Just a general question. Have all prereqs and feel confident of being accepted to both LVN or RN programs soon. Is it worth getting the LVN first as I would be able to get to work sooner? Or should I just tough out the extra time and go for the RN? I do not have any student loans left due to previous education and finances are an issue. Some say bridging over is a waste of time and others say get the LVN first as there are other options for bridging. What is the consensus, please. Thanks.:paw:

My guess is it depends on what your previous education consists of, and how much you're making now. Money may also continue to be an issue after you become a LPN, because they usually don't make that much as new nurses.

If you already have a Bachelor's degree, you may be able to do an accelerated RN program. Check out the ones in your area, and see if you will actually be able to to save time and money by doing this.

Good luck to you, and welcome to Allnurses!

I don't think there is a consensus you just have to go with what feels right to you. My plan is to get into the BSN program in town and finish in 2-yrs, if I don't get in my second plan is to go to a CC and get my 2-yr RN, and my third plan is to get my LPN and then do a fast-track to RN as soon as I finish. The big advantage I see to the third option is the extra experience I'll have in actual pt. care.

In my area the starting pay for LPN's is so low, that I will make almost 2x that waiting tables, so I'll probably stick with that since I'm a single mom and have to have a steady income. You can find jobs that pay well (think prisons :wink2:) but they come with their own problems. So, I think there are just so many factors to consider, that only you can know what's best for you.

The other disadvantage I am finding to the LPN to RN programs is that the LPN program is a full 12mo, 5 days a week vs. 1 yr of nursing school is just two school semesters, kwim?

April..I think your point about the full 12 month 5 days week is valid. The RN is really only 4 semesters and summers off. I am taking phlebotomy training now and will have that as a part-time job. Kids are grown, divorced, and I have only myself to worry about now. The concern comes in that I have 2 apps to RN programs and in my area it is GPA based. I am fortunate to have great grades as I have past science education. So I feel I will be accepted soon. I did just take the C-net for VN and got in the 99th percentile and am asked to go through remainder of process for VN this month. Don't want to start entire VN process with references, transcripts, interviews etc if I am not going that route so feel pressured to decide now. Thanks for your input.

If you have a very good chance of getting into an ADN or BSN program at roughly the same time as an LVN program it'd be prudent to just become an RN and skip the LVN program. Doing the LVN program first will slightly retard your progress in becoming an RN, and LVN/LPN pay isn't all that much more than one can make working other jobs.