Why LPN??

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Mar 15, 2003

hmmm..mm

I do believe those who are taking offense to the thread are reading something into it that is not there. Yes, it's the old story, but I don't see Suzy as posting a new RN "VS" LPN here.. (as in "better than").

I believe this is an honest question, desiring honest answers. I believe most of us asked ourselves the same question before we went to school at all... which shall I do? LPN or RN... and why? I believe Suzy is interested in knowing how we came to that decision in the end.

I know there are many who truly enjoy being the helper, and not desiring any more responsibility than what they feel comfortable with. I used to thoroughly enjoy doing all these things to assist the RNs, and was proud to be a valued member of the team. I took pride in what I did and knew that I WAS, indeed, a great help to those who were needing such assistance... whether it was the RN or the patients. I also really enjoyed the patient contact. It was my fear of losing this contact that caused me to linger over my decision for many years.

I think this is all Suzy was pondering.. what brought us to the decision we made... NOT a "better/worse" thread. Let's not take it as such.

baseline · Mar 15, 2003

yes, the original post date was March 25 2001. And ITA with jnette. Read the original post. And be aware of the date. It is confusing! I had to do a double take myself!!

allnurses Guide · Mar 15, 2003

It may be an old thread but I'm new so . ..

I became an RN late in life :)

I chose RN over LVN because in my area, LVN's mostly work LTC and while I love filling in at our LTC facility, I did not want to do that full-time. I was more interested in OB and ER.

I originally out of high school had gone to college to get my Bachelor's in Social Work and was one year from graduating when "life" intervened and I had to quit.

I'd go for my BSN if the University that offered it wasn't 3 hours away. I may still do it later.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 15, 2003

Originally posted by Lynn Casey RN
According to the boss she has started iv's in hundreds of neonates up to elderly?Where I work only RN's can start iv's and work in intensive care(where neonates would be).Only Dr's "run codes".Is she serious?Do LPN's run codes in the US?I am not slamming the boss but I am very confused.She sounds like she runs the ER?Considering the money theboss makes and the LPN qualifications and responsibilities I wonder what the difference is between LPN and RN in the US?Shorter course,more money?RUN CODES?Please clarify this for me.I'm scared to ask on the other post.Thanks!

Yes, at least where I work (as an LPN for now), LPN's are IV certified and start IV's all the time. And yes, I have run many a code until the Doc arrived. But, I am one of the more experienced nurses on my floor, and the only ACLS certified staff nurse on nights right now. I can't push the Epi, but we don't get to that point until the Doc comes up to the floor, anyway. I can follow the protocols myself, or I can assist the RN with info he/she might need if said RN is unexperienced with a code. I always carry an ACLS pocket book to pull out if there is any question on what should be done, because it is understandable if said RN doesn't want to just take my word for it. In the end, the most important thing is that someone present knows what they're doing in the event of a code, whether it be an LPN, RN, etc., and I doubt the patient cares what their discipline is, as long as it's done correctly. Also, Theboss is not off the mark in stating what her payscale is- I'm in the same pay range (although I am PRN). I agree with the other LPN's who have stated time and finances as reasons for not going for an ASN, etc. in the first place. Getting your LPN first can work to your advantage in several ways, especially if you plan to persue an RN degree. It worked for me in that it has given me an advantage of experience to use in furthering my nursing education, plus my employer covers my tuition. I struggled financially for one year of LPN school, but I don't have to for the remainder of my education, and for me, that's a big plus.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 15, 2003

OMG!!! I should have read the posting date (or at least all of the replies before I even bothered to answer)!!! I need more sleep!

night owl · Mar 15, 2003

Originally posted by Susy K I guess I don't see what's so offensive when people question me about my career choice. When they ask me why I became an RN or why I didn't go to medical school or even currently, why am I in grad school and NOT going for an NP, I simply explain my reasonings for my choices.

Why do you even question someone's choice in the first place? I feel that if it's MY choice, it's just that... my choice. I'm certainy not any less of a person because of my choice because I am still a nurse and am stll needed in the health care field. If someone asks me why LPN and not RN, I reply, "Because that's what I choose to be and I'm happy with my choice." and leave it at that. I feel that I don't have the need to explain my family problems or my financial history, or even if whether or not I'm going on to school in the future. I can't remember the last time I ever asked anyone why did they become a lawyer, a car mechanic, a priest, a teacher, a plumber or a garbage collector. I figured they knew what they were doing when they made that choice. I Feel Good with my mine.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2003

I was an LPN for 6 and a half years before becoming an RN. I had intended to go straight for RN. But, the waiting list was so long at the college in my area, that only the candidates that already had nursing experience (and top grades) could get into the RN program. So, I went for LPN, but there was a wait there too!

So... I became a CNA. I worked as a CNA for 3 years while getting my LPN.

Yes, I went to college, full-time for 3 years to get my LPN. The "one-year practical nursing program" comes in to play, only after all prereqs are completed.

With having to get my CNA first (one college semester, full time), then, my LPN prereqs, and start on my RN prereqs before I was even accepted into the PN program, it took THREE full-time years to graduate as a PN.

Then, I moved and my new college had different requirements.

So, all-in-all, I have gone to college full-time for FIVE years. Iam an RN with an AAS in nursing, and I have 127 college credit hours.

I am VERY glad I was an LPN before becoming an RN. And, I am very glad I was a CNA before becoming an LPN.

I did not want to do it that way, but was required to, due to the waiting lists and fierce competition to get into the nursing programs at my college.

I'm glad I had my CNA and LPN experiences.

They've been a distict advantage for me as an RN.

Brownms46 · Mar 15, 2003

Congrats on enduring your struggle to obtain your goal! You're a definitely one determined nurse! :cool:

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2003

Originally posted by Brownms46
Congrats on enduring your struggle to obtain your goal! You're a definitely one determined nurse!

Brownms46-

If your reply was meant for me, my sincere thanks.

nurseygrrl, LPN · Mar 15, 2003

I became an LPN because at the time I started school, there were rumors that RNs were going to be eradicated except for doing paperwork. I'm not a paperwork kind of girl, so I chose LPN. Also, I've always wanted to work in LTC, so LPN was a good choice for me.

Where I work, a nurse isn't respected for his or her degree, but for the knowlege and skill he/she holds. I have the hardest unit at my SNF. I've been working there almost a year and we've been through 5 RNs because they couldn't handle the stress. My friend Vicky and I (LPNs) are still there trudging away, sharing charge nurse duties because no RN can hack it long enough to take that responsibility. Now, I'm not bashing anybody, but I find it demeaning for someone to say I'm working 'under' an RN. I have my own license, thank you.

Like I've said in other threads, I don't believe you learn anything about nursing until you hit the floor. Nursing is not a profession learned in school and no degree is better than another, it's experience that counts! Heck, I'm sure most of us nurses can say we've even learned a thing or two from CNAs when we were new...I know I can!

yannadey, LPN · Mar 15, 2003

this thread maybe 2-3 years old but look LPN's are still here working & in demand

Ortho_RN · Mar 15, 2003

HerEyes73... All I can say is I envy you people whether LPN or RN that work LTC... It is not my cup of tea.... I work on an Ortho floor and we are also a floor that can't keep people, no matter whether they are LPN, RN or PCA/CNA... Once they realize how hard it is, and how much work it is.. They tend to tuck their tails and go back to some of the less demanding floors... I just laugh, b/c I am used to it...