Why is it so bad to be an LPN ????

*Scrubs* · Jan 15, 2008

(I am starting LPN school in April with the idea I MAY go on to RN...maybe not.)

I have had similar responses... It appeared most of the comments came from young students with little real workplace experience. But I agree with you. It is a bit annoying. There are plenty of jobs for LPN's though don't let the negative vibes sway you.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2008

the best thing i ever did for myself and my family was to become a lvn.

mgalloLPN · Jan 15, 2008

i feel the same way. i get that all the time. i start lpn school in the morning and i am very excited. i am tired of hearing people say to me, "you should just go for rn and don't worry about being an lpn. lpn's don't make money." one day i will be an rn, but for right now, i will be an lpn because it is right for me for now.

mrsraisinkain · Jan 15, 2008

OMG, I am going to LPN school in April and everybody here is echoing the same thing I have been hearing over and over... "So, are you going to be like a nurse?" "No, I won't be like a nurse I will be a nurse!" People ask, too, why I don't just be an RN. Because this is what fits into my family's budget, time, and needs right now. I'm sorry everybody is going through this, but at the same time, I'm glad I'm not alone! :loveya:

Fiona59 · Jan 15, 2008

Try explaining it this way.

The RN is the "officer" nurse, the PN the "enlisted" nurse. Sometimes people can get their heads around the different levels if it is put in terms they understand.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 16, 2008

My pet peeve again...

My job offered a program where a person can become either an LPN or an RN. I have worked in many areas in nursing from CNA to MA to phlebotomist, etc... I became more observant of the differences between the LPN and RNs and I made a decision that LPN was for me. I shocked alot of people by making that decision because they felt that I was 'too smart to settle for LPN" and that "since the program is for free, why not go for the gusto?" Well, my decision to be an LPN was based on many things. I do not like spending energy on useless paperwork and less patient care. I do see that the RN has more opportunities, a degree and more responsibility, but I never saw them as being autonomous (there has to be an order from SOMEONE to be able to initiate certain things). I don't care to be bombared down with alot of theory (not saying it is not necessary, but it does not help me learn or function in the real world), and I have gotten very rude with people who think that their comments are welcome and appreciated when I did not ask.

Since becoming an LPN and working even closer with RNs, I see that there is no way I would become one, because I don't see myself being any happier. More money, sure. But, I would be too stressed out and aggreviated over things that are out of my control. I am happy, for the most part, I do enjoy my job, and the best thing for me is that when I get to work, I just get my assignment and I am just responsible for myself. Don't let these people get to you. When you are ready to become an RN, you will know. And, you'll have experience behind you. Good luck in your program!

Jules A, MSN · Jan 16, 2008

I have been very happy and proud to be an LPN. It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I'm now doing the RN thing but its mostly because I feel like the extra time in school will result in a nice increase in my income...and Ms. Jules ain't getting any younger, lol.

I'm a positive, vocal supporter of LPNs now and plan to continue that long after I become an RN. I've never understood the strange appeal of the whole pecking order thing and suspect it has much to do with insecurities.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Jan 16, 2008

I got the same thing from a lot of people. Funny thing is, none of them have been through nursing school! Most can't appreciate the intense pace and amount of knowledge and skill we gain in such a short amount of time. In fact, some RN students I know that went through PN schooling first said that the PN program was HARDER to get through than the RN program. One particularly insensitive person commented to me that LPN stood for "Licensed PRETEND nurse"! However, I know what I do is worthwhile, and I DO make a difference in peoples' lives. We are a very important part of the healthcare team. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves. Good luck to all of you who are just starting the PN program. Study hard and don't give up! You can do it!!

Miss Cola, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2008

Hi everyone!

I truly believe that the people who make these comments such as "Licensed Pretend Nurse" and so on are just trying to feel better about themselves. Maybe they think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread and they look on a daily basis to blow up their own ego. My experiences so far in nursing have shown me that there is a VERY thin line between confidence and cockiness, and there are a few people out there who will try to bring you down.

Throughout school I got a few of the same comments and they really irked me, even when they sort-of seemed complimentary. I had someone say "Wow, you are so smart, why not go straight to the top and get your RN?" I told her I AM going to the top!!! At the end of the day, these people don't know anything about you. They don't know your financial state, they don't know your situation-nor do you need to explain yourself to them!! I just tell them, I'm happy to be a nurse and happy to be making a difference!!! :redpinkhe

mrsraisinkain · Jan 16, 2008

Maybe a little off-topic, but I'm also getting frustrating with people bashing the school I'm going to go to for my LPN. We don't have a whole lot of choice here and I chose the best school for me. It's closest to my house, has a good NCLEX pass rate, and offers IV therapy certification as part of the program. It may cost more and it's a fairly new school (6 or 7 years) but it's got all the state accreditations it's supposed to. I have spoken to a few former students who say it may be disorganized but that (as pretty much anything in life) you get out of the program what you put into it.

Sorry to go offtopic but grrrrr! I am getting frustrated with people criticizing me for "only" getting my LPN, bashing the school I am going to and people (like my mom) who don't think I should go to school at all and just be a stay-at-home mom forever. I am just glad I have my husband and my buddies on allnurses to support me, right???

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jan 16, 2008

Right!

At the end of the day as long as you and your spouse are happy with the choices you are making that is all that matters. I am very happy to have taken the LPN route. I graduated last month, took the boards last week, and this week I have a JOB!

This is all with only 1 year of training. In a few months I will return to school to do the LPN-RN but at least I will be able to work pier-diem and my pockets will not be hurting for cash. I am also gaining valuable experience that I will be able to apply once I get my RN. Finally, if some reason life throws me a curve and I can't finish the RN I will always be able to work as an LPN. Too many people fail out of RN programs during the end of second year or even 4th year and have not a thing to show for it. I have a nice security blanket in case of emergencies.

All of you current and future LPN students push on and ignore the ignorant and the hateful comments. I am so happy that I persevered now, I think it's all been worth it. I wasn't this employable when I graduated with my B.A!

Sorry to go offtopic but grrrrr! I am getting frustrated with people criticizing me for "only" getting my LPN, bashing the school I am going to and people (like my mom) who don't think I should go to school at all and just be a stay-at-home mom forever. I am just glad I have my husband and my buddies on allnurses to support me, right???