RN or LPN???

Jill1215 · Jun 3, 2004

Well, I have always thought that if you really do have the time and the extra funds for more education always opt for the more education. I mean an RN can do more than an LPN, a MSN can do more than an RN, you get my drift. If you have the opportunity to get more schooling it would never hurt you by doing so.

If you can do it in your life right now go for the RN!

Schooling is the one thing that you can never have too much of.

Jill

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2004

all things being equal I would go for the BSN as that will give you more opportunities in the future. LVN's at our facility make far less money than RN's.

**SKM-NURSIEPOOH, BSN, RN** · Jun 3, 2004

actually allow rn students to sit for the lpn license after completing their first year of their program. why not check with your sbon to see if that's an option for you? if it is, then i would suggest you go that route instead.

i too started-out as a lpn (four years) & decided to go the bsn route. i now wished that i'd done it that way (acquiring the lpn after finishing the first year rn)...but wasn't made aware of this option until the end of my junior year in the bsn program. i had went the long way & did the ten months of full-time lpn course, the prereqs at a community college, & then transfered to the bsn program. life would've been a lot easier had i only known about the other route.

anyhoo....good luck to you

cheers!

moe

Brenda-RN,BSN, WA. · Jun 3, 2004

Hi Trish. I did both. Became an LPN, then worked my way through the BSN program. I would recommend just going for the RN, if you can. There's a lot to think about, financial aspect, time for studying, time for family, time for yourself, and sleep! I like being an RN better because I am more autonomous. As an LPN, at least where I work, you always have an RN "buddy" who has to over look what you're doing. Some hospitals here don't let LPN's give IV meds., or hang blood. There are just many more opportunities as an RN. Of course RN's make more $, so that is always a plus. I hope this helps, and good luck.

I have some time to decide but I am torn on which one to go for, can I have some helpful advice please????
Trish
:rotfl:

ryaninmtv, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 3, 2004

I was an LPN for 13 years prior to becoming an RN. Decide what your goals are. The roles are very different. An LPN is a trained bedside nurse and a very necessary part of the nursing team. If bedside nursing is where you want to go, an LPN might be the place to start. RNs are also bedside nurses but also have a number of other routes they can take such as case management, advanced practice, and management. Also, the RN opens up a number of specialty fields of practice that might not be available to LPNs. Good Luck.

ryaninmtv, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 3, 2004

One other note- in Ohio, you have to be a graduate of an approved LPN school to take the LPN boards. No waiver for first year RN students.

trish820 · Jun 4, 2004

Thanks to everyone for your reply!!! I do believe that RN is the route for me to go. I am wanting to take the first year and get the pre req's out of the way and then do my nursing, I know it will take 3 years to do this but I feel that it would be a better way for me to go.

I would like to know what the difference in having your BSN is though? I have heard many of you talk about it and maybe if it is about the same amount of time maybe that is an option too????

Thanks alot!!!!!!!!!!

Trish :balloons:

Roozeyk · Jun 4, 2004

Go for the RN if at all possible, been an LPN for 24 years...kickin' myself for not going on earlier for my RN, now gotta try to make this brain of mine do it now. In my opinion, you become more financially stable with RN, if anything should happen that you become the sole provider for your family. Best of luck!!

jazzynurse7 · Jun 4, 2004

Hi Trish, I was an LPN for 8 yrs. and loved it, now I'm an RN and I really love it!. The LPN role is an entry level position if you were unsure about nursing this is a good place to start. The RN has more responsibility, and critical thinking skills. Plus they have more opportuinites and different areas you can specialize in and the pay is alot better. The BSN is a 4 year degree it gives you a Bachelor of Science in Nursing most supervisor,administrative, education, and case management positions require a BSN. Good Luck:)