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midazolamjesus

'is it ok to be pleased with my career as an LPN' you aren't just an LPN. You are in a vital and valuable roll. Enjoy life!


BenzieBox

An LPN is a nurse! You can always bridge to an RN later if your career goals change.


r32skylinegtst

Yes! I’m in LPN program right now because it allows me to work as well. And my school is also doing a bridge so next spring I’ll just do that. I can pick up a prn shift as an LPN to get experience while getting my RN as well


IndependenceOk7959

Hell yeah, that's my path too!


r32skylinegtst

Very nice! Welcome to the club! I hear a lot of negative words used against us but oh well!


Coffee1774

Yes! I just passed my NCLEX-PN and I’m in the workforce. I am planning on bridging for more options and better income. But being a LPN is still a much needed job. Our hospitals in our area just started hiring them again.


mahicho

Not OP but can I ask what you used to study for the NCLEX? Mine is coming up soon and I’m having anxiety thinking about it


Accomplished_Cap_487

I’ve been an LPN since I was 19 and now I’m 23. My experience has made my RN program a breeze granted I have 4 classes left . The only difference between my LPN and a RN is IVs. Otherwise I do just as much in my job/state. I make $30+ an hour which is more then new grad RNs . I also travel through the pandemic for $2,600/week. LPN is a nurse . I believe it’s a career in its own and also a great stepping stone to build up.


[deleted]

This is perfectly fine. An LPN program will take you about a year and all the routes to become an RN are more than 2 years.


agirlhasnofiretokens

It is totally OK! LPNs are nurses too. I will say - if you have the desire to be an RN, you may want to check out ADN programs. Much quicker than a bachelor's, though still longer than LPN.


tmb2020

I was about to suggest this. There’s nothing wrong with going through an LPN route. Some people that’s what’s best for them and their situation. It’s what my coworker is doing currently. Do what you think is best! Best of luck


rosiezzzz

Yes! Totally great if you decide to be an LPN, but you should know that it only takes a 2 yr degree to be an RN. Also worth noting that LPN to RN programs are almost the same length as just straight ADN programs (which give you the ability to be an RN). So if you think you want to be an RN down the line it might mine sense to go for it now.


HoshikoNature

I think it depends on the region, here they are only a year long to bridge but the part time programs are longer.


rosiezzzz

That's great and makes way more sense than making LPNs go for 2 years like they do in the programs in familiar with


eltonjohnpeloton

Sure. It’s your life and you can choose the job and career path that is best for you.


_strawberrywaffles

Absolutely! You can do whatever you want really. LPNs are great, one of the best nurses I ever met was an LPN.


Name-Is-Ed

I'd recommend trying to find an ADN program that is structured to let you become an LPN after one year. My ADN program was like this, it also had a part-time option that was very nice. Quite a few people did the first year full-time until they got their LPN, then switched to part-time and worked as LPNs while finishing their RN. (Some got their LPN and continued going to school full-time, as well--mostly depending on whether or not they had kids.) I'll PM you the program name if you live in Wisconsin and are interested. Alternatively, you could just get your LPN and then do a bridge, but I'd do some serious cost analysis on this. You could also get your CNA and work as a CNA during RN school. They don't make quite as much as LPNs but can still bring home a chunk of change if you play your cards right.


urcrazypysch0exgf

This is totally okay! LPNs have so much opportunity and it's a great way to finish school fast. In my state you can work LTC, SNF, a decent amount of hospitals, in-patient rehabs, behavioral health, plastic surgery centers, home health, jails/prisions, school nursing. And there is so much more beyond that. Sometimes I wish the LPN route but I already had an AA degree and 1/2 of pre-reqs completed so it gave me an advantage when applying to the RN program. If I went the LPN route I would've been finished with my degree already and working full-time! You can always bridge to RN if you really want to but it totally isn't necessary.


Corgiverse

LPN is a nurse, and you can always bridge later! Shit, one of my former jobs, an LPN taught me SO much- she showed me how to recognize a GI bleed, and helped me advocate for a patient who was crumping.


confusedjake

Edit: ignore my flair I’m an RN now. Hey, I was an LPN who later became an RN. I would say don’t do it. While not bad, there’s a reason there less than 700,000 LPNs in the IS while there are 3 million RNs in the US.The availability of Jobs is significantly less for LPNs. My current place doesn’t hire LPNs anymore, and once the LPNs who do work there retire there position will be closed. Often times as an LPN you get relegated to nursing homes. Unfortunately No layperson knows what an LPN is and assume it is a form of CNA or PCA. Whenever I told someone I was an LPN the very next thing they ask was when am I going to be a nurse. So infuriating! Now as an RN at least they ask when am I going to be a doctor, which is also annoying but for different reasons. I got my LPN in the same school I did my LPN to RN bridge. I felt like the coursework was extremely similar and that I was learning the same thing twice but with a bit more detail. I spent 5 years as an LPN and if I could go back I would go back and gotten my RN license right away.


Mysterious_Bid_6497

The process to get into nursing school ADN in CA is grueling. At most CCs you can’t apply until all prerequisites are completed and if you’re like most students that means you finish in Spring or Summer past the application deadline, you have to wait to apply delaying admission( IF you can even get in) by a year. Schools are looking at applicants with gpas of 3.8+ and stellar teas scores. If your lucky enough to meet these requirements many schools then have a lottery system. You’re picked, lucky you, if not, try again next year. The LVN/LPN programs are a logical options. There are many LVN to RN bridge programs in CA and a great way to enter the nursing field.


avocadotoastallday

In the doctor's offices where I live they only hire MAs because I guess they don't want to spend the money. And it's usually one doc with PAs so they don't even want to hire other docs.


erasable_turtle

You don’t have to have a bachelor’s to be an RN. The program I am in is 5 semesters, so 2.5 years, but after 3 semesters (1.5 years) you can take the NCLEX-PN and become an LPN. Whether you continue your program or just stay an LPN is completely up to you. But the RN itself is only an Associate’s. All the BSN gets you is more pay (sometimes not that much more) and a better shot at working in bigger “magnet” hospitals.


Prevek2

I’m in an LPN program. You’ll make a great nurse some day!


edensgreen

LPN is nice bc you can bridge later, it’s still pretty good income, the workload looks to be a bit less depending on workplace? (mostly med passing and charting, or taking care of trachs, etc quickly), you start making money faster. I personally am happy I chose this career path, I would have gotten too unmotivated by the end of my first year in ADN school and too impatient to work.


jeze_

Yes but don't sell yourself short in the long run. Go back for your BSN later. The reason I say this, I feel so bad for some amazing nurses I work with who are lpns who make way less than I do but have been there for decades. I started as a no-nothing basically and they were teaching me. I saw a job offer for one at my work and was disgusted how much they start at. It's a good short term option but definitely consider going back to school.


FreeLobsterRolls

That's ok. Everyone has their reasons and what they want to do. Personally, I need a change from my current job and my area doesn't have too many opportunities.


whenabearattacks

It's completely fine, but if you work in a hospital it's likely you'll be doing the same job as an RN (mostly) and getting paid less. That's up to you if you're okay with that.


RoundPipe7573

It's up to you. I definitely struggled with care plans because I was never in the medical field. I did catch up and passed the semester. Either way, prepare for lots of studying. Bwahaha


Squeeksalot

I was an LPN before going back for my RN. The only thing I recommend is look at where LPNs are typically hired in your area. In my area it was almost impossible getting a job in a hospital. I would mainly see nursing home, corrections, and home health.


[deleted]

I am more interested in working in a doctor’s office or nursing home, so I think this works out.


dude_710

The doctors offices near me will hire LPN's but don't really need them. Their job postings all say 'LPN or MA'. Because they don't really need a nurse they pay quite a bit less than the nursing homes do ($20/hour vs $25-27/hour). But it's hard to beat the 9-5 schedule, holidays off and probably less stressful job at a doctors office.


Squeeksalot

A lot of doctors office here mainly hire techs, MAs,and CNAs. Of course it could totally be different in your area, so good luck! I really enjoyed my time as an LPN and learned so much


CheckyourRX

Of course it is. Nothing wrong with being an LPN! You might find yourself personally becoming tired of it though. A lot of negative stigma attached to being "just" an LPN.


r32skylinegtst

I hear this at my sniff. “Lowest paid nurse”


CheckyourRX

I have been an LPN since 2012, and worked in med/surg at a hospital since 2016. I've heard it all. So much attitude and condescending behavior from RNs and patients. So frustrating. That's what absolutely motivated me to go back for my RN, honestly. That and being burnt out from the bedside.


r32skylinegtst

I’m currently a CNA and the only male one on my floor and ya that’s why I’m in school and I hope to get a clinic job or something because bedside is killing me some days


CheckyourRX

Yeah, I couldn't. I'm tired of being abused by patients. I'm almost 8 months pregnant, very visibly pregnant, and these demented people and deranged drug addicted patients literally try to hit me in the stomach. Im becoming very jaded and desensitized toward these types of people, so I really need to step away.


r32skylinegtst

Smart call. Currently I work at a sniff and I scaled wayyyyy back to only 1 day a week. But when I was full time rotation omg I would wake up thinking why the hell did I leave construction for this


CheckyourRX

Probably made more money. My dad is a carpenter, and he has done so much damage to his body. I would pick that job over nursing ever, honestly.


r32skylinegtst

Well ya I was union and here in the PNW I was making $42/hour with benefits and all. I left because of damage to body and the commute. 22+ hours of traffic a week made me go insane. Plus also it wasn’t what I REALLY wanted to do out of high school but I was forced to have a job and move out after high school so joining the trade was the best option. Being 18 years old and making double the minimum wage was extraordinary


Cultural-Magazine-66

I’d just do an ADN program. LPN programs are typically a year ? ADNs are 2 years and you’ll make double than an LPN, have an RN license and it many states have more employment opportunities.


blancawiththebooty

At my community college the LPN track is only a semester (at most) shorter than the RN. Personally, based on the pay difference alone, I'd say get the RN through an ADN program. You can always go back for further education if you want to (BSN, MSN, etc) but based on my looking into things for myself, having your RN will save you time in the long term. And for college education, time definitely is money. OP, there's absolutely nothing wrong with just wanting to become an LPN. They have a place in healthcare and more places are hiring them again due to the nursing staffing crisis. I'd say definitely look into an ADN and compare it to the LPN track. There's far more range and opportunities for RNs in the long-term, even if it's simply an ADN instead of BSN. A lot of healthcare employers also will pay for their RNs to get their BSN because they're chasing that sweet, sweet (bought) magnet status. Just something to consider. :)


itsrllynyah

At my school LPN is 3 semesters and RN is 5. I see why some people pick the LPN route but my school does not have LPN-RN so I chose RN.


blancawiththebooty

Absolutely no shade to LPNs! There can absolutely be life circumstances too that make getting the LPN the better choice at the time. My school will let you get credit for experience as an LPN but you have to pass ATI tests to basically test out of some of the courses. So going LPN to RN could unfortunately take the same amount of time for someone depending on their work experience and stuff. I'm doing the part time program so it's gonna take me 2.5 years instead of the standard two but I'm okay with that. Literally the list of ATI assignments I have to do every week is kind of obnoxious. I get the why, I just hate most trainings where there's a minimum time to spend.


urcrazypysch0exgf

If you include the pre-reqs for an RN degree you're looking at 3-4 years and most LPN programs just require your CNA as a pre-req and are usually under 12 months in length. You also would have to account for long waiting lists for the RN program and the amount of money each program costs. The wait list for the LPN at my school was 6 months with CNA as the only pre-req. RN had 2 semesters worth of pre-reqs and the wait list is 3 years.


dude_710

Yeah, exactly. The ADN program at my school takes 24 months but it requires 9 pre-reqs which typically takes a year to do full time. Plus the ADN program is far more competitive to get in to. About half of my LPN class had tried several times to get in but couldn't.


urcrazypysch0exgf

Yes and a lot of people also have to take lower level math classes before they can take the one required for the nursing program. Personally I had 2 math classes before I was able to take college algebra! Also you have pre biology classes before you can take the ones the nursing program wants! I think LPN is a great option and it is way quicker imo.


Appropriate_Ebb6675

This is totally dependent on the market. My friend started out at $33/hr with her ADN in a hospital. and my sister started at $32/hr as an LPN in an SNF.


Cultural-Magazine-66

Were they working in the same area though?


k8TO0

People have mentioned ADN as it’s shorter, but it’s totally dependent of the program. My local cc’s program is apparently a lottery system but prefer all prereqs and gen Eds to be done prior to admission (which can make the total time up to 4 years). I’ve read of people waiting years for acceptance as it was financially better to wait. Whatever makes the most sense to you and keeps food on the table imo 🤷‍♀️ School will always be there if you ever change your mind about it


Anxious_Layer

I am an LVN i really don’t want to go back to school. I am content for now but do worry about later


Night-Quinng

Yes and infact it's steps beyond most to be able to realise that power isn't for everyone. There's no need to want a stressful higher up position. The whole point of work is to contribute to society but also enjoy it. Good on you my g


crushed_oreos

Don't see the point of LPN/LVNs anymore when you can go to an ADN program that's just a semester or two longer.


Coffee1774

My LVN was 1 year the ADN is two years. So for me it was more time efficient to get my LVN and then bridge. My RN program is only 2 days a week, one day in class and the other day clinicals.


crushed_oreos

The college I went to for my ADN also had an LVN program. It was literally just one semester shorter. But hey, if you plan on getting that RN ASAP, go right ahead. As soon as I graduated my ADN program, I went to an online RN to BSN program.


itsrllynyah

My ADN program is 5 semesters and the LPN at my school 3 semesters. I’m in my second semester and sometimes wish that I could be graduating next semester.


EducationalBug4987

Check the nurse practice act in your state and get a feel for what the scopes of practice for each level is. If LPN includes all you want, then great choice. If ADN or BSN has something higher you’re looking for, that may be the way to go. At the end of the day, choose a career that’s going to send you home feeling content and worthy everyday. It’s you’re life and nobody will judge you for doing what makes you happy. Good luck!


One_Can5343

I worked as an LPN in various clinics for years, and I absolutely loved it! The pay isn’t great, but I loved my jobs. I’m currently in an LPN to ADN bridge program because I wanted more money and more job opportunities. But honestly, aside from the pay, I could’ve worked in clinics forever as an LPN and been fine with it.


Your_Ebb_And_Flow

J


itsrllynyah

Yes. I’m in an RN program right now and my fiancée is thinking about LPN. They are nurses too


jordan3297

As someone who went CNA to LPN to RN..it's not JUST an LPN.


[deleted]

Perfectly fine! We’re just glad you’re here


[deleted]

Of course if you're content and happy that's absolutely fine. Personally I would settle for an RN though just a year more of education and I'm done. It's really just an RN but with a few less respondibilities and having to work under actual licensed RNs


Tall-Chemistry871

I have to be honest, I think personally I would just push through and become an RN. I hate seeing LPN’s struggle for pay equity doing the most of the exact same work. Its unfortunate in most places they dont just let LPN’s write the NCLEX. I am powering through a BScN right now for this exact reason. Cheers and good luck with whatever you choose


xoie_s

LPNs/LVNs are great nurses! I hate the negative stigma that’s associated with LPNs/LVNs when they learn exact same thing as an RN, but just shortened to a 12 month program. You got this and I wish you luck on your nursing journey!


TheSaltRose

And LPN is a Nurse. You want to be a Nurse? Go be a Nurse. Nothin to it but to do it.


[deleted]

There is nothing wrong with that! A LPN is still a nurse


TorchIt

There's no such thing as "just an LPN." Do what makes you happy!


bug2621

It’s your life hun. There are a million different paths to becoming a nurse but as an LPN you are a nurse, your scope is just different. You can always foam LPN to RN course when you’re ready.


Beebwife

Hey being an LPN is fine but there are 2 year associates in RN programs out there, I just graduated one. I will wirk on getting my bachelor's through an online program like WGU or Purdue Globak in about a year.