Am I rushing? Thinking LPN instead of RN

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  1. This is a discussion on Am I rushing? Thinking LPN instead of RN in Pre-Nursing Student, part of Nursing Student ... After this summer semester, I'll be eligible to apply for the lpn program. I would start fall 13...

    by Jul 5, '12
    After this summer semester, I'll be eligible to apply for the lpn program. I would start fall 13 and finish summer 14. I can apply for the rn program spring 13 and start probably spring 14. I would finish spring 16..I know nursing is a long process.

    My ultimate goal is to be an rn and work in a hospital. I have a daughter though, and would like to start my career sooner. If I do lpn, she'll be 3 when I finish. If I do rn, she'll be 5, starting kindergarten. I just don't want to miss out on too much of her toddler years. I just don't know what to do. Also, everyone is telling me to go straight for my rn. I want to start working as soon as possible though. I'm doing a cna course also so I can work and get some experience. What would you do in my situation? Go for lpn, or go straight for the rn?
    Last edit by Joe V on Jul 5, '12 : Reason: spacing
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    by hopefullyfuturenurse Jul 5, '12 8:54 am
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  3. 23 Comments so far...

  4. Jul 5, '12 by
    If you cannot move, you MUST scope the area if there are actually LPN jobs (read: ... almost guaranteed) available in your area, otherwise your education is going to be a waste and if you do get a LPN job it could take a year as it is ...

    Same for your ASN. Think hard, ... the economy still has no foreseeable recovery ... especially with elections coming up. Do some research about your area ....
    sauconyrunner likes this.
  5. Jul 5, '12 by
    I would go for my RN... thats what I am going to do an that is advice I have gotten from people that are LPNs right now they would rather have just gone for their RN
  6. Jul 5, '12 by
    How do I find out what the job market is like here? I live in cleveland, oh. I don't know any nurses. Do I just do job searches online?
  7. Jul 5, '12 by
    If you want to work in a metro hospital, they are likely going to require a BSN, or at least an ASN. Job searches should show you.
  8. Jul 5, '12 by
    I would be patient and go for your RN. If you went for your LPN, you wouldn't be able to work as an LPN and go to school as an RN at the same time. I also agree with what everyone said above, LPN jobs are harder and harder to come by.
  9. Jul 5, '12 by
    Agree with everyone else. Just wait to apply for the RN program.
  10. Asst. Admin
    Jul 5, '12 by
    Quote from ebailey1218
    I would be patient and go for your RN. If you went for your LPN, you wouldn't be able to work as an LPN and go to school as an RN at the same time.
    This is not accurate. I was an LPN who worked full-time while attending an RN completion program. In fact, I earned nearly $50,000 during the year that I attended the RN program, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at.

    Everyone in my RN completion program was an LPN. The vast majority worked at least part-time, and most worked full time. It is a myth that a person cannot work while attending school.
    azcna, Wild Irish LPN, FutureLPN2013, and 1 other like this.
  11. Jul 5, '12 by
    Quote from TheCommuter
    This is not accurate. I was an LPN who worked full-time while attending an RN completion program. In fact, I earned nearly $50,000 during the year that I attended the RN program, which is certainly nothing to sneeze at.Everyone in my RN completion program was an LPN. The vast majority worked at least part-time, and most worked full time. It is a myth that a person cannot work while attending school.
    I also thought the same, because I see many people here say that they do both. I have also been reading your articles about lpn's and they have been very helpful and informative. I didn't think being a lpn was such a bad option for someone my age. Seems like everyone else thinks otherwise
  12. Asst. Admin
    Jul 5, '12 by
    Quote from hopefullyfuturenurse
    I didn't think being a lpn was such a bad option for someone my age. Seems like everyone else thinks otherwise
    Pay attention to the sources. Many of the people who advise you against becoming an LPN have never worked one single day as an LPN and are giving advice based on stuff they've heard.

    Now, keep in mind that I've been a nurse for 6.5 years (4 years as an LPN and 2 years as an RN) and have never worked in an acute care hospital. I never had the burning desire to work in the hospital, so I worked in LTC for 4 years and have spent the last 2 years in acute rehab.

    If you are fine working as an LPN in a setting outside a major hospital, then go for it. However, if your desire is to work in an acute care hospital, bypass the LPN and pursue the RN.
    sauconyrunner and Wild Irish LPN like this.