Wanted to go back for RN

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I have been an Lpn for 5 years now. I am not young, I am in my mid 40's. I went back to school when I was 40 years old with 2 young children. I always felt blessed that I had this amazing opportunity, like a second chance to do something that I've always wanted to do and become a nurse. Nursing school was not easy, however, I felt like I made a great accomplishment. I never thought for once after I had graduated, I would think about becoming an RN. I felt content to be an Lpn. Friends of mine are always asking me when I will go back to get my RN. I have tried in the past and finished just a few prerequisites but couldn't do the algebra or stats. I was never any good at math and math has changed a lot since I've been in algebra 1 many years ago. A few of the nursing students thay I've gone to school with have become RNs now. I am extremely happy for them. I don't feel happy with myself. My 2 beautiful children are adults now and are going to college. I feel like it's their turn now and things always happen for a reason. Just when I learn to accept that I am an Lpn, another person jabs me with that question. I just want to know if anyone else is feeling the same way. I know that we ARE all nurses and we have worked hard for our licenses and ultimately work hard to give compassionate care to our patients. Thank you for taking time to read this!😃

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Hello,

I have this struggle alot. Yes I know becoming an RN will open doors for me, but at what point do you tell yourself, I am really okay with being an L.V.N. I have a great job, make decent $ and my older kids are almost graduated from high school. Like you I have taken several of the pre-req classes, but now the schools are making some of those a time limit of 5 years to complete them before you start RN programs. Also, I honestly do not want the authority or stress of being an RN. Just my 2 cents :inlove:

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Thank you so much for your response. Your 2 cents means a lot to me. I too feel the same. And you're so right about all the added responsibility. I was and I am happy to be an Lpn. Now it's time for my kids to get out into this world. I thank you so much for your comment. Good luck to you and your children too! Thanks a bunch:D

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The LPN/LVN role is a respectable occupational pathway. Do not allow anyone to tell you otherwise. My four years of LPN/LVN experience served as the foundation upon which my nursing career has been formed.

Good luck to you!

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Thank you so much for the encouraging reply. :yes::yes: I appreciate it so much!:yes:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I was an LPN with an occasional desire to become an RN. During those moments, I took a prereq or two. The economy and cut hours is what officially drove me back into school for the RN after 24 years as an LPN. Had the economy not failed back in 2008, I'd still be an LPN. If it works for you, hold steady. Other people are not walking in your shoes.

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I commend you for going back after all of those years! I'm happy things all worked out for the best for you. Thank you for your words of encouragement! :cool:

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I commend you for going back after all of those years! I'm happy things all worked out for the best for you. í ½í±Thank you for your words of encouragement! í ½í¸ƒ

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

It may help you to realize that, based on my reading so many comments here, if you were to make a major life decision based on those questions and opinions, when you're done a whole new group will show up to ask you when you're going to get a BSN, work in this or that specialty, become an NP...etc..etc

Since you can't escape it you may as well do what makes you happy and feels right. Best wishes to you!

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:yes: I work with many LPNs that have been nurses for years and have no desire to go back to become an RN. They possess so much knowledge and are wonderful caring nurses ! If you don't want to go back to school then you do not have to. You are doing great as you are now.
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You have a great point. You're absolutely right about the different degrees and options. Nursing is a very large profession. Meaning there are so many paths and specialties. With every degree there are more specialties. I won't doubt if I became an RN, people will just cime up with more questions. And top this and this and this......etc. Thank you for bringing that up! You words are very helpful. Not just to me, but for many lpns/lvns with similar thoughts.:cool:

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Thank you so much for your encouraging words. They really mean a lot. Whether I'm working on the floor or in a client's home, I try to provide the best care that I can give. Although I love nursing, I sometimes don't feel content. Some days are extremely busy and you run around like a chicken without a head. Dealing with families, residents, supervisors, help,.....etc. I sometimes don't see the outcomes. However, I do leave the people I care for safe and calm. I go home wondering if I could have done something better. I know probably most of us nurses feel that way at times. I guess knowing my residents are safe and calm mean so much. Maybe I need validation? Maybe I should take what friends mention about being an rn with a grain of salt? I've worked hard for my license and work hard like we all do lpn/lvn and rns. We all ARE nurses!:nurse: Thank you so much! :yeah:

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