What are some reasons for wanting to become an LPN?
I guess I would have some first hand experience. My son is an LPN and he wanted to be a nurse because he liked helping people. He works in a nursing home and has formed some close relationships with the seniors living there. They all love him since he takes the time to talk to them and listen to their stories that he has heard a zillion times. Basically he is kind to them and acts interested. Another choice was the pay is decent, very good job security (since nurses are at a shortage), and you can always work different shifts to further your education. He happens to work the 3-11 shift which he likes. Also with your LPN certification you can work anywhere in the U.S. so if he decided to move away he can always find work. Many people get an LPN’s job confused with a nurses aid. He does not have to wash patients, empty bed pans and do a lot of the icky work. He basically gives medication, does vital signs, changes bandages and catheters and patient paperwork and update charts. If you are
I worked in a Payroll Office at a Veterans’ Hospital for 13 years. If someone is considering becoming an LPN (licensed practical nurse), I would suggest that they seriously look at becoming and RN (registered nurse) instead. Where I worked, they had work/study programs where the government (employer) helped LPNs go to school and become RNs. Then the employee “owed” some service to the Veterans Affairs – three years, I think, but I can’t remember this part for sure. The upshot is, RNs get a whole lot more pay and benefits. Also, they are sought after as there is currently a shortage. First, the salary is more than double for beginning RNs versus beginning LPNs. Then, RNs are entitled to types of pay that LPNs are not – for example, if an employee works 4 p.m. to midnight, an RN will get shift differential pay for the entire 8 hours whereas an LPN will get it only for the hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. RNs also get Sunday pay (25% of base pay on top of base pay) when they work a tour th
