Who is happy and satisfied being an lpn and doesn't plan being an rn? Reasons?

blessedmomma247 · Jul 12, 2010

I have decided that I am not going back to school. I love being an LPN. If I was to go back to school, it would take away time from my children and family and I would 40ish looking for a new job. No thanks. I love being a mom and I love my job. Now, maybe, just maybe when my children are older and can fend for themselves, I might, just might consider it. Good luck with school!!

Peds_Nurse · Jul 12, 2010

Don't know how old you are, but I'm over 50...way over! Anyway, I've changed careers 3 times and nursing is my 3rd and final change. I can tell you from experience, go for whatever goal YOU want. Know that whatever you do, it takes time, energy, and commitment.

For me, I love being an LVN/LPN. I have no intention on becoming an RN. Even though RNs make more money, they also have much more responsibility as charge nurses in a facility. I've been there and done that in my previous careers (management for 30 years), so I'm happy being a nurse that can go to work, take care of my patients, and go home. No drama, no stress!

However, for you, you might want to become a manager, if so, then go for the RN later, but I would get my feet wet as an LVN/LPN first. It gives you experience you'll need and will help you decide on what you want to do later on. Talk to your instructor at school, talk to the nurses when you go to clinicals, find out first hand what the pros and cons are before you invest in your education and career.

Good luck to you!

belgarion · Jul 13, 2010

I agee that you should try for a year or so and see how you feel about things before making a decision. Personally I am a learning junkie so I am leaning heavily towards getting my RN (even at my age.) I have a BS and an MS plus my LVN so I will probably skip the classroom thing and go through Excelsior.

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Jul 13, 2010

I have been an LPN for almost 26 years and only once did I want to go back for my RN, it was so much trouble, and at that time, basically retaking everything I already knew, I abandoned that project, oh, about 15 years ago.

If you're young, go ahead and get that RN if you want it. :yeah:

I have no interest. To me, its a lot of work and a lot of money to learn stuff, most of which I already know (nobody flame me, in 26 years I have learned a LOT on the job, :nurse: and have worked in many and various fields including hospitals (including ICU), LTC, home health, private duty and agency.)

I am in fact very quickly approaching that big bad old 5-0, and cannot imagine working that hard on a degree. I just want to enjoy my life. :smokin:

Oh, and to the OP, LTC will NOT be easier on your body, do not even think that for a second!!!!!! :no:

DogWmn · Jul 14, 2010

Be proud you got into PN school, as all the posters have said don't let the negative rain on your parade. BTW it's not easy, plan on being a hermit for a year;).

I have no interest in becoming an RN at my age. I enjoy clinic/outpatient type nursing and as a returning LPN (19+ years then burn out) I have no desire to work at the bedside - been there done that. There are a lot options for LPN's that were not available when I left nursing.

Another thing to consider is once you get your LPN you might find you like other aspects of the medical field so don't jump on the RN bandwagon to quickly. You might find you like physical therapy or laboratory work or x-ray/imaging - lots of options for you.

guest2210 · Jul 14, 2010

I've been an LPN for 28 years and have never wanted to be an RN. I did contemplate it once, but that thought passed quickly. If you enjoy working as an LPN, great! Remember, once you have an advance degree you HAVE to work at that level. There is no going back if you find you do not like the responsibilities and stress associated with RNs today. Even when I worked in the hospitals, I enjoyed being at the bedside, interacting with my patients and their families. Not so easy to do when you have so much other crap that you are responsible for. Just my 2 cents.... :smokin:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 14, 2010

I never wanted it. I find that a nurse on any level is given a great deal of responsibility but without the real authority. What I mean is that I have observed that more is dumped on RNs than I am personally willing to deal with, but, I also witnessed where most of them have not gotten the support that is so necessary to do their jobs effectively. I am more of a task oriented person who is also very observant, organized and a team player. I really didn't enjoy school, so, to repeat it is almost like asking me to amputate my right arm.

It is also true that many places are now sort of raising the anty on their nurses (wanting BSNs), but even that doesn't encourage me to go. If it comes to the point that my job decides to rid LPNs, I will make every attempt to become employed at a place that is LPN friendly, because I just CANNOT force myself to do what is not in my heart.

Bobylon · Jul 14, 2010

Wow ... reading the responses, I cannot add much, if anything, important . If that's what you feel you want, go for it. At my "advanced age" (50+, been an LPN for 2 years), I'm content with my position... the $$$ is OK, I enjoy the patient interaction (most nights...heh), and I don't feel I'd be comfortable with all the BS/paperwork/extra responsibilities involved with being an RN, at least at my place of employment). I enjoy what I do - that means much more than making more $$$ and dreading coming to work each night. I try to approach each night as "fun," whether it turns out to be or not:uhoh3:

I love and respect the regular RN's on my unit......they're the best (and very helpful if/when need be).... There's nothing shameful about not going on to be a RN ... and going on to be an RN is great, if you feel that's for you.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide ... and if you're young, you have lots of time to "upgrade" :cool:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 15, 2010

I have to agree...any of us can become RNs if we are really determined. A person should leave room for advancement in their career, and there is nothing wrong with deciding to remain an LPN or even obtain their Doctorate in nursing. To me, the key thing is what you plan to do with it. If you decide to elevate, but contribute nothing to the additional responsibility, then, you are wasting your time as well as the facility that hires you. But,if you plan to render your talents to the best of your ability with the challenges that nurses have today, then, go for it.

What I have noticed, however, is that some LPNs feel that when some of their LPN peers decide to, in fact, become RNs, that they are being betrayed. Now, THAT is a sad thing...there is NOTHING wrong with an LPN who says to herself "I can and wish to do MORE and the LPN does limit me". They have the right to move on, and SHOULD. Don't be a hater, be proud of that person for being proactive in making a change in their lives when they deemed it necessary. This same person may become your boss and remember how hard you work and decide to give you a bone...may it be a better assignment, different responsibilities, or at least advocate strongly for you when needed.

scribblz, BSN, CNA, LPN · Jul 15, 2010

LTC is not particularly easy on your body. You're boosting/re-positioning residents, ambulating/ transferring them. Possibly pushing a heavy med cart and on your feet for hours. lol possibly having to give an obese person a suppository :eek: with no one around to help you etc. generally it's the position not the degree that determine the physical demands. some roles you could look into are desk nurse (handles md orders/ admission paperwork etc), infection control nurse and MDS nurse. good luck whatever you do :)