment.

For the question, I don't believe in stopping until you are a RN.

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For your information: I, as a RN, clean patient's bottom, give bath, change patient's beds, empty foley bags, clean the floor if soiled by poop/urine, and many more a nurse aide does. Every day. My nurse aide can't be everywhere at once. And I am not supposed to leave anyone soiled and wait for someone else to clean them. Your counselor is misinformed on this. So, if this is a concern for you and if you think once you are a RN, you won't have to do any of these, re-consider your career choice to prevent a big disappointment.

For the question, I don't believe in stopping until you are a RN.

I don't have a problem with having to clean a pt. that's the main thing i have to do when i go to clinical...but thanks for the advice:up:

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prettyinblu said:
You should keep moving forward! When I first became an LPN all I wanted to do was make money to get out of debt. That was a great thing but my career ladder stopped. My pay rate wasn't going to get any higher and I wanted more. As I tried to expand my career I constantly ran into " only RNs" can do that. So I finally decided to make a move and change my path. I've enjoyed everything that being an LPN has allowed me to gain but its now time to move forward. I feel everyone will know when its time to change ;)

I want to work in the ER, I know that a RN can work in the ER, but can a LPN work in the ER as well?

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Specializes in LTC.

Get your RN too. Being a LPN first is a great stepping stone, but I also look forward to becoming a RN one day.

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Specializes in CNA/LPN.

Keep going forward! Sure, you can enjoy LPN life for a bit, but I think naturally, you may come to want to move up! I do not believe in stopping at LPN! I don't want to have practical in my career title forever. I dream to work in the ER for the earlier years of my career and have a better chance of that with RN, and I'll probably mellow out and hope move to a pediatrics office of some sort, once I've done the ER thing and have a family. There's no sense in stopping at LPN, when you can be a RN. ;) Keep trucking along...and bridge!

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I don't see why this is a decision that has to be made NOW. Work as a LPN for a while, find out about the differences in scope of practice for yourself, get some experience and then decide if you're happy as a LPN or if you want to go on to RN.

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Specializes in CNA.
Hi, I'm currently in a Chicago Public Schools nursing program that i started last school year. I wasn't too excited about it at first but as we started having clinical i started to feel like nursing is for me. once i complete the program i'll be able to take the NCLEX-PN to become a lpn. Everyone keeps telling me that i should go on to college to get the rn because of money, my highschool counselor even said "do you want to be cleaning the booboo or telling someone else to clean it?" but i don't know if i want to keep going. i really don't feel like having to go through the whole college searching thing either. what should i do?

reach for the stars, go as far as you are able to. you will do a great job.

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Specializes in Long Term Care.

My advice would be make sure nursing is for you once you start working. Because the clinicals at school and the "real world" are two different worlds (i.e more patients, no teacher checking after you). Then if it is, continue your education and become an RN. There is nothing wrong if you want to stop at LPN but LPNs are limited to certain areas of nursing.. if you are okay with that. Also, the "poop" is not limited to CNAs and LPNs....everyone cleans poop lol..I don't know why people think that an RN doesn't....I'd like to know where that misconception came from.:)

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Specializes in CNA/LPN.

You'll be doing a lot of the same things you will be doing as an LPN as an RN as well. Your counselor must have been misinformed by someone else or didn't know much about the tasks a RN must do on a regular basis. Regardless, all of that set aside - carry on to get your RN. Why not climb to the top? I, for one, couldn't be a Licensed Practical Nurse for the rest of my career. By 30, I want to reach my goal of becoming a RN, rather than a CNA or LPN. I'm not saying anything is wrong with sticking to those, it's just not in me to stick to them. Good luck in whatever you decide to do! :)

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