[mammaoftwo]

Hi everyone, I am 54 years of age and have two sons 5 & 8 and a single parent. My brother lives with me and helps with my boys. I have already taken CNA training and passed the state exam in October 2006. I have my health providers CPR training. My dillema is becoming an LPN vs becoming an RN. I am already registered for school for this coming year (Spring - Jan 2007) I have been told by numerous RN friends that I should not go the LPN route due to the difference of pay for LPNs vs. RNs. I can complete the LPN program the end of 2008 and if I even get accepted into the RN program (which the next starting one I could even qualify for would be the Fall of 2008) and finish up the Spring of 2010. I am really thinking of my age and what benefits an RN has over LPN. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, if I am going for the RN, I will have to go and drop the classes I was taking to try to get into the LPN program and register at another campus on 1/2/07. HELP

[Suesquatch]

Take the path you're on.

Relax.

I'm 53. Started school at 52. Passed the NCLEX-PN in June. Hope to take the NCLEX-RN this June.

One foot in front of the other....

[Jules A]

I agree with one foot in front of the other. In my area LPNs make almost twice as much as CNAs so that in itself would be a good raise while you continue on for your RN. Best wishes, Jules

[TheCommuter]

Continue with your current plan and disregard what your friends tell you. I am an LVN who has earned $46,000 to date, and the year is not even over yet. The pay rates are not too shabby depending on which city, state, and type of facility.

[Tweety]

The pay rates here are $200-300/week more for the RN new grad, definately worth it. There are little job opportunities in hospitals for new grad LPNs here, but the rule the LTC's with plenty of opportunities and more money.

You can always get your LPN now, then go LPN to RN if you want to do that. Just remember 2010 is going to arrive anywhere. What would you like to be doing then? Just depends on what you want to do with your remaining working career.

[luv4nursing]

Originally Posted by Tweety

The pay rates here are $200-300/week more for the RN new grad, definately worth it. There are little job opportunities in hospitals for new grad LPNs here, but the rule the LTC's with plenty of opportunities and more money.

You can always get your LPN now, then go LPN to RN if you want to do that. Just remember 2010 is going to arrive anywhere. What would you like to be doing then? Just depends on what you want to do with your remaining working career.

I agree with Tweety. Im an LPN and Im getting ready to start the LPN to RN bridge program in a couple of weeks. I have no regrets from getting my LPN, as a matter of fact it was the biggest step Ive taken to improve my future to date. I more than doubled my previous income when I got my LPN. Im actually a little dissapointed to find the new grad RN rates arent much more than I make now (and Ive only been an LPN for a year)....but Im still all for it since it will open up more doors for me.

Good luck in whatever you decide. LPN and then RN is the same 2 years as going straight for your RN. At least with your LPN in 1 year you have something to show for your work, and u have the choice whether to continue on or not. It has also been a blessing for me that Ive been able to work and make a decent living and will be able to continue to work as an LPN while I finish my RN. RN school wont be as stressful as LPN school was, because during LPN school I was making $8/hr part time at Starbucks....talk about struggling. I couldnt have done that for two years. Now I wont be so financially stressed during the school year. Plus I work in home health so during all the down time I get to study. Cant beat that with a stick!

[delee99]

I am 48 and just about done with my RN. I started when I was 45, I have been An LPN for 1 1/2 years. I have worked full time and went to school full time. I need to work full time to take care of the Health insurance.

I have not regretted going back to school.... My motto is Keep your head down and your eye on the ball.

[mammaoftwo]

Many thanks for all the responses. I have decided to go ahead with the LPN program like I was planning on doing. I am going ahead and taking three classes in the Spring semester that is part of the LPN that you can take with "officially" being admitted. I will go ahead and send my application packet in February (deadline for the Fall classes is 3/1/07) and pray I am accepted.

[Suesquatch]

Good luck!

[luv4nursing]

Originally Posted by mammaoftwo

Many thanks for all the responses. I have decided to go ahead with the LPN program like I was planning on doing. I am going ahead and taking three classes in the Spring semester that is part of the LPN that you can take with "officially" being admitted. I will go ahead and send my application packet in February (deadline for the Fall classes is 3/1/07) and pray I am accepted.

Good luck! And I strongly suggest sending in the application NOW or ASAP bc many times the date of application is taken into consideration. Take care and keep us posted!