Why are Coworkers Discouraging me from doing my LPN

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Hello everyone I'm am a 22 year male CNA that lives in Broward County, South Florida. I have decided to do my LPN at Atlantic Technical Center I picked this school because they are Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (Formerly NLNAC, National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.) and also because there is a LPN-RN articulation agreement between ATC and the Local College (Broward College) so this is ultimately why I picked this program.

I already went to the school and pass my TABE Test, Did the PN Orientation and now I just have to taking my TEASE Test in March to Get into the program for April. I work at a Acute Care Hospital in West Palm Beach County and all the CNA's/RN's on my Unit are discouraging me from doing my LPN some say why don't I just go straight for my RN and others mostly the CNA's tell me I wont get a Job when I'm done because they aren't hiring LPN's anymore, but when I look online I see a lot of LPN jobs out there in my area are my coworkers just bias or are they speaking credible facts? And BTW I know that some of the CNA's on my floor are just jealous that I'm trying to move up on the Career Ladder so they will tell u negative stuff to try and deter u from your goals.

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It sounds like they've already told you why they're discouraging you. Research their advice and move forward with your plans if you find no truth to it.

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One of the positives of going LPN to RN is that you can take the time you need to do the bridge program. However, I would research and see if it is less money to just go straight for RN. It is true that acute care often will not hire LPN's. But if acute care is not what you are looking for short term, then go for it.

A number of acute care facilities are looking for BSN's. So to get an ADN and then bridge to BSN may be a better choice. And see what the RN market is in your area. If there's a number of LPN positions available as opposed to RN positions, it may be a good choice. See if you can make an appointment with HR on where they are hiring LPN's, discuss your goals, and see if you can be a CNA there (even if it is per diem) to talk about transitioning to an LPN position once you finish the program.

It all depends what the job market is in your area. And if anyone is hiring new grads regardless of LPN or RN.

You could also discuss with your director of nursing what it is you are attempting to do, and if they would be willing to hire you once you receive an RN (and if they require ADN or BSN).

Good luck

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The only jobs I've mostly have been seeing are for home health, and ALF's. I've only seen a couple hospital jobs and that was broward health and Bethesda. I plan on transitioning this year but not with BCC. Won't fit with my schedule and I've heard to many horror stories. You're still young, if you ultimately want to get your RN just go for it now. Even with the articulation with BCC the program is around 18 months. The RN program alone is like 21 so they don't shave much off. If the transition was 1 year it would be worth it. I did my lpn first because I wanted to make more money as I transitioned and get some experience as a nurse.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Go for the RN. It's tough enough for new grad RN/BSN folks in SoFlo, and LPNs aren't being hired in acute facilities (unless you have thirty years of specialty experience). They aren't discouraging you, just imparting the kind of advice you won't get by clicking on "TAKE THIS LPN PROGRAM AT FOR-PROFIT UNIVERSITY INCORPORATED BECAUSE THERE'S A NURSING SHORTAGE AND YOU'LL MAKE BANK" banners and web advertisements.

Unless LTC is your cup of tea, only do your LPN if it is a faster or cheaper route to the RN. My local CC has a wait list so long that it was faster for me to get my LPN and jump the line to an abridged no-wait program, so perhaps it may work for you. In any case, do your research!

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RN will take you a minimum of 2 years IF you already have the required pre requisites and if there is no waiting list. Whereas LPN will take you about a year with the added benefit that while working and gaining nursing experience you will earn significantly better pay than your current CNA job and you can bridge to RN which will take you about 15 to 18 months . Another benefit is depending on your employer they may pay for your tuition to bridge so you save on student loans. If there are Long Term Care Facilities in your city you can always get a job as new LVN and with some experience you may get you a hospital job too. Dont let people discourage you do your research and stick with the FACTS. Everyone has a different perspective but facts are facts. I say start as an LVN and continue to your RN.

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Specializes in geriatrics, addiction services.

Misery loves company. Don't give up.

I'm an LPN. I'd be in the same group as those saying to go for your associates RN. LPN in mass was 1.5 years (including vacation), where as an associates RN could be done in 2 years. It seems like you get an incredible amount of extra value for that extra 6 months or it'd at least make further progression easier.

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Nursing Licensure in Florida | FL Requirements

This is a good informational link. I would call the FLA BON and see what the rules are on if you complete a certain amount of coursework toward an RN, if/wnen you could conceivably sit for the LPN boards, IF they allow that.

That way, you could get some nursing experience, make a little more money to help with college costs.

And have this discussion with your NM about your goals. Could you work as an LPN in your facility should you obtain this license? Also be sure to discuss this with a potential school. They can give you a lot of information on your best course of action.

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I think you should just do what's right for you. You know your situation, as well as your limitations. The people who are discouraging you are not the ones who have to live with your decisions; you do.

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Hello,

You should do what is best for you. I can tell you that a lot of students go directly to Broward College for their RN, flunk out and then come to ATC for their LPN. ATC is not a walk in the park by any means. There are test after test after test. In some cases you will have any where from 2-4 test a week. It is doable.

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I am an LPN, currently in a bridge program, with 6 months of school to complete before I finish my RN training. I really wish I had gone straight to RN. I never wanted to be an LPN, but I thought I might be able to find a job at a facility that would help me get my RN. It's not worth it IMHO. It would have cost less money and less time to just go straight for my goal. If you can do that, I recommend it. The time I've spent working as an LPN will count for nothing when I'm finally an RN. That's something I didn't know when I started down this road.

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I agree with everyone else on do what is best for you and research - check out the job market, trends, and demands. I am applying for a LVN program and everyone around me tells me to go straight for RN. The lvn program at an adult school is one year, cost 7k and you pay in full before the year finishes. I saw that you've taken your TABE test and passed. Congrats on passing and moving closer to your dreams. Any tips on passing the test? I've took it before and failed because the time ran out. Im studying now in hopes I pass next month.

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