lpn first ?

MursingMale · Aug 18, 2008

As an LPN I usually tell everyone to just go for their RN if that is your ultimate goal. In fact the only LPN program that I encourage people to attend is the 68WM6 program that the army has, because at least it is free. In the long term you will be spending less for classes and books, not to mention time by just attending the RN program. Many of the prerequisites are the same, or very similar... so if you are already doing that stuff why not just go the rest of the way? You have to remember that RN programs are designed for people that have ZERO previous nursing/medical experience (though at times it may not seem like this) and so while you may have a "leg up" I do not feel that this is really necessary. Also, by enrolling in an LPN program to begin with you also run the risk of failing out of the program and if this occurs you may as well have burned the money that you sent into your program... at least then you would have had a pretty bonfire in the back yard to look at. Finally, as an LPN you are dealing with almost the exact same stressors that an RN is dealing with on a day to day basis while earning 1/3 to 1/2 of the pay.

bobs201 · Aug 18, 2008

As an LPN I usually tell everyone to just go for their RN if that is your ultimate goal. In fact the only LPN program that I encourage people to attend is the 68WM6 program that the army has, because at least it is free. In the long term you will be spending less for classes and books, not to mention time by just attending the RN program. Many of the prerequisites are the same, or very similar... so if you are already doing that stuff why not just go the rest of the way? You have to remember that RN programs are designed for people that have ZERO previous nursing/medical experience (though at times it may not seem like this) and so while you may have a "leg up" I do not feel that this is really necessary. Also, by enrolling in an LPN program to begin with you also run the risk of failing out of the program and if this occurs you may as well have burned the money that you sent into your program... at least then you would have had a pretty bonfire in the back yard to look at. Finally, as an LPN you are dealing with almost the exact same stressors that an RN is dealing with on a day to day basis while earning 1/3 to 1/2 of the pay.

I've just finished LPN school and I totally disagree, going the lpn route 1st places you at advantage in many different ways when finishing your RN: 1st of all you will be a nurse already, you will have some experience, you will have priority of admissions at most RN programs, you will have an early opportunity as you said to explore the field of nursing and you will start as a senior RN student when you continue school and the roughest part of the program will be behind you (in most cases). Where im from there is only about $6 difference in pay (but who cares when you're doing something you love). Also, when you're finished your RN you wont be treated as a new nurse (whom also experiences low pay).

I've personaly seen lots of people skip LPN for RN and fail out or quit in there last semester where they could have already been a NURSE. After seeing this, i've decided to take steps towards my ultimate success. I hope this helps.

amjowens · Aug 19, 2008

It really depends. If you just want to be working as a nurse, get your RN. In my area, and in many parts of the country, it's very unlikely you'll be able to get a hospital job as a LPN. In NW OH, there's really no need to apply at the hospitals, as most don't even consider LPN applicants. Definitely check out what's happening in your area.

If you want to get out working asap, and are willing to go on to RN school after your LPN, go ahead with the LPN program. Just make sure not to let yourself get depleted (financially or emotionally) by the LPN program.

I'll finish my LPN program (I hope!) in Dec., and am starting a RN program (a regular ADN) the next month. For me, this is best because I want to get out and gain experience and money working as a nurse, even if it means I'll likely be working at a nursing home until I earn my RN. My program only costs around $5000, so it's not like I'm paying the near-salary of an LPN for a year a classes. I'm having to devote a LOT more time and effort than I ever imagined, though. The upside, I'll have a lot of the basic, consuming stuff (pharm, med-surg, etc.) down when I'm in RN school.

Try to gather as much about facts regarding your potential schools, your goals, and your personal life demands. What works for one person can be a completely bad thing for another. It's one of those life decision things, and difficult, but things have a way of working out. Wish you the best!

litebrightgirl · Aug 19, 2008

I was in your same situation...trying to decide what to do and with a husband and two kids. I decided to go the LPN route for several different reasons. The first being I wanted to have a career in a short amount of time. I currently work in a hospital and can work in the SNF associated with the hospital. I will do that and get tuition reimbursement to pay for my future schooling. I also did LPN because I don't know what direction to go in after school...RN, PA, NP, MD??? Who knows. By doing LPN, I can narrow down my options without having invested so much time and changing my mind in the end. I respect nurses and want to be in the community so I chose the fastest route for me, which is LPN.:heartbeat

Lamie · Aug 19, 2008

I decided to go the LPN-first route for many reasons:

- No ridiculous wait times, no scores of applicants to compete with for the few openings most RN programs have, and not a huge number of pre-reqs and other stipulations to get into the LPN program (this may not apply to all LPN programs, but thankfully does for mine)

- My LPN program only takes 11 months vs. two years for an RN program. I can't afford to go to school for two years straight, I need to make money sooner than that. As an LPN, I'll be able to work flexible hours, make money, get experience while bridging over to RN It is MUCH easier to get into an RN program if you have an LPN license. It can even be done online!

- If I decide nursing isn't for me while in the program, I will only have "wasted" a few months of my life for a few pre-reqs vs. two years of pre-reqs for RN.

Bottom line: I'd rather get busy becoming a nurse in an LPN program than hoping and praying to get into an RN program. I would be devastated if I had worked hard for years to satisfy all the RN application conditions and then be turned down. Simply cannot afford to do this, especially at my age.

butterfly135 · Aug 19, 2008

I decided to go the LPN-first route for many reasons:
- No ridiculous wait times, no scores of applicants to compete with for the few openings most RN programs have, and not a huge number of pre-reqs and other stipulations to get into the LPN program (this may not apply to all LPN programs, but thankfully does for mine)
- My LPN program only takes 11 months vs. two years for an RN program. I can't afford to go to school for two years straight, I need to make money sooner than that. As an LPN, I'll be able to work flexible hours, make money, get experience while bridging over to RN It is MUCH easier to get into an RN program if you have an LPN license. It can even be done online!
- If I decide nursing isn't for me while in the program, I will only have "wasted" a few months of my life for a few pre-reqs vs. two years of pre-reqs for RN.
Bottom line: I'd rather get busy becoming a nurse in an LPN program than hoping and praying to get into an RN program. I would be devastated if I had worked hard for years to satisfy all the RN application conditions and then be turned down. Simply cannot afford to do this, especially at my age.[/q
this is exactly what i was thinking!! thanks everyone for the advice i definitely think my mind is made up i am going to call the tech school here about there lpn program. anyone here from kansas??? butterfly

linda215 · Aug 19, 2008

I totall agree with Lamie, and Butterfly I feel your pain, I am in a similar situation, Im a single mom trying my best with 2 little hummingbirds aged 2 in Oct and 3 in Oct, and I need a change including more money NOW! I live in PA close to Philly and all the programs ( the accreditted one) have like a 2 year wait list and have a gang of core classes by completing my LPN I will be closer to my dream of entering a ADN or BSN program.

IndianaFutureNurse · Aug 19, 2008

I totally agree with everyone with picking LPN program first! I got accepted yesterday into a 15 month program. I also have 4 kids at the age; 10,9,9,8! I am also taking steps to becoming a nurse for example:

1996-1999- I worked as a CNA

2001-now- I worked as a Medical Assistant

Next, is LPN school, then RN school. Good luck with your family and your choice!

cancergirl24 · Aug 20, 2008

Hi! I actually was in the exact same boat as you:D I was a hairstylist for 6 yrs. with a husband and a 2 yr old. My suggestion: if your not sure about the Nursing field, is to take a CNA course first(this is what I did) Its only about a month or so and it really introduces you to the medical field with hands on experience. My teacher was an RN so I asked her a bunch of questions about Nursing and she really took me under her wing. After that course I realized that nursing was my calling:nurse: My ultimate goal is to be an RN but due to financial stuff Im doing the LVN route first and then the RN bridge program. That route would be good for you if you want to work as a nurse(with nurse pay) while working toward your RN, which is about another year after LVN. Thats just my :twocents: . Good Luck with whatever you choose!

picurn10 · Aug 21, 2008

For me LPN to RN makes the most sense. In my area you have to have 100% of your pre-rec's completed BEFORE APPLYING to the RN programs, but you can apply for the LPN to RN without everything done. So, that means that this past spring, I couldn't yet apply to RN school (I would have had to wait a minimum of 6 more months) vs. applying to LPN, getting started on my nursing degree, and keep moving forward. This way I will take one pre-req class this Fall, apply for RN-LPN bridge in March, take my final pre-req over the summer and start straight into my RN program in August :yeah:

One of the big factors to me was timing: I'm a single mom and just simply can't afford to be broke anymore :banghead: The faster I get my RN done, the faster we can move on in life (rather than living paycheck to paycheck)

Not only that, if something were to happen: an illness, death in the family, financial pressures etc... I'll be employable as an LPN in less than a year :up: I can work as an LPN while in RN school, so my ds and I will have health benefits and I'll have the added advantage of the extra time working with pts.

In my area, almost all of the hospitals hire LPN's, and will pay you to get your RN. So, rather than having to rely on loans, I will be able to have the hospital pay for it :up:

On top of that, LPN-RN bridge is pretty much a sure thing in my area. I've been told that from my LPN school 100% of graduates who apply to a bridging program got in :up: The pre-req's are less, there is far less competition, so to me it just makes sense.

Those reasons were good enough for me! I don't think I'd be happy as an LPN long-term, especially because they're being pushed out of the hospital setting, but in a worst-case scenario I'd be happy being an LPN for several years if I had to.

In my area the ADN advisors will often tell student to start on their LPN, rather than wait when they just have one or two classes left.

cancergirl24 · Aug 22, 2008

Hi April&EM...I appreciate your reply:rolleyes: If you dont mind, could you tell me what area your in(Im in Arkansas..right now) and could you tell me the diff. about the pre-reqs RN vs. LPN??The only pre req to applying for LPN school was A&P,and some math class,which I got A's in both! Pretty amazing considering Im working and a mom of a (very energetic)2yr old boy. Did you have to take the TEAS test? :nurse:

For me LPN to RN makes the most sense. In my area you have to have 100% of your pre-rec's completed BEFORE APPLYING to the RN programs, but you can apply for the LPN to RN without everything done. So, that means that this past spring, I couldn't yet apply to RN school (I would have had to wait a minimum of 6 more months) vs. applying to LPN, getting started on my nursing degree, and keep moving forward. This way I will take one pre-req class this Fall, apply for RN-LPN bridge in March, take my final pre-req over the summer and start straight into my RN program in August
One of the big factors to me was timing: I'm a single mom and just simply can't afford to be broke anymore The faster I get my RN done, the faster we can move on in life (rather than living paycheck to paycheck)
Not only that, if something were to happen: an illness, death in the family, financial pressures etc... I'll be employable as an LPN in less than a year I can work as an LPN while in RN school, so my ds and I will have health benefits and I'll have the added advantage of the extra time working with pts.
In my area, almost all of the hospitals hire LPN's, and will pay you to get your RN. So, rather than having to rely on loans, I will be able to have the hospital pay for it
On top of that, LPN-RN bridge is pretty much a sure thing in my area. I've been told that from my LPN school 100% of graduates who apply to a bridging program got in The pre-req's are less, there is far less competition, so to me it just makes sense.
Those reasons were good enough for me! I don't think I'd be happy as an LPN long-term, especially because they're being pushed out of the hospital setting, but in a worst-case scenario I'd be happy being an LPN for several years if I had to.
In my area the ADN advisors will often tell student to start on their LPN, rather than wait when they just have one or two classes left.