WHY THE SOUR FACES???

Published

:confused:Ok, so I am one of the mothers out there that is trying to go back to school and do my part to provide for my family. I decided to put off school, get married, and have two wonderful children. I am back to hitting the books. My goal is ultimately to get my RN.

I am currently a Secretary at a hospital. I really do not want to do clerical work anymore. I was thinking about getting my LPN first so that I may do that for a year or two or even get my RN right after. Today I asked myself, would I be happier as a secretary or a LPN? I think I would be much happier as a LPN. At least then I would be closer to my goal.

Now to the sour faces... Why is it that every single person I tell that I am considering LPN first, gives me a sour face, or a shun. I get "oh, just go for your RN. Don't waste your time."

I don't think it would be a waste of time. I would get great experience and make decent money while I continue the rest of my education. My husband tells me, "no one wants you to do things differently from what they did." I am starting to think he is right.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

You're working in a hospital now, does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? Does your hospital offer any kind of in house training programs to become an RN?

I had no hospital experience or medical experience so I went the LPN route with the goal of becoming an RN. The hospitals here don't hire LPNs, I didn't know that when I went for LPN. I'm on my last pre-req for RN and have been accepted to start the LPN-RN bridge program in May. I'm still looking for an LPN job.

After talking to a bunch of people I discovered I would have been better off going for PCT, getting a job at a hospital then going onto RN through the hospital's training program.

By going for LPN first you are adding another year at least of school. Then you still have to do your pre-reqs and the RN.

I suggest you find out how much you will make as an LPN vs how much you are making now. Then factor in what it will cost you to complete the LPN program. If you don't break even or make more money then its not worth doing the LPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You're working in a hospital now, does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? Does your hospital offer any kind of in house training programs to become an RN?

I had no hospital experience or medical experience so I went the LPN route with the goal of becoming an RN. The hospitals here don't hire LPNs, I didn't know that when I went for LPN. I'm on my last pre-req for RN and have been accepted to start the LPN-RN bridge program in May. I'm still looking for an LPN job.

After talking to a bunch of people I discovered I would have been better off going for PCT, getting a job at a hospital then going onto RN through the hospital's training program.

By going for LPN first you are adding another year at least of school. Then you still have to do your pre-reqs and the RN.

I suggest you find out how much you will make as an LPN vs how much you are making now. Then factor in what it will cost you to complete the LPN program. If you don't break even or make more money then its not worth doing the LPN.

I wouldn't be adding any extra school time because I am almost finished all of my pre-requisites for RN. Most LPN jobs here are in long term care facilities and psych facilities. I get tuition reimbursement as long as I am going to school for something health care related.

As far as salary comparison, LPNs make more money than hospital unit secretaries.

Thanks for the quick response you brought up some valid points.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I think its a good idea that you go for LPN first. You seem a little unsure about the career move anyway, so why not get your feet wet first to see if you like it. I'll be returning to RN school shortly, but I am so glad I did LPN first. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I'd imagine that LPNs make quite a bit more than unit secretaries and imo getting your LPN would be a great step especially since you sound aware of the areas that most LPNs are utilized. I did my LPN first and was very happy with the choice. I liked the ability to work as a LN while I got my RN. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

The only thing I would add to all this other good advice is be sure to find an RN program that is a bridge program especially for LPNs. I live in Oregon and the 2-year RN programs do not seem to care that I'm an LPN, so if I go back to school I will be looked at as another brand-new student who knows nothing about the nursing process. I don't want to sound snooty about it, but I feel that it's a slap in the face and also think I would really have a hard time taking the first-year nursing classes without a huge feeling of resentment because I've pretty much already taken them.

If you're ok working in a nursing home or other setting aside from the hospital, I say go for it! You will definitely make more as an LPN than as a CNA/unit secretary. Just ignore the naysayers; it's not their life, after all. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, that is a shame. Even though they may not recognize your experience, at least your experience will come into handy while in RN school.

My college has a LPN to Bridge program. Thanks for the great reply. It helps to hear some positive advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Don't pay them any attention. I got the same looks when I went to LPN school. People(even my family) never really considered me a nurse until I got my RN. I think its a good idea to get your LPN first if your testing the waters. Live your life and not through other people opinion. Sometimes I find it best not to share your ambitions with others. After getting all of the hateraide when I was going to LPN school, I did not tell anyone except for a few close friends that I was getting my RN. I got my RN through Excelsior College Distant Learning program. I could not tolerate people giving me their opinions on traditional verses Online nursing schools. I could not stress over explaining my decision or the program to others. Now I am a RN and work at a Level 1 Trauma hospital on a neuro floor.It felt good to see all the haters jaws drop when I showed them my RN degree. Some of the same people that were discouraging me asked how they could sign up for the program. So to sum it all up, do whats in your heart and don't be influenced by negative people. Good Luck and stay encouraged!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you!!!

I am so glad I posted this message. For the first time, I am starting to feel excited about my decision. I think you are right; it is better that I do not share my ambitions with anyone (including some of my unsupportive friends).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I get the same response.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am confused too. I am recently retired but need to go back to work (was a medical transcriber and medical secretary for 30 years) as my retirement is not that much and my husband was recently laid off. Same story, marriage, 2 kids who are now grown. I'm 54 so I don't have time to wait and go to comm college and list for 2 years or more for nrsg school plus I need to go back to work. I'm planning to do LVN at private college but see so many negative posts about no jobs and LVN doesn't count for anything it is discouraging, but it's something in my heart I really want to do. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion