Thinking of LVN...don't do it.

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My thought was simple.

Do my LVN then work while I got my RN.

It seemed simple.

NOT SO MUCH.

Entry level jobs for an LVN are few and far between.

It takes months and months if not LONGER to find a job if you do at all.

Once your working you will find few if any part time or distance programs for the LVN to RN.

Now that I have my yr of experience of LVN work you would think I would be able to make a move to the area of work that I originally want to work in....

NOPE.

Most jobs are requiring 2-3 yrs experience.

So you end up stuck where you started...whether it be a great job or not so great job.

Don't do it.

Just apply for a RN or BSN program...put your head down and do it.

Nursing and all those "GREAT OPPORTUNITIES" that you hear about in school is not the real nursing world.

Jobs are hard to find. PERIOD!

You have a better shot if you go with the RN or BSN than trying to work your way up.

Trust me, I know.

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...or you could spend 4-6 years on an RN degree and still not be able to find a job. That's happening to a lot of people, too. I've been lucky, but it's pretty tough out there for a lot of people. I hope things improve for you- and soon!

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It is like that regardless of which route you take to get into nursing.

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Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

I have to disagree. It depends on the area you live in. My son's aunt just finished her lpn, got licensed, and found her dream job all within a month. I don't know if she plans to continue but stories like her's motivates me to continue my goals. LPN is my stepping stone to eventually become an NP. There are plenty available programs and jobs in my area and if I need to relocate when the time comes, then I will. It is hard everywhere. Doesn't matter the field you are in, but you can't be willing to give up either. I hope something works out for you eventually.

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I understand that a lot of people have issues with getting a job after finishing any level of nursing school. While you may view this post as a heads up, it is very discouraging to read for people who dream of joining the nursing career field and may have been rejected by ADN & BSN programs, or wait listed for 2 to 3 years. LPN/LVN programs are a saving grace for a lot of people and honestly, it really depends on geographic location. I live in Michigan, Metro Detroit area, finish nursing school in less than a week and almost every PN graduate I know is gainfully employed. So if anyone in Michigan is reading this, do not be discouraged. There is work here. PN graduates and prospective students over the country, please do not be discouraged. Get that resume together, practice your inteview skills, and fill out those applications!

OP I am not writing this in a manner to be perceived as combative, but just a heads up to please be a little more conscious when expressing an opinion. There are many who read this forum seeking words of encouragement. You do not want to deter people from attaining their goals. I empathize with you and I do sincerely hope that your employment situation improves.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I understand that a lot of people have issues with getting a job after finishing any level of nursing school. While you may view this post as a heads up, it is very discouraging to read for people who dream of joining the nursing career field and may have been rejected by ADN & BSN programs, or wait listed for 2 to 3 years. LPN/LVN programs are a saving grace for a lot of people and honestly, it really depends on geographic location. I live in Michigan, Metro Detroit area, finish nursing school in less than a week and almost every PN graduate I know is gainfully employed. So if anyone in Michigan is reading this, do not be discouraged. There is work here. PN graduates and prospective students over the country, please do not be discouraged. Get that resume together, practice your inteview skills, and fill out those applications!

OP I am not writing this in a manner to be perceived as combative, but just a heads up to please be a little more conscious when expressing an opinion. There are many who read this forum seeking words of encouragement. You do not want to deter people from attaining their goals. I empathize with you and I do sincerely hope that your employment situation improves.

Well said! :yes:

Best wishes to the OP and anyone who is having difficulty finding work. It will get better.

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It alk depends on the area that you live in. where I live at, there are a crap load of jobs for lpns and can make between $22-$30 bucks an hour.

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So not true. There are jobs @ dr's offices, prisons, urgent care ctrs, nursing home, home health etc. im blessed because the hospital where i work as a pct still hires lpn's & dont have any plans to change that! Some people don't have 2-3 years to wait to get into a Rn program. Why sit around & wait to do that when you can get your lpn/lvn? & for someone like myself a RN school flunky i didnt have 5 years to sit around & do something else until i was eligible to reapply so lpn was stepping stone for me! Just because getting a job for 1 person is hard doesnt mean its gonna be impossible 4 everybody else! Besides why not go thru lpn school to get your feet wet to see if thats what you want to do than to like some people i know go thru a adn or bsn program & after all that realize THAT NURSING ISNT WHAT THEY WANT TO DO! If your olny reason is because "you wont make as much being a lpn than you do as a RN" is your only reason THEN YOUR HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION! Its not about HOW MUCH YOU MAKE, ITS ABOUT HOW MYCH YOU SPEND! I hear countless RN's where i work talk about how BROKE they are or they have to pick up extra shifts b/c they living beyond their means! At the end of the day ITS ABOUT TAKING CARE OF PATIENTS

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Specializes in LTC.

Jobs are hard to find for RN/BSN grads as well.

It sounds as if your own career path hasn't worked out the way you'd want and you are having regrets. Perfectly understandable. However, it does not mean your experience will be my experience or that of others here.

So, while I understand your perspective, my determination to graduate from LPN school and become a licensed LPN continues.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
So not true. There are jobs @ dr's offices prisons, urgent care ctrs, nursing home, home health etc. im blessed because the hospital where i work as a pct still hires lpn's & dont have any plans to change that! Some people don't have 2-3 years to wait to get into a Rn program. Why sit around & wait to do that when you can get your lpn/lvn? & for someone like myself a RN school flunky i didnt have 5 years to sit around & do something else until i was eligible to reapply so lpn was stepping stone for me! Just because getting a job for 1 person is hard doesnt mean its gonna be impossible 4 everybody else! Besides why not go thru lpn school to get your feet wet to see if thats what you want to do than to like some people i know go thru a adn or bsn program & after all that realize THAT NURSING ISNT WHAT THEY WANT TO DO! If your olny reason is because "you wont make as much being a lpn than you do as a RN" is your only reason THEN YOUR HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION! Its not about HOW MUCH YOU MAKE, ITS ABOUT HOW MYCH YOU SPEND! I hear countless RN's where i work talk about how BROKE they are or they have to pick up extra shifts b/c they living beyond their means! At the end of the day ITS ABOUT TAKING CARE OF PATIENTS[/quote']

^5...from one (former) RN program flunky and former LPN. ;)

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Specializes in Neurocritical Care.

Some people, such as myself, do not have any choice. I have All my pre requisites for the RN program but chose to do LPN instead because the school I'm attending starte a night and weekend program. This is what fits into my life right now, seeing as we only have one income and daycare for my kids so I can go to a full time RN program during the day would literally break us. LPN's are in high demand here. And the school I am attending also offers LPN-RN courses. There's another school the same distance away that offers it too. Just because your area is not hiring LPN's or you are having a hard time getting into a program locally- that doesn't mean it's like that everywhere. Your post will not discourage me or change my mind, only give me more motivation to be great.

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Oh & by the way this RN school flunky is a HONORS LPN GRADUATE!!!!! Haha! Different strokes for different folks!

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