NursingLink

I have been nursing for 17 years, with practically all of that time spent in the hospital setting--mostly critical care. I have done some home health, hospice and med surg. as well. I have a BSN and am in the process of applying to grad. school. My desire is to teach in a school of nursing. I couldn't help but notice that out of the "top 10 coolest" nursing jobs, only 1 of them involved direct patient care. That indirectly speaks worlds for the career of nursing. Those of you that have been in patient care for any length of time understand where I'm coming from. Nursing that involves direct pt. care is far from glamorous.It is very hard work! I think that some of todays students have a misconception of what hands-on nursing really is. More often than not, as soon as they do realize it, alot of them bail out. I'm afraid that the shortage of good nurses is only going to worsen. Maybe that is why veteran nurses are starting to look for a way out.

I was an LPN for 29 years, and finally got my RN 2 years ago after many years of challenging out of my degree through the Excelsior program. As an LPN I made my best money by doing marketing and nurse liaison positions. But as an RN I have found that I LOVE assisted living nursing. The residents are still pretty cognitive, and relatively independent with some extra support. They are grateful for everything you do for them, because it focuses on care coordination to keep them independent and safe. They don't want to be in nursing homes if other options are available that allow them more choices and independence.

I have made as much as or even more $$ than an RN as an LPN with my past and current jobs. I am currently a Case Manager and yes I am certified. I have also work as a Public Health Nurse and in Nursing Informatics. It all depends on your experience and education that you combine with any level of nursing.

Not sure why it seems that options are so limited for LPN/LVN; I have been one for 15 years have done everything from med-surg; outpt triage; nursing supervisor(at nursing home), Director of Staff Development (teaching C.N.A.'s); ADON, they can be endless if one pursues it.....am gonna be getting RN soon, main reason $$$$$$

I'm a corrections nurse (and yes I'm an LPN). I started part time as sort of a trial. Before this, the bulk of my experience was in pediatrics. That was quite a jump, but I can't complain. I have a huge amount of free time for study most days, but unpredictablity is a huge part of this job.

prison nurse has got to be the coolest

I don't have any experience but would like to learn.I'm starting my CNA classes in June.I would like the opportunity to learn more.

There is hope for LPN's, but we have to stand up and show them...I am an LPN, and about a year ago started a job as a clinical analyst(Nursing informatics) It is a lot of fun, and pays well, but I do miss direct patient care. I have run into a few problems with the LPN initials, but nothing I have not been able to overcome.