Why did you stay an LPN?

[pandafever]

Hello!

This is for all the LPNs that have no desire to become an RN. What made you decide this? What do you recommend to a future LPN student? Why is there so much pressure to become an RN (starting in LPN school)? What do you love about being an LPN?

I know I have asked a lot, so don't feel obligated to answer all of my questions. I am just trying to find out what all the RN hype is about.

Thanks!

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Just adding my two bits. I haven't gone over to the dark side because I can't be bothered.

Our bridge bites. I do not want to enter year two of a four year degree. I do not want to have to do rotations on units that I'm an experienced nurse under a preceptor. I do not want to deal with the petty politics of nursing school ever again.

My degree is finished next year in a totally unrelated field. My classes are a means of relaxation for me. I get to use my brain in other areas and meet people that are interested in the same things I am.

Nursing education needs to be revamped. Make being a PN the first step and then you can upgrade as the need/desire takes you. Education is life long. You need to be able to do the basics of the job before you can run and be charge. A fact that is missing on most units today. New grad RNs being charge after six months work. It's a scary world out there.

Fiona,

I'm an RN, but your reasons apply to me, too!

I'm an ADN and I'm always hearing "When are you going back for your BSN/MSN/PhD?"

Like you, I think never, because I can't be bothered. I have no desire or motivation to study and write papers re: fluffy theory bs that will not help me take care of pts. There was way too much fluff, politics etc. in my AAS program. I don't care to experience more of the same in an BSN program.

Sometimes, I think that getting a BSN is what I should do, but it is definitely not what I want to do.

I also agree that no nurse should be charge with only six months experience.

But for me, the "dark side" refers to managment.