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

[hair_tie]

I have posted in other parts of this site, and it seems like soon as I mention I am going to school to be an LPN there seems to be a few people that ask why in the world would you want to do that? Why do I want to waste my time being and LPN. No place hires LPN's anymore, its just a gimmick for the school to get money from me.

I am tired of it. I am becoming an LPN because I want to why not ask an RN why waste your time on that just go be a PA or doctor. We each have our own reasons for doing what we do. If no place is hiring LPN's then how come I see ad's in the paper and on the state job bank ? RN's may have more of a choice but there are opportunities for LPN's too. The government wouldn't pay for you to go to school for LPN if there were no jobs.

One day I hope to be an RN but for now I would like encouragement or at least don't bash LPN's when a question is asked about LPN's.

[hair_tie]

Thanks everyone, I just needed to vent..lol. The people that say that don't realize that as of right now I can't make more than minimum wage so to go to school and triple my money will be huge. I want to do LPN and get some experience then possibly go for RN if it is something I think I would want.

[bluwavyhat]

You are right. I think whether you are getting a degree or diploma, a sound accredited program is a sound start to any career. No problem with stay at home moms. Children seem to need more supervision these days, but you have a good support system. Stay with it. Keep your books and put your name in them.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

One of the things that people have to understand is that your decisions for your personal life do not affect others as long as you live your own life. I told one person that I can see if they were negatively affected by my decision to become and remain an LPN by me criticizing and making RNs miserable out of envy (which I don't do), if I am whining and begging for money since LPNs usually make considerably less (again, something I don't do-I live within my financial means), or trying to do things out of the scope of my practice because I am a frustrated LPN that really craves to be something that I am currently not. If you are content in your current decision, that should be it. We all have choices and have the ability to go further with our education if and when we choose to. With on line programs, even moving to another area, anyone can become an RN if they are really determined. One friend told me to never let others define you. We each have our own experiences, source of knowledge and unique contributions to nursing, to life in general. Live life for YOURSELF...because essentially, if we try to live up to everyone else's expectations, we will learn early that nothing will be enough for others. Know what you want to do to make yourself happy.

[peridotgirl]

Very well said, Pagandeva2000.

[lil' girl, LPN]

LPN and proud of it!! After all it is YOUR decision not theirs. Don't let them get you down. Be proud of what you do.!!

[MedicalLPN, LPN]

I have no regrets about becoming an LPN, I'm 19 years old, supporting myself, I have a career that is my passion, and I know that being an LPN is going to help me as I further my education. I believe that LPN's play a critical role in health care and without us the nursing shortage would be an even bigger nightmare. It does sadden me that some of the BON in certain states limit their LPN's so much. I'm lucky to work in a hospital with RN's who are very respectful of the role of the LPN, sure there's a few that make nasty little comments every now and then but I believe it's due to their own issues. I worked as a CNA for two years before becoming an LPN and now I'm working towards becoming an RN, I kind of like the fact that I'm working up the ladder because I believe that in the end it will allow me to be a good RN by allowing me to appreciate each level in nursing. Bottom line is, go for it! LPN's have wonderful opprotunites in long term care, assisted living facilities, skilled care, home health, hospice, psych, corrections, outpatient facilities, and even in some hospitals. Lots of things to choose from!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I think that rather than wonder how bad it is to be an LPN, we should ask these people how bad it is to be unemployed, or working in careers that we are frustrated and unhappy with.

[Lil_butterfly1961]

Good morning, new to this forum can i ask what may seem a stupid question, What is an LPN? I am a PCA or Personal Carer Assistant in an aged care facility, i extreemly enjoy my job and find it so rewarding being able to make some one elses day happy, with out the pressures of making life time decissons for these sweet people. I hope you all ahave a great day, and remember it takes each and everyone of us to give the quality care to our folks, no one is less important than the other. We are all a team for the betterment of our patients. Take care all

[LVN_LPN_2007]

I got the same responses from people while in school. My mother in law has her BSN and every time I talked to her she would say I should go for my RN. When we were at clinical rotations the other RN's would always tell me I was making a mistake. I got really tired of hearing it. RN schools in my area takes almost a year to get into not to mention your prerequisites. I was able to start LPN school in 1 month. I quickly earned a diploma and now I'm working, making money so that I can save for my families' future. It was the best decision I made for myself. And a few years down the road I hope to be able to get my RN or BSN. I had no problems finding a job. Nurses are in high demand not matter what title you have.

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. The nature of the direction and supervision required varies by State and job setting.

LPNs care for patients in many ways. Often, they provide basic bedside care. Many LPNs measure and record patients' vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and give alcohol rubs and massages. To help keep patients comfortable, they assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking.

Go here if you want to learn more about what an LPN/LVN does http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm Since you are already a PCA and you like your job maybe you should look into becoming a nurse.

Good morning, new to this forum can i ask what may seem a stupid question, What is an LPN? I am a PCA or Personal Carer Assistant in an aged care facility, i extreemly enjoy my job and find it so rewarding being able to make some one elses day happy, with out the pressures of making life time decissons for these sweet people. I hope you all ahave a great day, and remember it takes each and everyone of us to give the quality care to our folks, no one is less important than the other. We are all a team for the betterment of our patients. Take care all

[cbp1987]

It is really not bad at all to be an LPN. At the hospital I work at, LPN's are really being phased out, but the ones who are currently employed seem to have the same role as an RN and are given a lot of independence.

I just graduated my LPN program and it's frustrating that after a year of hard, hard work all I hear from people is "oh, but that's not like a REAL nurse, right? I mean you basically just do aide stuff", instead of hearing the "wow, congratulations!!" that I feel would be sufficient.

I just kind of blow it off because most of these people have no idea what they're talking about. And to echo other's sentiments- all the credentials and degrees in the world are meaningless if you lack passion and love for your work- something that is vital in every avenue of healthcare, from CNA to MD.

[MzMouse]

I got the same thing from a lot of people. Funny thing is, none of them have been through nursing school!

I agree! Most of the negative comments about LPNs I have heard is by people outside the medical profession.