LPN or RN - NOT a challenge, just a question!

[ashemson]

I have once again run into a problem with my school. I am supposed to attend a community college this fall to take a couple of prereq's I have left before applying to an RN program at my university. Well, once again the CC completely gave me misleading info regarding about my financial aid, and basically it isn't going to pay for much at all, and because I attended college years ago, I am not eligible for loans at this CC.

Anyway, because I have three children, and need the money, I can't afford to quit working and go to school days at the university just yet.

My question, since I only have 5 prereq's before being eligible for RN program, should I just plug along and go that route, or go to the LPN school at a vo-tech school about 2 miles away from my house, then later bridge over? I honestly have no idea of the differences between LPN and RN. I guess I would like to hear from the ones that have gone this route, and if they recommend it. It just seems so silly to go the LPN route, when I only have 2 more semesters until I can apply to RN. But financially, I could get the LPN and work while going to RN, right?

Sorry I rambled so long, I just thought I had everything worked out, but today when I got the letter about the financial aid, it just blew me away.

Thanks for listening....I am beginning to think I just need to forget this....

[Motivated, SN]

If you aren't able to go for RN now, but are able to go for LPN you should. You will still be a licensed nurse and it will be sooner. If you don't go for LPN what will you be doing? I was faced with a similar situation in the fact that I started my pre-reqs in 2000 and then stopped. My school has a waiting list, so I thought I would have to wait to get back into the program for RN. I was going to go the LPN route, then LPN-RN for the above reasons. I lucked out though and don't have to be on the waiting list, so will be going for RN. But like I said, you'll still be a licensed nurse in a yr.

[Padawan-Nurse]

Most of the LPN that I know are always looking to go back, but rarely do they. This is due to the "golden Handcuffs" theory. The theory states that once make a set amount of money that is beyond your current standing that you are locked into that because you cannot go beyond that set amount. I know that going and having a family is tough, but the RN is worth the pain. Once you are an RN, the road is more open, with an LPN you are always looking for that title. I think that you need to due what is best for your life and family, but if all the odds are even, go get the RN. May the Force be With You...

[mrshoskins]

The good thing is once you are an LPN you can do LPN to RN online if it fits your lifestyle better; whatever you feel is best for you, go for it

[nekozuki, LPN]

Go for the RN route! I'm kicking myself that I didn't! It only seems like a faster route, in the end, you will be getting half the pay for the same work and really, really stuck! Also, your LPN experience is not factored in to many employers, and you will be a "new grad" regardless of your experience.

[dordine]

I think you need to find out before making the final decision.