[Ms Kylee]

When I was interviewed for my job, the HR Dept. told me "You WILL go on for your RN". I'm 7 months in to my LPN program, with 16 more to go (part time program). They've been pushing me to make a decision as to which RN school I will attend.

I love the idea of diploma school since you get more clinical experience, but if I do that, will I be forced to go on for a BSN? Or is BSN the best way to go?

I really am confused and don't seem to know the advantages/disadvantages of both. I do know that I do not want to get into any type of management position or work in Critical Care.

Thanking all in advance for their experiences/suggestions/opinions.

[earle58]

i graduated from a diploma school, and wouldn't have it any other way.
my training was truly superior.
upon starting a new job as an rn, i was able to hit the ground running with relatively few fall-outs.

with that said, if i were starting school today, i would definitely go directly for the bsn.
believe me, you will be much more marketable upon graduating.
there's a trend throughout the country, that is desiring bsn grads.
and this trend will not reverse.
go for it, and do not look back.
you'll be very happy you did.

best of everything.

leslie

[cc_nurse]

Your BSN will open more doors for you in the long run. My opinion is that its always best to get the most education possible, it will never hurt. Good luck :-)

[suzy253]

I'm a proud diploma grad as well and as Leslie said, the training is truly superior. I started nursing school later in life (age 50!) and I don't have interest in advancing to a BSN or to management so I'm happy and satisfied right where I am.

Good luck to you.

[Tracylvn]

I went to a diploma program for LVN. I will go to CC for RN so that will bee my ADN and then go on for my BSN. I know that this will all take time and alot longer but I am not in the situation where I can for right for the BSN, unless they offer it at the CC but I dont think so. All this confuses me.

What I don't understand is why are they pressuring you to about the RN school of you are not yet half way through LVn yet. Was is contingent apon your hire that you you would go on for RN? Even if it was you still have well over a YR. I know LVN school was not easy for me and dont think it is for most, so IMO they should not add to the stress by pushing putting more wieght on your sholder with this decision.

[Ms Kylee]

I don't know either. The nursing instructor on my floor is also the Director of Admissions, and she keeps asking me when I'm going to apply. I can do their LPN to RN program, which will take about a year. I'd like to move to California eventually, and I know they consider Diploma grads non degreed RN's, but not sure what that really means in terms of salary, boards, etc. I have a Bachelor's already (in a dead end field), so I'd really only need the prereqs, nursing core classes, and clinicals to finish. I keep weighing this.. more clincial time in Diploma School against more time and money for the BSN. I'm still kind of intimidated about the thought of RN school no matter which way I decide.

[EricEnfermero]

Moved the thread into the ADN/BSN/Diploma Forum. Good luck, Kylee.

[Tracylvn]

I live in CA Kylee not sure if the degree vs diploma comes into play unless you interested in managment. If I had the option I would do love to get hired to a facility that I could do the LVN to RN in yr, then I could get my BSN on my own. The problem is that only a few hosp still hire LVN's here, the county does but they want bi-lingual.There are alot of other opportunities for LVN's here but seems the hospitals go through these "fads" that they just want RN's until they are really short on them and thenthey will do mass hirings of LVN's.I have 2 friends that graduated with me that are already in the process of doing the LVN to RN through county.

[time4meRN]

I graduated from a Diploma program . I wouldn't do it anyother way if I were back in the 1980's, We were one semester short of a BSN program. We had all of the same course work on top of our clinicals. We had all of the necessary classes. We didn't take filler courses. We had one But, now days my advice to new nurse is different. You may as well go for the BSN. I think now days you'll be better off. Doesn't mean" better education " with a BSN, it just what is popular now. Give the system 15 years and things will be changed to some another "best way" . Good Luck !

[caliotter3]

It perplexes me why someone in HR is pressuring you about RN school when you haven't even finished your LPN program yet. Could it be that they are aware that in the near future, that employer is going RN only? Nothing else makes sense to me. For now, focus on finishing LPN school. One thing at a time. And when the time comes, you should strongly consider getting your BSN, even if you have to go the slow route. This is especially true, if you plan on moving to CA. You will notice that a high proportion of the job postings are for RNs, and further, RNs with BSNs. So do yourself a favor and get the BSN now, rather than later. Good luck to you.