Plan to go on to RN?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

What are your plans?

I worked as an LPN/LVN for approximately four years before completing a bridge program and earning the RN license in 2010. I pursued RN licensure because I wanted to earn more money for doing basically the same type of work.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

I initially planned to go straight into a BSN or RN program. I completed most of my prereqs while going through a bad divorce.

For financial reasons, I decided to apply to accelerated LVN programs so I could start earning decent money sooner.

As soon as I graduated from LVN school, I finished my last prereqs for the RN/BSN program while working as an LVN.

So, yes I will continue on to become an RN. That was always my goal.

However, I love my work as an LVN. But for me, I always planned to become an RN so that's what I'm going to do.

I have friends who only planned to become LVNs. That was their initial goal and I think that's fine, too.

My thinking is that, although LVNs make decent money in my area--low to mid $20's per hr, RNs make even more (mid $20's to high $30's to start) That's why I'm going to continue on.

Plus, since most of my prereqs were already done, I have no reason not to continue on.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

My plan was always to be an RN; I started on the PN path because I did not succeed in an ADN program-also once I got I to the program, I had misgivings about going to school for four years and not coming out with a bachelors degree; so I was at a crossroads.

I dusted myself off, completed and succeeded in a PN program and felt very successful as a LPN-my colleagues, including doctors were very respectful and trusted my knowledge and my judgement; however, I could not become certified in the specialties that I worked in, for that reason, I went back to school; I had competed an AA degree at the CC while I was in PN school as well, and all my credits transferred, and two years ago, I completed my BSN studies and have been working as an RN for two years.

Because of my vast experience, I have been considered for leadership positions; I have been considered for a leadership position at a Rehab facility. I eventually plan to work as a educator myself, so I hope to return to school in the best future for that, along with other plans to line me up for semi-retirement; but go now, I owe my current experience to my LPN experience and the ability to expand my current practice. :yes:

apnurserock · Jul 30, 2014

I started off as a LPN needless to say I still miss it because I mainly do paper work now.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 30, 2014

I've been an LVN for 4 years. I always planned on becoming an RN, but then life happened. I was applying & even got accepted into a bridge program but I was pregnant & had to put all of that on hold. My husband & I want one more child so we'll start trying again in 2-3 years. I don't know when I'll go back to school, it's tough because my husband works in the oil field & is gone 2 weeks at a time. But when our kids are older it will definitely be easier.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

I have always wanted to be a nurse. In my 5 year old head there was only 'nurse'. I had no idea of LPN or RN. I was a couple semesters away from graduating with my BSN right after high school. Long story short, life happened and I did not graduate. I never lost the desire to be a nurse. I worked in health care in some capasity my whole working life.

Flash forward..I was a couple months from 38 years old. The desire was as strong as it ever was to be a nurse. I went back to school and became an LPN. I've always wanted to work L&D or NICU/PICU. And while I loved being an LPN, I knew I could never work in any of those specialties as an LPN. Doing the LPN to RN route was much faster and easier to do than trying to get into the traditional RN programs so thats what i did (graduated at 44). Then I went back for my LPN to RN bridge program and graduated in May 2013. I am now back in school doing my RN to BSN.

FloatyFlowers · Jul 30, 2014

My plans are to begin work as soon as possible after obtaining my PN license, and then bridge to RN part-time while working. I want my RN, but I need to work as soon as possible so I went for LPN first.

shan409, ASN, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 30, 2014

I am starting my LPN program only because bridging is better than sitting on a waitlist for years (which I have already wasted on 2 different waitlist). I would like to work as an LPN while pursing my RN.

andreasmom02 · Jul 31, 2014

No, I used to want to be an RN. But after doing my clinicals in a hospital, and a lousy job in LTC & clinic nursing, I've began to think nursing isn't for me. As a matter of fact, I loathe it. I'm considering going in to medical coding or a different field. I really didn't like it in nursing school, but just thought that it was because I was a student, and it would get better. Guess I was wrong... some people just aren't cut out to be floor nurses. I'm a PRN healthscreener LPN right now. I'm 34.

Don't ever be embarrassed your an LPN. You worked hard for those letters. I think some people like to degrade others sometimes, for their own sense of power. Just let it bounce off of you. However, if you want to get your RN, it probably would be more money...

Cream and sugar LPN · Jul 31, 2014

I'm going the LPN route for now. I planned on getting my ADN but did not like my AP1 grade. I knew my only chance was the lottery. I've met people with a 3.6 GPA and are on their 3rd time trying to get in. I had a 3.4.. I didn't even try, the wait lists are miles long here.

Since there is an expiration on science classes I'm not planning on waiting. I do not want to retake all that science! As more time goes by I think at this point I should transfer what I have to a BSN program. I tallied all my credits up the other day and I have 62. Over the years I took a little bit of everything.

Does anyone know what the general education requirements are for a BSN? Off the top of my head I have algebra1, statistics, chem, Bio, micro English comp and Lit, intro to psych(lifespan, sexuality, child, abnormal). Intro to Sociology, social problems, political science, communications, anthropology..

Are any of these useful?

RedInScrubs, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2014

I worked as an LPN for about a year, but knew that I always wanted to finish my RN to expand my career. I got my RN, and am now working in a busy hospital setting rather than home health where I was. I wouldn't have done it any differently.

There is definitely s place for LPNs, and they definitely are valuable, but if you want upward mobility and flexibility with your career, then RN is the way to go. It sounds like you already know that, and it's just a matter of committing.