want to be an lvn perhaps....

GilaRRT · Jan 25, 2008

I would say do something else. Nursing really does not need tourists. I can understand wanting to make a buck. This is why I choose to remain a nurse in spite of all of the negative aspects of health care. However, it looks like you are trying to take the easiest route and attempting to cut as many corners as possible. You need to remember that even as an LPN you will be making decisions that effect the lives of other people. I am not a nurse out of some calling to help better the world; however, I understand that a successful nurse is one who can deliver good care. In order to deliver good care, you must start off with a solid educational foundation.

I do not know of any online LPN programs where non-medical people can become nurses online. In fact, the concept of such a program scares me and if one does exist, just say no. Most LPN programs I know of are about a year long. (Core nursing education)

Perhaps you could consider working as a CNA and find out if the whole nursing thing is your cup of tea so to speak?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2008

Let me rephrase. The OP wants to become an LVN/LPN as a quick means to earn some decent money for 4 years while completing a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major?

Some misconceptions regarding the LPN/LVN role need to be cleared up. First of all, it is not the "nice, stable job" that some people believe it to be. It is very stressful and entails some dirty work. We, as LPNs/LVNs, occasionally are not well-respected within the health care food chain. As far as job stability is concerned, LPN/LVN hospital employment is on the steep decline in many areas. In other words, the remaining job opportunities are in nursing homes, which tend to not be the most glamorous workplaces.

Additionally, the education and training to become an LPN/LVN is more involved and detailed than many people would really like to believe.

In summary, I wouldn't recommend becoming an LPN/LVN as a quick and easy way to pay for college. There are easier, less-stressful jobs out there that will accomplish your mission.

nyapa, RN · Jan 25, 2008

Doing your LVN/LPN is a good idea if you want to find out what nursing is all about. But to study this, while doing another course, would be extremely demanding. And then, as previous posters have said, to work while you are doing your other course should be considered too. Nursing entails shiftwork and that is for both LVN/LPN and RNs.

What is it you are studying at university? If it is your RN, then just continue doing it. You can earn money doing other things in the hospital system, ask others here, they may be able to help. If you are doing something else, then you should seriously consider your choice here.

Are you able to face death, pain, aggression? Most ppl can't just 'switch off' when they go home. Often you go home unsatisfied because the shift has been so busy that you feel you have not been able to do everything, let alone spend some quality time with your patients.

If you really feel you want to be a nurse, and this is the pathway you think you can handle, then do it! Nursing offers so many wonderful things as well. But an LPN is a nurse and thus detailed knowledge is required.

RN1989 · Jan 25, 2008

You will not be able to take an online course to become an LVN. Approved courses are for LVN to RN, RN to BSN/MSN which also require some sort of clinical practice component.

If you are going to the trouble to get a bachelor's degree ins something and want to be a nurse then you should go ahead and get your RN. LPN jobs are becoming scarce in the acute care setting. LPNs are frequently asked by their employers to take on RN tasks due to inadequate vocational nurse practice acts, yet LPNs are still paid less.

To me your posting really doesn't sound like you have a good idea of what you want to do or of anything that nursing entails. I would suggest that you see a career counselor. Take the tests that help you find out your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Then get more information about career paths that fit with your identified areas. As the other poster said, we don't need people that are tourists. Too many come thinking that they will "make a difference" or that they will "get good money". The reality is that the pay is not commensurate with the amount of responsibility and continuing training, along with the high possibility of working in a terrible environment. Yes, you can make a difference in someone's life and help people but you don't go home feeling good everyday because of it. Nursing is a thankless job. You have to find your own happiness in it. And these days with the hateful attitudes of employers, patients, and fellow nurses, that can be difficult. Why do you think that there are so many licensed nurses in the US that do not practice nursing? Nursing is not for those that want a quick, easy, or even stable buck or those that think it is all fun and excitement.

Fiona59 · Jan 25, 2008

My first thought was is it April 1st already?

I have my PN designation and am currently working on finishing my BA in the Social Sciences.

There are online courses out there but the clinicals are done real time in a hospital. They are popular in our northern regions. But they take TWO years just like the regular, physically attended programmes.

I work part time and fit my classes around my work schedule. The original poster has an extremely naive view of what our group of trained, professional nurses do for a living.

jesuscrist1986 · Feb 1, 2008

i really need help and info whould be nice :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2008

i really need help and info whould be nice :)

:welcome:

Would you please be more specific? We cannot even begin to help you, unless you make us aware of the info you need.