not sure to go for lpn first or rn

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:confused: I am currently in school and almost finished with my associate of applied science degree. I will be a registered medical assistant after I complete my clinical extern and take my registry. I have read up on both the lpn and rn and am still not sure where to go next. My medical assistant is almost identical to a lpn except i cannot be IV cert. but we have all the front office experience. I am a single mom trying to get a good career started for my daughter and I and would like a little advice from some nurses who have been in for awhile. Thanks

sunnygirl272

839 Posts

go for the RN....more flexibility of choices for employment, more $$ also...and chances are, unless you are SUPERSUPER motivated, if you use the LPN as a stepping stone to RN...you will stall.....(i used lpn as a stepping stone...10 yrs later, i'm still and LPN..love my job, but wish i could turn the clock back...not motivated enough at this point to go back to school and tighten the pursestrings that much!!better to go right for the RN..you aren't far from it already...GOFORIT!!!

:nurse:

Melinda

alex121

3 Posts

Thanks for the advice. I had thought about that if I went for my lpn first.

susanmary

656 Posts

Go for your RN -- it will open more doors for you. Clearly, it is more schooling -- but look at the BIG PICTURE. You will have more options.

Sue

Debbie5

98 Posts

If you are planning to get your RN someday anyway, go straight for that. Now you have to decide if you want an ADN or BSN. Sounds like you may have most of the pre-reqs to go for your BSN. Get a hold of schools in your area that offer the BSN and tell them where you are taking your pre-reqs( to make sure they will transfer), and get an exact list of every course you need in order to enter their program. You may find that you only need one or two more classes. You may be closer than you think!

alex121

3 Posts

Thank you all for the advice.

Love-A-Nurse

3,932 Posts

Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

alex, welcome! no matter the route you take, i wish you all the best.

joenp

25 Posts

I agree with the rest, you should go for the RN, but the question now becomes, do you go for the ADN or go for the four year bachelor's degree. If you have family responsibilities, then the ADN would be the route for you. As an MA you can work while going to school for your RN, and when you complete your ADN, you can continue to work while getting your BSN, if this is what you want. I took the ADN to BSN to MSN route and I worked all thru my schooling. It was not easy, but it can be done. I think you have made an excellent career choice. Joe NP

VictoriaG

53 Posts

The LPN's at our hospital make almost $10/hour less than the RN's and are very limited in what they are allowed to do. They cannot give IV meds, work charge, start IV's, or take Dr's orders. About the only area where LPN's can work charge in this state is LTC, which pretty much limits your choices. LPN's cannot work L&D, critical care, surgery, and on and on. You've come this far, why not go all the way? At this point, an ADN should not take you much longer than LPN. Congratulations on your good work.

LIZZIE57

13 Posts

:) BEST TO GO FOR THE RN@THIS STAGE IN YOUR LIFE. IT SOUNDS AS IF YOUR BACKGROUND WILL BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE CLINICALS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED. THE L.P.N. IS A GREAT IDEA, BUT THEN ENTAILS "STARTING OVER" TO COMPLETE THE R.N. ALONG WITH ANOTHER STATE BOARD TO TAKE! GOOD LUCK!

mark_LD_RN

940 Posts

go for the rn if you can,you wont regret it.

Swiftee

66 Posts

Where I live, the prereq's for the ADN and BSN programs I am considering are almost exactly the same. Only difference is for the BSN I need a year of chemistry, a cultural anthropology class, and a sociology class. :rolleyes: It *should* only take me an extra year of school, so for me this sounds like the best plan. I'm going to apply to the ADN program at the same time as my BSN program just in case I don't get into the BSN program. (The school I want to go to for my BSN is very competitive.)

Do your homework and look online at the schools you are considering to find out what their requirements, tuition, timeline, and general program is like. Good luck!

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