Is LVN a good choice

tabatab923 · Jan 6, 2011

I think LVN is good for people who can't get in to RN school (( because of waiting lists or just life)) It has been a stepping stone for me!!!

Getting To Great · Jan 6, 2011

Hello Want2BSN,

I totally understand where you’re coming from and also feel or have felt the same way too, BUT before I made a decision on which route I wanted to go, I first wanted to do some research on what ‘may’ work for ME before I made a choice. If and when you do some search on this forum, you will find a lot of controversy on topics about LPN verses ADN, ADN verses BSN and visa-versa. Remember to do what works for YOU! I also have a 4 year degree in Psychology, worked as a Social Worker and have a child; and I also have not completed much of my perquisites to even apply to an RN program and the Accelerated Option is not an option for that reason. So, I was thinking if I wanted to go back to school to complete the perquisites for nursing, then once I completed them with A’s (because Nursing school is VERY competitive) then I would take the required steps to get myself into one .

Anyway, this is what I can up with: If I enrolled into an LPN program, the courses that are incorporated in the program ‘some’ may go towards my perquisites for nursing (RN), then I will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, seek employment, gain experience, make money and hopefully find an employer to pay for me to complete my ADN or BSN. Also, there are some schools that offers LPN-RN route. I personally did not want to choose the BSN route for a few reasons such as, 1. How am I able to afford it since I would not be eligible for financial aid which means I would have to take loans out to finance the school; 2. I did not want to be in school only to complete the perquisites to get into a nursing program but rather do the LPN to have some of the course work completed, work, gain experience and PLUS I have a child; and 3. Once I do the LPN, I can work (to gain experience) and go to school (on-line or the traditional route) at the same time. I purposely repeated the words Work and Gain Experience because when seeking employment once you become an RN, these employers nowadays want you to come with Experience.

I may not have answered your question directly, but I hope from my examples that it gives you a since of what options are available to you. Good Luck and see you at the Top because the Bottom is just too crowed.

WANT2BSN · Jan 7, 2011

Thanks guys, Juniebug, without a doubt i do believe you studied psychology. Its like you gave me therapy and advice at the sametime. I read through and understand everything you explained. I too, would love for my employer to pay towards my education. The Lvn route is more favorable to me due to financial and logical reasons. By calculation, the lvn, bridging into rn and the Bsn might not even take up to 5years. Whatever the case, I gotta be courageous and make the bold step and get into school. I wish us all luck in all our plans, dreams and aspirations. Once again, thanks for giving such insightful advice. I live in Austin,tx by the way. God bless

Getting To Great · Jan 7, 2011

No problem, that’s what we’re here for. That route (LPN-ADN) will not take long a lot all, as soon as you complete the LPN program quickly enroll into a ADN school of your choice because the information you’ve learn will still be very fresh in your mind; and then take it from there. Good Luck. I live in New York.

Kateoh82 · Feb 1, 2011

Junie Bug great post! i agree with a lot of what you are saying as i have just been accepted into an LPN program. thanks so much for that.. it made me feel even better about the decision i made.

tjwillmakeit · Feb 1, 2011

Wow that was powerful and thanks for the advise Work and Gain Experience :hug:

MissMcCoy · Feb 4, 2011

Im in the same boat. I have 2 children under the age of 6 and the university that offers the BSN program is 2 hrs away. We can't just pick up and move. I have so much upgrading to do for the BSN (9 courses)

So Im going to do the 3 courses + 2 Anatomy courses that I need for entrance into the LPN Program where its all pretty much on my terms. Then finish upgrading as Im working as an LPN and finaly go back to school for my RN once my children are grown.

Its not what I WANT to do, however it is the best choice for my family. :)

Good luck to you

BlessedSweetie · Feb 5, 2011

Greetings WANT2BSN,

I have to thank you for posting your question as I too have been pondering the LVN route. Like yourself I also want a BSN. I am halfway through my prereq's so I have been contemplating if the LVN route would be the better way to go. I completely agree with Junie Bug 2001 in the sense that it would be perfect to start working and gain experience. Junie is correct that employers want you to have experience.

However, I have to say that each person's situation is different and there are things that should be considered before making the ultimate decision. I presently am single and have no kids. I just moved back home with my family. For me, I have no responsibilities but myself. That makes me the perfect candidate to go straight for my BSN.

But despite my current situation my choice to pursue the BSN is because it is more beneficial in the long run. I have friends who have children who have taken the LVN road because its faster. But like the fable with the Tortoise and the Hare faster is not always better. The cost for them to get there LVN license is 26-31K. If they choose to bridge they are looking at an additional 23-25K. THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY.

The road they have chosen wouldn't be so bad if 1) there was guaranteed job security. Here in Dallas the LVN market is over saturated so job opportunities are far to come by. Hospitals do not hire LVN's and the places that do require experience (like Junie Bug 2001 stated). 2) The coursework that is obtained from the LVN program does not count toward the BSN. If and when they decide to bridge to ADN and if they decide do it through the private (for profit) school none of that course work will count (neither LVN or ADN). If they choose to bridge through a community college program they will still have to take the required prereq's.

So to me the LVN road is not worth it if you are utimately seeking a BSN. I would only suggest getting your LVN through a community college that way your cousework will transfer all the way through. If you do your LVN program through a private (for profit) school, they are usually 25K give or take in tution, make sure your coursework transfers. If not you will have invested 1 year of school and 25K in student loans with or possibly without the guarantee of getting a job.

At best both friends will be able to get their ADN at their current school. However by the time they complete their prereq's for their BSN they will added extra years and accumlated more debt in having to retake classes that did not transfer over. I am telling you this because I understand your question. I wish I could tell my friends what I told you. When they ask me if I am going to their school I politely say no. When I ask them are they happy with their LVN program they say yes.

So my advice to you is to RESEARCH EVERYTHING! Assume right now you just graduated from an LVN program. Look at the jobs you could get today and what the requirements would be. We know that it will change but look at what it currently is so you can have an idea. Also, look at whether or not your coursework will transfer. The private (for profit) schools are easy to get in but aren't always transferable. And finally, if a BSN is your ultimate goal look at what is needed to get there. Stay focused and don't get distracted by what "seems good". Make sure it IS good :) .