Would it be silly to get an LPN when I already have a BS?

picurn10 · Feb 24, 2008

I basically have the same plan as you. I'm applying to traditional BSN and ADN (the accelerated was not fesable with a 3yr old as a single mom) and if I don't get in, then I'm going to go with the LPN route. In my area, even the CC level programs are fiercely competitive so that's not even just a given that you can get in there. The advantage of LPN to RN though is that in my area it takes 12mo to get your LPN, and then 2 semesters to get your RN, but as an LPN, you are almost garunteed a spot at the CC level. Then there are several private schools in the area who will fast-track you through the RN-BSN program in 9mo, one day a week :up: So, I think that will give me a big advantage. Also, depending on your area even the LPN programs are competitive. In my area, at one tech school, they have just the same req's at the CC's and they rank you based on which classes you've had, etc... I can't imagine you could get in if you hadn't already had some college, and a good gpa at that!

I do think the LPN route has it's advantages. While not my first choice, it will give me the option to work as a nurse while in RN school which I see as a huge advantage over my classmates. I'm a bit nervous about actual pt. care, so I think the LPN route will help me to have the confidence I need to have as a nurse :up:

Good luck to you! You aren't alone and nursing is one of those fields now where lots and lots of people are leaving careers with other higer education, to become a nurses.

caliotter3 · Feb 24, 2008

I already had a BS degree and applied to a BSN program. During the program I got an LVN license and am glad that I did so because life circumstances got in the way and I was not able to complete the BSN program. I am currently earning my living as an LVN and making efforts to get the RN. I would try to get into a BSN program if possible, or an ASN program, that allows you to take the LPN exam along the way. This may come in handy if you encounter circumstances like I did. I would be working as a CNA now if I had not obtained my license, so I didn't leave nursing school with absulutely nothing but paid tuition bills. Urge you to get into a program that has this advantage. You never know when you may need it. Good luck with your schooling.

DebanamRN, MSN, RN · Feb 24, 2008

Honestly, it really depends on your circumstances. I waited so long to get into the RN program, I completed my LPN and worked for a year as an LPN before getting in. Also, the LPN program I attended is much better than the RN program I attend now. So many of my fellow students are lost. At least I can make ok money and work in my profession prior to becomming an RN. Also, I've seen people with Master's Degrees become LPN's. It all depends on your individual situation. If it takes so long to get in and you have time to get your LPN, go for it. If you can get right in for your BSN, go for that. Lots of girls I attended LPN school with had BA's and no jobs, and stated the lack of work in their area of degree as reason for becomming an LPN.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Feb 27, 2008

I have a BA and I just graduated from LPN school in Dec. For me it was all about the pre-reqs; it would have taken me a few years to complete them. Luckily the program I did my LPN at had us do the pre-reqs and the LPN at the same time. It killed two birds with one stone...my pre-reqs are finished and I also have a certificate that allows me to make money while I pursue my RN.

FigNewton · Mar 2, 2008

Congrat Falon! I also just graduated with my LPN in Dec. and am currently working as an LPN. I have my master's in business with a bachelor's in Finance and had worked in Finance for almost 20 years prior to going to nursing school. I was so sick of hating my job! I first obtained my LNA because I wanted to make sure healthcare was for me, took a HUGE pay cut and worked as an LNA for about a year and a half prior to starting school for my LPN. I applied to a direct entry master's in nursing program for people with a BA and no prior degree in the healthcare field. I was accepted, but got very nervous and did not accept entrance into the program. Instead, I decided to go the slow route and get my LPN first. Interestingly, one of my instructors was also an instructor in the UNH master's program, so she was able to give me a realistic view of the accelerated program. Looking back, I now think I could have done it, but starting out I did not want to set myself up for failure. I think that it is a very individual choice that you have to make. Personally, I am happy with where I am right now. I don't regret my choice. Most days, I feel like I am a capable new nurse. Other days..... :bugeyes:

jelorde37 · Mar 5, 2008

the cc i go to requires that a person has a 2.5 gpa min in all college coursework... and thats at community college level. i would say go for your bsn or go msn/np(before 2015) if your gpa permits but if not, then it wouldnt hurt to get your feet wet with your lvn.

bubbley1021 · Mar 5, 2008

I could have written this post! I too have a previous Bachelors degree and have been looking into accelerated BSN programs due to the ridiculous wait lists for RN programs. However I too am RIGHT on the fence and just barely meet the minimum GPA required to even be considered. Also I do not really have that many of the pre-reqs and gen eds since I was not a science related major in college so even if I got into a program it would still take me about 3 years to finish. In addition, I am having a baby any day now and also have student loan debt that I need to think about when planning finances and going back to school. So for me, getting into an LPN program (I'll be be finished in Nov 2009) and being able to earn a decent income as an LPN while finishing my RN, is the way to go. and will only take me about 1 1/2 years longer than trying to do a very intense and difficult BSN program, and will take about the same amount of time to finish as getting on a waitlist for an RN program and waiting to get into and finish that!

another thing to consider/look into is MSN programs for RNs who hold non-nursing Bachelors degrees- I am finding many of these in MI and I'm sure they exist all over... basically if you do the LPN-RN route and decide further down the road that you want to go for your Masters, you will have options for doing that since you already hold a BS, even though it's not in nursing. and it seems to me that the MSN is where the real career advancement comes in!

best of luck w/your decision.. I don't think there is any one "right" way to go except what's right for you and your situation