To LPN or no?

Published

Hi,

I am an ADN student who has to work 20ish hours per week as a CNA to be able afford school. My school offers an LPN course over the summer. I would be able to get my LPN license before returning to school in the fall which means I would be able to work less this next year. I am wondering, though, if the money and time spent for the LPN course would be better spent on working toward my BSN.

Thank you for any insight you can offer.

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It's a personal choice I think but I will say this...the LPN degree I feel like is fading for sure. My hospital no longer employs them. The only places that do in a huge chunk of my state are nursing homes because they are so understaffed. Food for thought.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ICU.

I wouldn't do it. I'd find another job if anything since the majority of CNA's in my graduating class didn't have jobs lined up. It didn't seem to help them at all actually.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I am in an ADN program and was told we can sit for the LPN Test after second semester. Do you really have to take the schools class for that or are they just trying to get more money out of you?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Despite the nay-sayers- I would say 'yes'. Here's why:

Your hourly rate will likely DOUBLE from CNA to LPN. While it is true that LPNs seldom work in acute care any more- the overwhelming majority of JOBS for nurses of all types are outside of acute care. Case in point- my town has 60-ish acute care hospital beds. And 400+ non-acute care (LTC/ ALF) beds PLUS 20 or more MD offices and clinics.

I started as an LPN and do not regret the decision.

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I have the upmost respect for LVNs and trust me that some have saved my rump more than once... in your situation I would weigh the cost/benefit of spending the time and money this summer in attaining your LVN license. If I were you... If I were graduating in May of next year then I personally would not -- I would either work more hours or find a second job during the summer months to maintain a savings during the final term or two.. if it were longer then I probably would.

Best of luck to you.

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