15 yr. LPN- should I "bother"?

MORO0617 · Oct 1, 2011

So, I am so completely content in my full time day shift position as an LPN, but I also have the feeling I could do more.

The fact that those feelings are present should be your motivating factor. If you dont follow your dream you will always wonder what if!

I have been an LPN for 15 years. I love what I do. I also know I can do more. I guess my issue is- do I want to continue in nursing or not?

Love is a strong emotion especially for nursing its one of the best qualities to have in this arena, if you love what you do why not continue.

I live in a small very rural area. With my years of experience, I would take a big pay cut as a new grad RN,

That was my thought process too until I did some research because we are lpn's we do not fit in the category as a new RN grad! Alot about that topic can be found on this website about the comparison and pay for us. I believe we are compensated as follows for every two yrs as an LPN = 1 YR RN experience. That's the info I found on this site but you could always be proactive and call human resources and inquire.

I would have to commute an hour or better to school, I would not get a full time position like I have now as a new grad.

Stay on the positive side of things! Hard work always pays off! And you must believe that you will obtain a full time position! Positive thoughts brings positive results. You can do anything you put your mind too.

But, yet- I know I can do more than I am.

Thats what you stand on! Use that fact as your determination to accomplish your goal! You know you can do more! Go for it the sky is the limit!

I guess I feel torn... My goal when I was young was to be a forensic pathologist. then i got married, at age 20. I am 44 now. Same distance to school if it is for nursing or to a university for a Bachelors degree... Or do I just enjoy what I do, and my life as it is.... or heck, I dont know? I am so dang torn... Thanks for reading...

The fact that you took the time to post tells me your leaning towards following your dreams and I say go for it! Everyday above ground is another day to get it right! Think big! Dream big! and make it happen!!!!!!

Hope this helps!!!!!!!! :nurse:

egglady, LPN · Oct 2, 2011

Thank you so much for the reply!! I am really leaning towards going back to school... Your post was so encouraging and helped me see things that I just wasnt seeing!!!!

waaiting · Oct 2, 2011

i say follow your dreams... you can always fall back to your LVN again... just don't burn the bridge. GOod luck!! :)

egglady, LPN · Oct 13, 2011

Thanks for the posts! It can be really hard as an adult to just throw caution to the wind and go for your dreams..... the dang mortgage and kids college and the granddaughters needs.... It has always been hard to put myself first. Maybe I need to just say " to heck with it- this time it is about me"! ???!!!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

Depending on your state, you could bridge to RN via Excelsior online. It worked for me. You are also discounting what you could do without moving to the hospital - if you're in LTC you could move into management and a veteran floor nurse could wreak some excellent change.

DragonPurr · Oct 13, 2011

I say go back to school. You sound like you need to be challenged at this time in your life. I've found I need to feel like I'm striving FOR something and not just coasting, and I think it's because at my age now, I'm wiser and more focused than I've ever been.

Gosh, I wish I'd had this drive when I was in my 20's!!! I was 40 when I graduated NS, just finished my BSN Aug 1st, and start my MSN Oct 31st.

While you may not see a path for advancement just yet, I'll bet opportunities will find you when you least expect them. I say go for it. I don't think you'll regret it.

ladside, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

So, I am so completely content in my full time day shift position as an LPN, but I also have the feeling I could do more. I have been an LPN for 15 years. I love what I do. I also know I can do more. I guess my issue is- do I want to continue in nursing or not? I live in a small very rural area. With my years of experience, I would take a big pay cut as a new grad RN, I would have to commute an hour or better to school, I would not get a full time position like I have now as a new grad. But, yet- I know I can do more than I am. I guess I feel torn... My goal when I was young was to be a forensic pathologist. then i got married, at age 20. I am 44 now. Same distance to school if it is for nursing or to a university for a Bachelors degree... Or do I just enjoy what I do, and my life as it is.... or heck, I dont know? I am so dang torn... Thanks for reading...

I had been an LPN for 24 years in 2009 when I enrolled with Excelsior College and completed the entire thing, including the NCLEX in 10 months. Now, I'm an RN for a year and 4 months now. You can do this! And you don't have to commute any further than your room that has your computer or laptop except to go to Pearson Vue to take each exam when YOU'RE ready to take the exam. So...let's go!!!!

Anne36, LPN · Oct 14, 2011

If you are willing to make sacrafices then go for it. I would really sit down and think about the costs. Do you need to take out student loans? How will you pay your bills if you have to take time off of work and then again with a pay cut afterward?

Where do you want to work after you obtain the RN? What do you want to change about your current nursing duties?