Just asking......

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2007

If you have the extra time on your hands, go directly for your RN licensure.

Here's my reasoning. I'm an LVN who has been at it for less than 2 years, and I have most of my prereqs completed for an RN program in my area. However, I know many others who have been LVNs for many years, and while they have been planning to pursue their RN licensure for a very long time, life always seems to get in the way of their dreams. Circumstances such as children, daycare arrangements, the need to earn overtime money, marriage, unsupportive spouses, death, divorce, relocation, illness, and general life changes may occur at any moment in your life. Hence, I suggest that you pursue your RN if you have the time to accomplish the feat.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 15, 2007

There are several things I would look at if I were trying to make a choice to attend school for the RN versus LPN.

1. How many schools are in your area

2. how competitive are they

3. What is the job market like for the LPN versus the RN

4. Are they looking for high GPAs (this actually links to the competitiveness)

And finally, ask friends who are both, LPNs and RNs and see how they are feeling. Many LPNs feel totally unappreciated because they are doing similar jobs (and sometimes performing them even better than the RNs), but are not getting credit for their efforts. Most areas (at least from what I read here in allnurses) are limiting LPNs to long term care, home care and clinics. At times, because it may be an LPN that is making a statement, it is not taken as seriously, and such. Plus, most are overworked and not seeing the fruits of their labor financially or otherwise. Best of luck with your choices!