To go or not to go to LPN school?

allnurses Guide · Jun 10, 2014

I would really recommend that you do thorough research in your geographic area by checking classified ads, talking to schools in the area and networking before you make your decision. If you are already working in the medical field perhaps you can use those contacts as a basis to get a feel for what is going on "where the rubber meets the road". The anecdotes from random people are not a good basis on which to decide.

We often talk about the end of a nursing shortage and read many posts about people who are in dire straits because they can't get hired as a new grad, etc. but these are general, overall observations and your area may still be hiring LPNs for Long Term Care, private duty, or even sometimes in acute care environments.

Usually when someone says they have always wanted to be a nurse, they aren't really happy until they move in that direction. Sometimes people hold onto the dream for 20 years! I think by now you've gathered that an LPN or Associate Degree RN is not the best choice for overall career entry and advancement, eventually you will probably need a BSN, but many people do the education in increments as they have financial responsibilities such as you do.

I think a serious and focused effort at researching your local job market should be your next step and I wish you all the best!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2014

Where are you located? People would be able to provide more individualized feedback if we knew your location.

In a nutshell, if your heart is set on working in the acute care hospital, it would be best to skip the LPN and pursue your RN license or stay at the job you currently have.

However, if you are willing to work at a nursing home, assisted living center, psychiatric facility, physical rehab center, clinic, group home, private duty case, home health or other setting outside the hospital, you can usually carve out a living for yourself.

But we need to know your location.

andreasmom02 · Jun 10, 2014

I agree with The Commuter. I'm an LPN. I did an LPN-RN bridge program at my local community college, but exited at the LPN level. I sometimes wish I had went on for the RN degree. I was burned out of nursing school though, and had a small child at the time, so I left once I got my LPN diploma from the college. After getting my license in '08, I never really found a good LPN job though. I live in a rural area, and nursing jobs are few & far between! Most of the good nursing jobs are for RNs. The LPN pay is kind of low where I live as well - $9.00-15.00 an hour on average. I regret becoming an LPN. I have worked part time & PRN mostly since becoming a nurse, but haven't liked nursing at all. The jobs that I have had have paid low, I've worked with nurses & MAs with ugly attitudes, and the stress load wasn't worth the money! I think I chose the wrong profession. I don't even think I liked it in school, I just kept thinking it would get better. My advice is if you really want to be a nurse, go for it! Whether you do LPN or RN it's a great field with lots of opportunities. Just make sure it's what you "REALLY" want to do before investing the time & money in it. Going for your RN would be your best financial bet as well... I am currently trying to decide what I'm going to get my second career in. I'm torn between medical coding & surgical tech. I'm mostly considering getting my coding certification & becoming an LPN coding nurse (desk job). I just loather clinic/floor nursing & am leaving it for my sanity. Good luck!

momofallboys · Jun 10, 2014

Thank you all for your help I am located in southwestern VA area and I since have decided to go to BSC and pursue my RN associates and work towards my BSN I feel it will pay off in the long run to just suck it up and not try to short cut it