[kristi1111]

I have been taking prerequisite courses at a local University to get into an R.N. program. Was thinking about possibly attending an LPN program first and then going on to get my R.N.

Wanted to know if there is anyone out there who has done this and if they were glad (or not) that they did this? Did you find that it was easier to get into R.N. school having your LPN first?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

[Perpetual Student]

I'm an LPN and will be starting an LPN to RN program in September. I would not have gotten accepted to an RN program without my LPN experience due to the fact that my grades are not perfect (though they're pretty darned good). Being an LPN (my first real job, actually) allowed me to work for the last year and a half making a lot more than I would've doing something else. I've got an awesome job, which I'll be able to continue at least part time while doing the LPN to RN program.

That all said, if you can get into an RN program instead, do it to avoid the hassle of multiple applications, transferring, etc.

[tashaLPN2006]

I did the LPN program first and will be attending RN school this fall. I could not have done it any other way since my hubby is in the service so having a choice in the matter was a moot point for me. My mother-in-law however also did the "baby step" approach by getting her LPN first. It gave her A LOT of extra clinical experiance since alot of LPN schoo is hands on, AND she was able to get into an LPN to RN transition program faster than if she would have waited on the waiting list (that was 2 yrs long) to get into the RN program. My MIL tells me all the time that i'm going to do great in the RN program due to my LPN experiance. But i guess it all comes down to whats good for YOU! If you';ve never had any real medical experiance then maybe "trying" out nuring by doing the LPN program would be good, if you like it and want to move on then there are MANY options (both traditional and distance learning) to get your RN whether it's an ASN or BSN...just my !

[nursinnola]

i have been an LPN for about 4 years and i am in excelsior college now to get my RN. i am really glad that i did this because now the RN courses are easier. but that is just my opinion. good luck!!

[Jules A]

I was very happy with my choice to do the LPN program first. All in all it was only a quick summer bridge program and 1 semester more but in the meantime I could work as a LPN. Plus I loved the security of having something under my belt as I worked toward my RN, we lost many students with nothing but their CNA in the 3rd and 4th semester.

[kmom]

I have been an LPN for 8 years. I went back to school and graduated with my ADN this year. I would highly recommend getting LPN/LVN 1st. Reason #1, you can make a pretty good salary while working part-time. Plus, being an LPN allowed me to breeze through the ADN program.

[ilovemypuppies]

Originally Posted by kristi1111

I have been taking prerequisite courses at a local University to get into an R.N. program. Was thinking about possibly attending an LPN program first and then going on to get my R.N.

Wanted to know if there is anyone out there who has done this and if they were glad (or not) that they did this? Did you find that it was easier to get into R.N. school having your LPN first?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Hey kristi1111 - When considering nursing school, my mom made the comment "Why don't you go to LPN school and then if you don't like it you only wasted 1 year instead of 4." Of course, she was joking.

I did go that route anyway and am so glad I did. I feel like it did me a world of good. I gained a lot of experience as an LPN that helped in class and clinicals. I was much less nervous when thinking about going into RN school, so LPN school took off some of that anxiety. It also let me earn nice paychecks while in RN school, and that's always great!!

It was definetly a good idea for me!

Feel free to pm with any questions. Anne, RNC

[kcochrane]

I did my LPN first since I had to get back into the workforce quickly. I've been an LPN for over 3 years. I just got accepted into the RN program after taking 2 1/2 years to get the preregs out of the way. I found A&P was easier and I've told that LPNs find the med/surg I class easier. I am glad I did it this way. I think I will have more confidence for school and when I eventually become a RN.

It is easier to get in my school with your RN if you have you core hard hitting classes done with at least a B. A LOT easier than a non LPN...they can wait up to a year to get in after getting all their prereqs. In most cases the LPNs get right in the next semester after their prereqs are done. I still have micro to do this summer and got in.

Good luck in whatever you do.