“I’m an ex-convict. I have AIDS. I’m a prostitute. I’m poor. I’m old. I’m a lesbian. I aborted my baby. I’m a teenage mom. I’m a victim of rape. I’m a drug addict. I’m alcoholic. I’m a beggar. I have cancer. I have a contagious disease….but the nurse said, I’ll take care of you. – Anonymous Nurses have to see and deal with all types of people in many different circumstances and you must be knowledgeable and compassionate. If you are considering a nursing degree then I would recommend the RN path over the LPN path because the extra time, effort, and money it takes will be worth it in the end. Although, it will take an additional 12-18 months for you to pursue an RN you won’t be disappointed. According to Nursing Licensure, obtaining an RN degree with allow you more job opportunities and the …show more content…
According to Kathleen Cullum, MSN, CRNP, “most organizations are now requiring that nurses have their RN license and many are requiring a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).” The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says “ only 17 percent of LPN’s are working in hospitals.” Additionally, it will cost you about double to stay in school and become an RN instead of an LPN. However this price is nothing compared to the difference in LPN vs RN pay. According to the U.S. department of Labor an RN will earn around 25,000 more annually than an LPN. Some will argue that the LPN route is the better path because it only takes 12 - 18 months to obtain your diploma compared to the 24-36 months it takes to become an RN. In addition, the BLS says, LPN jobs are expected to grow by 16 percent through 2024. At the same time, the 2017 Nurse Journal.org says, employment of RN’s is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022. I would say, the additional year of school you must take to become an RN is nothing compared to the advantages you are provided as an RN over an