Gain experience as LVN first or pursue RN first?

[sparkle530]

I'm a new LVN grad with no nursing work experience aside from school. I'm currently attending my local community college full-time to finish my RN prerequisites, and have not started working yet. I plan on working after my prerequisites are completed, while I wait to get into the RN program. Was it a wise idea to continue my education first and not work as an LVN to gain experience? I'm worried that I'll forget valuable clinical experience when I start working later.

[MonkeyRoo]

Hi. I just wanted to tell you that from personal experience, I would definitely work as an LPN before going into the RN program. Even if it is for a short while, you will gain experience. I'm an LPN, I've done most of the pre-req's for RN program, and I feel like I'm more prepared for the RN program with my work experience. Maybe you would consider LTC, just to do a shift on the weekends to gain a little work experience (which looks good on your application to the RN program). Good luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Some fast track LPN-to-RN programs require that the applicants have at least some LPN work experience prior to applying to their nursing programs. It would be wise to accrue some work experience as an LPN, even if it is part-time or limited in scope.

[Fiona59]

The bridge courses in my area require between 800 and 1200 hours as an LPN before they will look at your application whether or not you have completed the pre-reqs.

It's easier to get work as a new grad, than have to explain why you took two semesters off to go back to school.