Unsure of becoming a LPN need Advice

KG247 · Jan 29, 2013

Looking to get into the nursing field but very unsure of the job leads I will have once im completed. I Have heard many horrible stories of new nurses not being able to to find employment due to lack of experience. I think I would be a great nurse but I also dont wanna have tons of debt due to not finding a job. I wanted to do LPN first to actually see if nursing is a good fit for me. I live in the Philly area so if anybody can shine some light and share some of their stories I would love to hear from you. The program im looking into is about 15k.

I would try working as a CNA first. Most of the nursing homes that I've encountered will hire their CNAs as LPNs after completion nursing school. If you can get a part time job as a CNA while you're going through LPN school you could probably get hired as an LPN immediately after boards. I work as a CNA now and I'm currently in nursing school. My employer has already offered me a nursing job when I graduate.

libran1984, ASN, RN · Jan 30, 2013

I agree with KG247. CNA is pretty awesome.

mz_tonep · Jan 30, 2013

Thank you for your feedback I think thats a good idea

MBRN74 · Jan 30, 2013

Just a little input. If you aren't sure of nursing then trying a job as a cna or patient care partner will be good for you. That's what i did. I started very young as a patient care tech in dialysis. They will hire you without experience. I also got into a program and became a volunteer EMT. Best experience I have had. If you are strong in wanting to become a nurse then go for it and become an RN. Im not saying LPN's are not needed but are becoming more and more placed in nursing homes and Dr's offices and such. Which is great as nurses are needed everywhere. I commend you in choosing. As an RN you have more flexibility and more pay if that is of interest to you. There are so many things you can get into. From research, advice nursing, legal nursing, managerial aspects, etc......So often times they are discussing mandating every RN to have a BSN. They are phasing out associate degrees nurses in positions. You could ultimately start out in an associates program and then once you get your RN degree you can work for about a year, save money and go back for you BSN. I really encourage you to do this. YOU can do it. I'm not saying it will be easy but press forward. There are other options as well. I loved being an EMT!!! Perhaps look into that as well. This takes a little less time to achieve.

If you get a job as a CNA , then great!! Be the best CNA you can be! We need CNA's and good ways at that. Plus, starting out as that will give you a greater appreciation for CNA's when you become an RN. I know i do. I love having a great CNA around. They are vital to every nurses job.

Let me know what you decide and if you have other questions or if i can help you. Good luck!!

funfunfun550, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2013

You can become an RN for the same amount of money. I love LPN's so please no one flame me. I have seen many LPN's that I would rather have than an RN anyday if I were the patient. However, you will have more career options ...for jobs and if you want to go back and get a 4 year degree you can do it online AND better yet get most employers to help pay for it after you become an employee there and meet their requirements(typically less than or up to a year as an employee and most have a condition for you to pay them back if you leave there before say a year after you are done with school..typically).

I strongly encourage you to look at community colleges and become an RN. I understand your postion. I made the same decision as a young gal wanting so much to become an RN and hearing that the BSN was going to become law"soon". That was 30 years ago.

Just know that without your BSN in some parts of the country you may not get your foot in a "magnet" facillity or acute care hospital. At this time there are ways around that. Like if you work there and are a stellar employee sometimes if there is an opening they will welcome you with open arms to stay on say from a PCA position. Most put conditions that you will get your BSN within say 5 years. IF you can get a job there.

However, since you are considering LPN anyway...go the RN route. I understand that some placement tests for LPN and the curriculum can be just as challanging as some of the rigourous education to become an RN.

Look for some scholarships...find a way to do it. I did. I quit a fulltime job and went for it. Perhaps you can take some of the prerequisites up front. Just do ALOT of research and networking to make sure you are not going to be picking the quickest route but then do not get the education that will open doors for you. Again I hope no one finds this offensive. I am surely not"putting down " LPN's and their value to our society. I wish that things were different like it used to be and there will still plenty of options in acute care for them. However times are tough in all areas of our economy and you have BSN's(4 yr rns ) coming out of school with a tough job market.

My advice ...network..talk to people about where they went to school...what is the place like they work at . Volunteer ..heck get a job as a PCA and find your niche and go for it!

mz_tonep · Jan 31, 2013

Thank you all for your feedback and I totally agree with all your comments. I will def scarifice the time to become a RN.I kno I have the potential to become a great nurse.