To LPN or not to LPN....that is the question!

[southern_redhead]

I currently work as an assistant at our local elementary school. This is my 4th year there and it seems each year brings more misery. I am in charge of our teacher's workroom. This is basically where they can drop off copies to be made, make requests to have things laminated, letters and things die cut, we even store their kids workbooks for them and tear out and sort the pages each week (because they have decided it's too much work to get the kids to turn to pg "X" and tear it out or work on it in the book....ugh.) I am a super type A personality and I work my behind off 5 days a week. I work an extra 50 minutes a day (unpaid but I can count that time towards days off so that is okay by me) and then, because after my insurance is taken out my check is so tiny, I work as a receptionist for our afterschool program. I am told by many of the teachers what a "lifesaver" I am and how much more efficient I am than the women who ran the room before me (2 of them.) That said I am beyond burned out. They are supposed to have "days" where I do their work: Kindergarten on Monday, First on Tues, etc... We go through grade 4 so they each get a day and SpEd has assistants in their rooms and are expected to use them to do their work. The problem is I have set up a very good system but can't get people to do their part. I have one table for drop off work and one table I place it on when I am done so they know they can pick it up. I even made HUGE die cut apples (green for the work to be done, red for the work to be picked up) because they use kids (I hate this) to drop off and pick up their work. Some of them are small and I thought it would be easy to say "go to the table with X colored apple and look for my folder." You'd think, right? Well, for the teachers who have some level of organization and some sense about which kids they use as runners it works sooo well. For the other 95% (LOL) not so much. Seriously tired of them sending kids who can't find the bathroom let alone the workroom. Then they just drop it inside the door and go on. I have found their work all over the main unit of the school and have now stopped picking it up, I just leave it where it is and let the teacher wander around to find it. Add to it that we have at least 2 teachers per grade (out of six in each grade) who can't get it together and want me to interrupt the work I am doing for someone who DID play by the rules to run "just 15 copies" of a worksheet they need "right now because it's part of my lesson" ... ever hear of a lesson plan as in know what you are doing and have the materials on hand? On top of this the teachers, Kindergarten in particular, keeps adding "projects" for me to do. It is almost like "Let's see her do THIS." I know that is probably paranoia but I'm getting burned out just the same. Add to that an HOUR a day I have to monitor their kids at lunch because they get duty free lunch. An HOUR of screaming and kids slapping and stabbing each other with forks (yes this really happens) and I have to write it up so the kid can be punished and they want me to put MY name on the form that goes home to the parents. Um, no, sorry I don't make enough to have a parent come chew me out or jump me in the parking lot (yes THIS really happens, one woman tried to run over a PE coach because the coach was directing traffic and asked the woman to stop so buses could get out.) I don't need this. I have gotten to the point that I hate going to work, I don't enjoy being with the other women who are there as teachers because I tend to feel like the de-humanize us (is that a word?) by saying "You have to do this because I have the degree" (and YES this happens to, not to me because I've never pushed them but a friend of mine was told the teacher was better than her because of her 4 year degree to which my friend shot back that SHE has a 4 year degree in business but chooses to work her job for the hours and summers off with her kids. WTG girl!) One teacher even made a book so her kindergartners could learn the names of the staff and mentioned everyone by name except me and the other woman in the workroom, our picture said "workroom ladies". To be fair she did it to the women in the cafeteria too and out of the 12 women in there she only put 3 of them in the photo! It was just sort of insulting to me that she was going to send them to me on a daily basis and couldn't even teach them I was Ms So and So

I know, that may sound like a spoiled rant and if it does I am SO sorry. It is just how I feel right now. I am also horrified by the discipline system used in our school (as in NONE) and have begun to think homeschooling might be best for my kids. I'd check into private schools but we don't have any less than an hour away. I know a woman who works as a nurse on the weekends, that sounds so good. She says she makes good money and is still able to be with her kids 5 days a week, by comparison I hardly see my kids except on the weekends and make NOTHING. Another friend has started an LPN program here and I know I can sit for the COMPAS test until May of next year in order to be in their program that starts Fall '11. Doing that would mean not working next year but it is for a year and if I don't change jobs soon I may go nuts. The only thing is I have googled LPN and see mostly refrences to LTC and nursing homes. I don't want to do that. I have the greatest respect for those who can but it isn't for me and I have the good sense to know it. I'd really rather work a dr's office or convienient care clinic or in a hospital. I have also thought about radiology tech but around here it is super hard to get into the program. I would probably prefer that though. I know this is long and if you are still with me, Thanks!! Bottom line, are you an LPN or have you worked as one and what is your experience. Some say it is closer to RN without the pay some say it is like being a CNA for better pay. I do NOT want CNA duties. I see no reason to spend a year off work to be trained to do something they hire people off the street (around here) to do. I am very type A, very high energy when doing a job, and do not like to stand around and wait on another person to get theirselves in gear so I can start my job....how would that personality fit as an LPN? I won't say I'm a team player because I end up carrying the team and doing their work just to be sure it is done right and in a time efficient manner. I am very good at organizing a team, though, but tend to find that - where I work anyway - people take assignments as suggestions and do what they want...that infuriates me. I'm not sure LPN would be a great fit due to those traits. I know when my daugher broke her arm I was so jealous of the xray tech, we talked and she basically is by herself all day. When someone comes in she does what she needs to do and sends them on their way. She was almost independent of the other staff as far as waiting around on them to do this or that so she could finish her job. That may not be the case for all xray techs though.

 

[cepmom]

around here I don't think LPN's are easily hired....I think it's better if you go the RN route but it may be different depending on your area. I am trying to get into rad tech for next year and it is also very competitive to get into.

 

[southern_redhead]

around here I don't think LPN's are easily hired....I think it's better if you go the RN route but it may be different depending on your area. I am trying to get into rad tech for next year and it is also very competitive to get into.

Thanks. Yes, I'd like to be an RN eventually if I went with nursing. However, it is my understanding (through the vo-tech info here) that I can complete an LPN and then work part time while obtaining an RN. That is important to me. I can go 12 or 13 mos jobless but don't want to do it 3 or 4 years! From what I have heard are radiology tech program isn't that hard itself rather it's that soooo many people apply. However, maybe if I get started on it now I'd have a good chance. I know one guy didn't get in but he never turned things in until the last day. I don't know if that matters but it certainly doesn't present the idea that you are terribly interested.

 

[npmommie]

Thanks. Yes, I'd like to be an RN eventually if I went with nursing. However, it is my understanding (through the vo-tech info here) that I can complete an LPN and then work part time while obtaining an RN. That is important to me. I can go 12 or 13 mos jobless but don't want to do it 3 or 4 years! From what I have heard are radiology tech program isn't that hard itself rather it's that soooo many people apply. However, maybe if I get started on it now I'd have a good chance. I know one guy didn't get in but he never turned things in until the last day. I don't know if that matters but it certainly doesn't present the idea that you are terribly interested.

you really have to decide what YOU want to do. If you want to be a nurse go for the LPN and then do an RN program while you are working.
but you have to WANT to be in nursing.
Its a great field, lots of opportunity and many settings in which you can work.
no you won't get into a hospital as an LPN ( at least not around here) but you can do other things, like LTC, doctors office, clinics, etc.
good luck!!

 

[eyeshadow]

Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about the way they treat support staff. I am an assistant in elementary school and things are night and day from what you describe. I only help the one teacher I am with. Most of my day is spent doing remediation and helping with makeup work. I check in homework and grade it. I have my own literacy group for 1/2 per day made up of 5 kids. I also do centers for 1 hour a day where the teacher gives me an activity and I get groups of kids for 15 minutes at time in my center with me. We are a Title I school, so assistants do a lot of work in that area. I love my job so much and the teachers do so much to make us feel a part of the kids' learning. I make copies a few times a week, but not everyday. I put up bulletin boards ,etc.

I also have a degree in another area. I have friends in the nursing field and from what I hear what you are describing in your workplace can go on in the nursing field as well. I hear it is tough and there are some who look "down" at LPNs. You will be working under an RN and some will make you feel inferior. I am by no way saying that it WILL happen, but I think what you are describing in your job is much more prevalent in nursing. If you decide, I would go for RN or you could always go back for teaching. I may do that one day, but I am not good at the whole classroom management area and like to be in the background supporting the teacher. Best of luck

 

[clarabelle]

Around here doctors offices use Certified Medical Assistants (MAs)

You might want to check into that -short training time for better pay than the schools pay here. But long hours and less time off. (If they even use them in your area)

Here it is a year long course at a technical school for I think around 10- 12 dollars or so an hour

 

[cepmom]

you really have to decide what YOU want to do. If you want to be a nurse go for the LPN and then do an RN program while you are working.
but you have to WANT to be in nursing.
Its a great field, lots of opportunity and many settings in which you can work.
no you won't get into a hospital as an LPN ( at least not around here) but you can do other things, like LTC, doctors office, clinics, etc.
good luck!!

ITA about wanting to be in nursing...its a hard program and you really need to want to be in that field. DD is in an RN program now and it's a lot of hard work (both classwork and clincals)

 

[cepmom]

Thanks. Yes, I'd like to be an RN eventually if I went with nursing. However, it is my understanding (through the vo-tech info here) that I can complete an LPN and then work part time while obtaining an RN. That is important to me. I can go 12 or 13 mos jobless but don't want to do it 3 or 4 years! From what I have heard are radiology tech program isn't that hard itself rather it's that soooo many people apply. However, maybe if I get started on it now I'd have a good chance. I know one guy didn't get in but he never turned things in until the last day. I don't know if that matters but it certainly doesn't present the idea that you are terribly interested.

how hard it is, is subjective I suppose. Here it's a 2 year degree for rad tech. I'm currently taking human A&P 1 and it's a lot of work!

 

[AshleyW]

Thanks. Yes, I'd like to be an RN eventually if I went with nursing. However, it is my understanding (through the vo-tech info here) that I can complete an LPN and then work part time while obtaining an RN. That is important to me. I can go 12 or 13 mos jobless but don't want to do it 3 or 4 years! From what I have heard are radiology tech program isn't that hard itself rather it's that soooo many people apply. However, maybe if I get started on it now I'd have a good chance. I know one guy didn't get in but he never turned things in until the last day. I don't know if that matters but it certainly doesn't present the idea that you are terribly interested.

That's what I plan on doing. I start my LPN clinicals in January, and then do 2 semesters of LPN classes. After my 2 semesters, I can start working as an LPN while I finish my 3 semesters of RN classes.

 

[scdak]

I have been an RN for 30 years, and I think that there are people meant to be nurses and others that aren't, you are the only person that can decide that.
There are benefits to doing a LPN program as you have already realized, less time spent to become a LPN in some programs however that is not always true, the LPN program in my area is 2 years, as is an associate degree in nursing so the choice for me many years ago was the RN route.
Becoming an LPN will allow you to decide if nursing is really your career choice and as you said, you could then go on to RN school.
I have worked with LPN's that I would trust my life with and RN's that I wouldn't want near me, I have a great respect for LPN's but its true, there are some nurses that don't feel that way.
There are roles for LPN's in many areas besides a nursing home, but that is dependant on your area, my small hospital uses them on several of the floors under the direction of an RN. But I can assure you that there will be days that you feel like a CNA, I still have those days, its not always possible for me to find my patient care tech when I have a patient ready to be turned, changed, bathed etc, I prefer to make the patient comfortable as quickly as possible, I don't feel like routine care is "not my job"!

On a final note though, the description of your personality makes me wonder if you will be happy in the role of an LPN, its sounds more like you are a very organized, team leader type that would do better being able to use those talents as an RN.

In any event, I hope you decide what you want to do with the next phase of your life and you excel at whatever choice you make.

 

[southern_redhead]

Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about the way they treat support staff. I am an assistant in elementary school and things are night and day from what you describe. I only help the one teacher I am with. Most of my day is spent doing remediation and helping with makeup work. I check in homework and grade it. I have my own literacy group for 1/2 per day made up of 5 kids. I also do centers for 1 hour a day where the teacher gives me an activity and I get groups of kids for 15 minutes at time in my center with me. We are a Title I school, so assistants do a lot of work in that area. I love my job so much and the teachers do so much to make us feel a part of the kids' learning. I make copies a few times a week, but not everyday. I put up bulletin boards ,etc.

I also have a degree in another area. I have friends in the nursing field and from what I hear what you are describing in your workplace can go on in the nursing field as well. I hear it is tough and there are some who look "down" at LPNs. You will be working under an RN and some will make you feel inferior. I am by no way saying that it WILL happen, but I think what you are describing in your job is much more prevalent in nursing. If you decide, I would go for RN or you could always go back for teaching. I may do that one day, but I am not good at the whole classroom management area and like to be in the background supporting the teacher. Best of luck

Our school is Title I as well. Working with one teacher who respects you vs. 40 of them, some of which respect no one, could well make a world of difference. I have thought about teaching, I would love teaching English or Literature to a more mature (JR High and Up) age group. However, I could not do it in our school system the way it currently is being run. Teachers have no say over their classrooms and, at our school, the administration has put themselves at the mercy of the parents. I do think parents should have input and be informed, I don't think they should make every decision. Especially when their exact words are "I have no problem with you punishing for that but you will NOT punish MY child." I pity every teacher at our school whether they treat me with respect or not, most of them have at least one child in their room who is a serious discipline issue. A few even have EVERY child, up to 18 of them, who are repeat offenders. I cannot imagine going to work everyday in their rooms

I guess what I was trying to get across is I am a very black/white personality. No gray for me! Something is right or wrong, it is fair or unfair. I understand their are children who have emotional issues and they have to be treated differently but I don't agree that the children without issue should be subject to their mercy. If your kid has a history of violence or a lack of respect for authority I don't want them wrapping up all the teacher's time and taking away instructional time from my child who does behave. Our school won't even make kids with infectious disease or head lice go home if the parents refuse to come get them I am having a hard time deciding what to pursue. I do well with clerical work, I enjoy it even. I would love data entry, or even just straight secretarial work like the copies I make and the filing I do. I can even answer phones But my job has things added into it that are NONE of those things. I even get called on to sub up to half a day in classrooms. That means that I am paid less than a real sub, am left to teach the class (and usually dredge up the lesson plan and worksheets because the teacher leaves me nothing), and deal with their disciplinary issues. It just isn't worth it to me. Not only that but seeing all these issues makes me cringe for my own kids. I went to school when mouthing off or decking another student earned you a trip to the hallway with the teacher and a wooden paddle. Now they have to call and get the parents to agree to letting the kid go to detention much less a SPANKING!!

I have no problem with authority, I'm sure there are PLENTY of people out there who know more than I do. I just don't appreciate getting chewed from all angles because someone else is seriously incompetent. Take your complaint to that person! I would enjoy doing things like xrays, lab work, even things like when they do admissions and the person (nurse, staff?) comes around and does the intake things like drawing blood, taking blood pressure, etc... I'd really prefer something akin to billing or coding. Working in the records department. Being in a basement full of musty files....HEAVEN to me! I just don't know how to find out information about those jobs and they don't seem to be very "permanent" around here. I feel that having a degree or certificate would enable me to hang onto a job (?) and, another consideration, is that I want to MOVE from our small town and would like the option to homeschool my kids. I still need to work and nursing seems to fill that bill as it seems they are always looking for weekend workers. I just don't know if that's everywhere. Also, working all weekend and being home all week would take away some of the sting if something WAS depressing or exasperating at work. I can do ANYTHING for a finite period of time! I also looked at transcription but I graduated HS with a girl who does it now and she told me it is VERY hard to get hired on with the agencies who use people who work at home (she has health issues and can't leave her house) but due to the nursing degree she has she had an "in" that regular applicants couldn't compete with. I wondered if having an LPN or, better yet, an RN could open up doors to other areas in ways I can't as an average joe...

 

[erwende]

I have been an RN for 14 years. I work 3 days a week. Decent paying. Clock in clock out. Dream job. Go for the RN!

 

[southern_redhead]

how hard it is, is subjective I suppose. Here it's a 2 year degree for rad tech. I'm currently taking human A&P 1 and it's a lot of work!

I didn't mean to imply that you don't have to be smart to complete the program. Please don't be offended! What I meant was that when people here talk about it being hard to get into the program they are talking about actually GETTING IN. Making their way to the head of a very long list. I can well imagine that you need a high level of intelligence to be a competent rad tech and succeed at your job! I believe the program here is 2 years as well, fwiw. And, again, I hope I didn't offend you - it wasn't my intent at all!

 

[southern_redhead]

I have been an RN for 30 years, and I think that there are people meant to be nurses and others that aren't, you are the only person that can decide that.
There are benefits to doing a LPN program as you have already realized, less time spent to become a LPN in some programs however that is not always true, the LPN program in my area is 2 years, as is an associate degree in nursing so the choice for me many years ago was the RN route. Becoming an LPN will allow you to decide if nursing is really your career choice and as you said, you could then go on to RN school.
I have worked with LPN's that I would trust my life with and RN's that I wouldn't want near me, I have a great respect for LPN's but its true, there are some nurses that don't feel that way.
There are roles for LPN's in many areas besides a nursing home, but that is dependant on your area, my small hospital uses them on several of the floors under the direction of an RN. But I can assure you that there will be days that you feel like a CNA, I still have those days, its not always possible for me to find my patient care tech when I have a patient ready to be turned, changed, bathed etc, I prefer to make the patient comfortable as quickly as possible, I don't feel like routine care is "not my job"!

On a final note though, the description of your personality makes me wonder if you will be happy in the role of an LPN, its sounds more like you are a very organized, team leader type that would do better being able to use those talents as an RN.

In any event, I hope you decide what you want to do with the next phase of your life and you excel at whatever choice you make.

Thank you for your post. The whole of it is very informative and much appreciated. I bolded certain areas because they are some of my issues. Are you saying you are an RN with an assoc. degree? I have turned that option up in some of my online searching but can't determine if these RN's are equal to an RN with a BS...I mean as far as duties and ability.
Also, yes, in my area we are so small town we don't even make a blip on the radar. However, my goal is to train myself to do something that could place us in a larger city. Specfically, Phoenix as my mother's only brother lives there and I know she wants to be closer to him or St Louis as we lived there for years and I loved the area. I'm not opposed to other areas but we live in West TN and I have no interest in being in Nashville or Memphis. I love to visit but they aren't what I'm looking for as a place to live.
I didn't mean to come across as having a bad work ethic or being the type to say "this isn't my job". I willingly do all that is asked of me at work but I would like to be treated with respect and I'm not finding that where I am now. I don't need to be put on a pedestal but I do expect others to do what is expected of them and I have a hard time with the "just enough to get by" crowd. I give 110% on a given day and some days much more. It isn't because I'm more adept than anyone there it is because I can't stand to have my name attached to a half @$$ job.
Finally, thank you for the well wishes. And that goes for everyone who has responded. You have all been so kind, I know sometimes online forums can become heated and I have hesitated to post this. It does weigh on my mind daily though and I can't imagine a better trove of information and input than an online board where people from everywhere with real life experience can provide input! Thanks again!

 

[cepmom]

I didn't mean to imply that you don't have to be smart to complete the program. Please don't be offended! What I meant was that when people here talk about it being hard to get into the program they are talking about actually GETTING IN. Making their way to the head of a very long list. I can well imagine that you need a high level of intelligence to be a competent rad tech and succeed at your job! I believe the program here is 2 years as well, fwiw. And, again, I hope I didn't offend you - it wasn't my intent at all!

oh no! no offense taken at all! it is hard to get in to the program (as are many medical field programs it seems lately) Just wanted to clarify that the program/courses themselves are a lot of work too (for me anyway, been out of school for 14 years so it's taking me a bit to adjust back to it!)

 

[scdak]

Thank you for your post. The whole of it is very informative and much appreciated. I bolded certain areas because they are some of my issues. Are you saying you are an RN with an assoc. degree? I have turned that option up in some of my online searching but can't determine if these RN's are equal to an RN with a BS...I mean as far as duties and ability.
Also, yes, in my area we are so small town we don't even make a blip on the radar. However, my goal is to train myself to do something that could place us in a larger city. Specfically, Phoenix as my mother's only brother lives there and I know she wants to be closer to him or St Louis as we lived there for years and I loved the area. I'm not opposed to other areas but we live in West TN and I have no interest in being in Nashville or Memphis. I love to visit but they aren't what I'm looking for as a place to live.
I didn't mean to come across as having a bad work ethic or being the type to say "this isn't my job". I willingly do all that is asked of me at work but I would like to be treated with respect and I'm not finding that where I am now. I don't need to be put on a pedestal but I do expect others to do what is expected of them and I have a hard time with the "just enough to get by" crowd. I give 110% on a given day and some days much more. It isn't because I'm more adept than anyone there it is because I can't stand to have my name attached to a half @$$ job.
Finally, thank you for the well wishes. And that goes for everyone who has responded. You have all been so kind, I know sometimes online forums can become heated and I have hesitated to post this. It does weigh on my mind daily though and I can't imagine a better trove of information and input than an online board where people from everywhere with real life experience can provide input! Thanks again!

Yes, I have an associate degree in nursing from college, there are so many different types of nursing programs available as you have found out, there is full time, part time, vocational schools, community colleges, etc. There are many options available for you, its just going to take some time for you to decide what you want and how to go about making your goal happen.

If you think there are problems with RN's looking down on LPN's, you should see how some BS RN's look down on lowly AD RN's, yet the same licensure exam is taken by both. There are differences in the 2 degrees but nursing is all about taking the best possible care of the patients and families possible, not how long you went to school or what the level of education you have, and as in any job, there are people that excel at their job and others that represent their chosen field poorly.

You realize that you are unhappy with your current job, so you are taking the first step to remedy that, now you just have to think about what you want, obtain the education you need to do what you want and if that doesnt' work out, rethink your plan for your life. Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[DawnCt1]

how hard it is, is subjective I suppose. Here it's a 2 year degree for rad tech. I'm currently taking human A&P 1 and it's a lot of work!

In New England, A & P is used as the yard stick for admissions. They deliberately make it very hard, very detailed and demanding in order to sort out those who will succeed in any of the medical technology programs; rad tech, nuclear med, radiation technology, etc. DS#1 recently graduated from Respiratory Therapy, another very difficult and demanding program.

 

[heartsy77]

I am currently an LPN student in upstate NY. I only attend part-time as I work full time. I will grdauate in June for LPN; in the spring I will apply for the fall 11 semester of RN. Since I will already be a nurse I get waive the first year of RN! (I also have my pre-regs already done).

I have been told in the southern states LPN are unitilzed much more. Here in NY we are pretty much bound for long term care (nursing homes etc. =). I am choosing not to use my LPN degree because I'm self employed and can adjust my schedule to my school schedule. I also make about as much being self employed as I will as new LPN.

I choose LPN because there is a 3 year waiting list for RN program if you are starting brand new without a LPN degree. My LPN degree gets me ahead of everyone already on the waiting list!

For PP A&P was hard! But I squeaked out an 87 not my usual 93 average but good enough!

 

[Judy from Boise]

Honestly with your personality type I would seriously look into medical coding/abstracting or being a transcriptionists.......not sure nursing would be the best fit.

 

[southern_redhead]

Honestly with your personality type I would seriously look into medical coding/abstracting or being a transcriptionists.......not sure nursing would be the best fit.

Thank you. This was honest and respectful, I appreciate that. I agree that some nursing situations wouldn't be a fit for me, perhaps any situation as I've never nursed. Did you happen to see the post where I said that I thought the nursing might open the door to other programs and careers? I am wondering if this is true or not...I am not opposed to getting an LPN or AD/RN to gain access to a program that I might otherwise wait many years to get into OR never get into without the certifications. Opinions or experience?