Wanna know what an LPN license can get you?

[nekozuki]

People used to ask me why I "settled" and went to a vocational school to become an LPN, instead of going to a traditional college and becoming a "real nurse." I always had a list of potential answers running through my mind when that happened:

✔️ I do the exact same thing an RN does at my job with absolutely no variation.

✔️ I train both new grad RN's and BSN's, and have discovered that in my field, experience and competence are more valuable than the initials at the end of my name.

✔️ I work with babies, which is pretty damn cool (turns out I like them better than many adults).

✔️ I have an incredibly flexible schedule that allows me to continue my education.

✔️ The pay is much, much better than when I was the drive-thru girl at Taco Bell.

✔️ I took on 11 months of school and no debt to make sure nursing was what I wanted, rather than 2-3 years and a boatload of loans.

✔️ This Microbiology test isn't hard. My six-month old vent-dependent patient went into respiratory distress last night, and I guided them through it. That was tough. I eat micro exams for breakfast!

✔️ Vocational school helped me develop study/homework skills, so that when I entered traditional college, I got easy A's.

✔️ In Honors classes revolving around theory, I could speak about practical application in real life situations.

✔️ When scholarship time rolled around, I wasn't simply a student who wished to change the world. I was already actively changing the world.

So many students apply to awards because of who they want to be, whereas I could apply because of who I already am. When I had to write numerous essays, personal statements, and narratives about myself and my future dreams, I had so many compelling stories to tell about my job as an LPN. When asked about community service, volunteer work, or past experience performing good deeds for others, I got the opportunity to explain how such things weren't simply extracurriculars to me, but rather an integral part of my day to day life as an LPN.

Those people who used to ask me why I "settled" and went to a vocational school to become an LPN, instead of going to a traditional college and becoming a "real nurse?" These days, I don't need to tell them anything. Because I was awarded $124,500 dollars to complete my bachelor's degree, and $200,000 dollars for any graduate school I choose. Not because I was a traditional student (I came from one of those schools, a vocational school for people who weren't "good enough" for regular college). Not because I did well in high school (I dropped out at 15). Not because I was cookie cutter (I've got a dirty mouth, a sarcastic streak a mile wide, and I wear jeans and red converse to business casual events). Not because I had special advantages (as an older student, I had to fight for every opportunity, knock on many doors, and annoy professors into letting me take on special projects). I received all of this because of my work as an LPN and the way it made me stand out among other students when I transitioned back into traditional college.

So don't let anyone tell you this is a road for people who "settle" or don't have what it takes to hack it at a "real" college. You have no idea where an LPN license will lead you, or the impact you will have on the world because of it.

[Ashenk224, MSN, RN]

I used to work at a nursing home and in that nursing home RNs and LPNs basically could do the same tasks with the exception of IV medications. LPNs also weren't allowed to do supervisor shifts. The RNs also made more money than the LPNs. I now work in a hospital that eliminated all LPN positions. They are also pushing all RNs to get their BSNs because they applied for magnet status. With the LPNs they gave them the option of going back to school for their RN and only gave them 2-3 years to do it (they would pay for it) or they would have to be demoted to a nurse aide. If the LPN went the nurse aide route, they would keep their current pay but would not be able to get anymore raises. Even though they were licensed in more tasks than nurse aides, they were still not allowed to perform those tasks and were only allowed to practice within what an aide was allowed to do. I think choosing between the LPN/RN route would depend on your goals. You have more job options as an RN. While some people use an LPN license as a stepping stone, it can also make schooling more costly.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

target98765 said:

I want to call bull **** on this...sorry, but a lot of this seems false as well as over the top. LPNs do not perform the EXACT same tasks as an RN..please consult your state's nurse practice act.

You are correct. In PA they are allowed to perform everything except give blood. That's a NO NO. I have no idea since I became disabled back in Y2K. As far as I know though, I don't remember any other task they weren't allowed to perform in PA. The state law could have been updated since then.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

FranEMTnurse said:

You are correct. In PA they are allowed to perform everything except give blood. That's a NO NO. I have no idea since I became disabled back in Y2K. As far as I know though, I don't remember any other task they weren't allowed to perform in PA. The state law could have been updated since then.

I would be surprised if it is in an LPN's scope to give chemotherapy without post licensing training and supervision in most states, or administration of meds via epidural and intrathecal catheters, administration of conscious sedation, or plasma expanders. These are things which would not be included in most one year nursing programs.

Many states include things other than physical "tasks" that LPNs cannot do. Things like comprehensive (vs. focused) assessments, initiating care plans, medical triage, and supervising the nursing practice of RNs.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

Horseshoe said:

I would be surprised if it is in an LPN's scope to give chemotherapy without post licensing training and supervision in most states, or administration of meds via epidural and intrathecal catheters, administration of conscious sedation, or plasma expanders. These are things which would not be included in most one year nursing programs.

Many states include things other than physical "tasks" that LPNs cannot do. Things like comprehensive (vs. focused) assessments, initiating care plans, medical triage, and supervising the nursing practice of RNs.

You are most likely correct. Thank you.

[hlslucky]

"RN and LPN education is entirely different and while I agree I have met some very comptenent LPNs"

I agree with your post, except that RN and LPN education is entirely different. It is not, or we couldn't function. Especially in roles in long term care where we need to be aware of the meaning of lab values, various procedures, medications, communicating to physicians, transcribing orders, critical thinking, etc.

[tinytrexarms]

Holy ****. Can I love this anymore? ?

In PN school, a pt asked in front of my preceptor, "are you at the vo'tech, or in school to be a real nurse?" Humiliated, I said "when I pass my state exams I will be a licensed practical nurse"

My preceptor(who is an RN) said "I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN REAL NURSE, SHE'S BETTER THAN NURSES I WORK WITH NOW! "

Which made me feel better, but still.

[sailornurse]

nekozuki said:

From the website: "The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly-selective scholarship for the nation's top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees at selective four-year colleges or universities. The Foundation provides up to $40,000 per year for up to three years, making it the largest private scholarship for community college transfer students in the country."

Once a person wins the JKCF award, they are automatically eligible to receive 50k/year for up to four years to finish their graduate education (so long as they maintain GPA requirements), so it's a wonderful opportunity for aspiring nursing students.

Yes you are ELIGIBLE for Graduate scholarship but you have not yet been selected since you have yet to complete a bachelor's degree. Your original post you said you had been awarded this scholarship. SO-please clarify. According to your statement and the website for this foundation you have to be selected, it is not automatic.

nekozuki said:

I'm sorry that it rings false to you. Again, I reiterate that in my particular job, RNs and LPNs perform the exact same function (in other settings, the same cannot be said).

While you may perform the same "functions" or tasks, that does not equate equality as a nurse. Are you saying that no RN supervises you in PDN or HH? No RN reviews your documentation, your skills? Most HH agencies, RNs supervise LPNs in may forms, even in having to write periodic reports or make a periodic visit.

[O9eleven]

@ OP it doesn't matter how to try to clarify your original post the RNs (especially the rookies, whom think high and mighty) will continue to tear and shred your post to pieces.

[ljm9304]

Congrats on being able to outwit, outplay, and outlast your RN colleagues. Jeff Probst is eagerly awaiting to hear why you would be the next Survivor.

My grandmother was an LPN for 60+ years and left a tremendous impact on her community. She'd tell you all to end this nonsense right about now. Stop giving our counterparts at studentdoctor.net more threads to laugh at.

[njlpn421]

You become a nurse without going to college but you can do a bridge RN program. Being an nurse is something you have inside. Don't get into the field if you're worry about money. It's not about the money. It's a calling

[JenERally]

mtmt99 said:

I work with an LPN who is an outstanding nurse with over 30 years of experience. That being said, the scope of practice in MD requires that all her assessments must be done by an RN. No IV push meds, she is not allowed to precept an RN and is the lowest paid member of our team. At times this puts a burden on her already busy co-workers. One of the hospitals I work at recently let all LPNs go because of these limitations. It sounds as if nekozuki is working outside the scope of her practice. She may need to evaluate whether she is putting her license at risk by doing so.

You took the words right out of my mouth. My only experience with working with LPNs has pretty much been uneventful and positive except that in addition to carrying my own patient load having to cosign all of their initial patient assessments as the RN. While I've never doubted their skills or abilities, I sign my name to nothing until I verify that the information is accurate. Kind of a pain in the butt, inconvenient, and unnecessary extra responsibility on an already busy unit.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

nekozuki said:

Hey folks, OP here. I apologize for not keeping up with the thread or immediately clarifying/addressing questions or concerns (I wasn't even aware the article was posted for several days).

Let me just clear up a few things:

1. I submitted this article under the LPN student tab. I did not intend to present it to the general pool of seasoned nurses. I had no control over where it was placed on the forums. I do a lot of motivational speaking/mentoring/you can do it! presentations these days, and while it works for directionless college kids or new students fearful of their future prospect, this may not necessarily be what seasoned nurses need or want to hear.

2. This is not an LPN/RN debate. My fellow RNs have only ever been wonderful, supportive people. The just an LPN snark comes from non-nurses who don't understand how the two jobs overlap/interrelate. Being back in college, I am surrounded by 18 year olds who are either going to be a doctor or an engineer; the idea of being a nurse itself is slumming it to them, and getting an LPN certificate through a trade school seems inconceivable. But in the scholarship world, being a working LPN is an incredible asset. Again, this article was intended for students at the start of their educational path who may very well need financial assistance to obtain their RN/BSN and beyond.

3. I work in PDN and HH visits, so the job I do is the same as an RN. I work with patients 0-3 yrs on vent/trach/gt/various tech (most of them fresh from NICU to home), so I pull a lot of training shifts for BSN/ASN/LPNs. In my particular field, the one with the most experience takes the lead (so long as it remains within the scope of practice). However, I wouldn't even be able to work in a hospital. I don't work with acute patients. In a hundred other settings, RN nurses would run circles around me. Additional training is NEVER a detriment, and can only enhance quality of care. I was simply dispelling the myth of working beneath someone, when it is much more of a collaborative effort (and again, in my particular non-acute job, experience trumps all).

4. Yes, I received 325k to complete my grad school education even though at the time of application, I hadn't even received my AA (though I am in uni now). I won the largest undergraduate transfer scholarship in the country (specifically for community college students), as well as two other smaller awards. That money is intended not just for tuition, but for the total cost of living over the next 6+ years. Tuition is a big part of it, but so is rent, transportation, books, food, health insurance, miscellaneous fees, study abroad grants, internship grants, and all sorts of wonderful things that are meant to put me on equal ground with financially privileged students who don't stress over incidentals and can take unpaid opportunities. The cost of an education is much, much higher than mere tuition. I am one of 87 students to receive this scholarship (including two other LPNs), so yes, it is a legitimate scholarship offered for any cc student with at least 30 credits.

And to those of you who criticized this article or pointed out how it may seem devisive, pompous, or misleading: thank you. I dashed off this article on a whim and hit send without considering the broader implications. I've been on this forum since '11, and I can always count on the folks here to keep me in check and grounded.

Again, I want to emphasize that this article is not haha, you don't need an RN, or praise how cool I am, or An LPN degree will make you a millionaire. What I wanted to convey is that there is inherent value in being an LPN, and it can be a transformative force in someone's life rather than devalued as a mere stepping stone.

Because mostly 100% of nurse practice acts state that an LPN can not clinically direct an RN, not specific to level of care, what you are doing is not ethical in my opinion. If you are directing RN's on the care of a patient in HH, and there's a screw up, the RN states "well, I was taught this by the LPN?" It just doesn't sit right. Experience or not. And your experience OP could come back and bite you in the butt as unfortunately, experience can get you thrown under the bus. It is up to your employer to train nurses on how to use the bells and whistles.

You receive a 40K scholarship per year for 3 years, PROVIDING you have the GPA to maintain such scholarship. So I would assume that you need to have completed one year of schooling. I would caution those students that they be sure that the 4 year college that they choose is going to take those community college transfer credits, or they may find that they need to start from square one. Which is another 4 years. Which the scholarship is only going to pay for 3 of those years.

The general average private college cost is close to 40K all in that does NOT include books, travel or the like. Some considerably more. It also may not qualify one for the school's own scholarships, which can make the total cost of attending sometimes 1/2. For instance, my kid goes to a private college. The tuition is $43,000 a year. The school offers 20K in cost reduction due to grades. IF there was a $40K scholarship involved, then there would be no reduction. So in other words, you can not "live" on scholarship monies. Unless you want to pull a fast one and get into debt doing so...which is not the intent I wouldn't think.

Then there's 50K a year in the graduate scholarship. Again, based on having a GPA that continues to qualify one for same. 4 years is an incredibly long time to get a graduate degree. Most are done in 2 perhaps 3.

There is a huge difference in someone handing you a check made out to yourself that you live off of for 6 years. That is misleading on a number of levels. Most scholarships send money directly to the school. It is their discretion how to use it. Which could involve taking back THEIR financial aid package and using one's scholarship monies instead.

And remember, 18 year old students are under the auspices of their parents. It is the PARENT'S who have to take out the loans for undergraduate courses. Therefore, do NOT get into a situation where you are living high off the hog on your 40K (providing the school will refund that to you, which is unlikely) and leave your parents to foot the bill.

And I would think that going to work is a good thing. Don't stretch out a graduate degree for 4 years just because you can. And again, haven't gotten quite there yet with my own kid, however, I think we would be talking at least as much for a graduate course of study per year.

In my opinion, OP, you are giving advice to young students on how to make the big bucks and work the system. Which feeds into the whole entitlement generation thing.

Bottom line, you are not going to be handed a $40K check for a good report card and left to do as you want to with it. Nor a $50K check to do the same in grad school. If that was so, it would be called a gift, and you would have to take at least a quarter of it for taxes. So it is unwise to feed into that delusion.

And just to share a little story--a friend of my kids got a scholarship for $4,000 to use as part of tuition, providing that they maintained a 3.8 GPA. That kid worked hard, but got a 3.78 GPA. And the parents got a bill for $4,000.00.

So kids, don't try to work the system. It doesn't work, and works even less for your parents.