Get my adn or lpn? Newbie here

roser13, ASN, RN · Jan 2, 2017

1. No. An RN should work as an RN. An employer would likely be reluctant to hire an RN for an LPN position since that RN would likely bolt as soon as a suitable RN position is found. An RN technically could work as an LPN, but would be held to the higher standard of practice while earning LPN wages. (ADN's have been "phasing out" for at least 30 years now. Don't believe everything you hear.)

2. Of course you can go to school for your BSN without having your ADN. You do not "automatically" receive anything in nursing. You graduate with either an associates degree or bachelors degree. You then take the NCLEX-RN. Two degrees, same test, same license.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2017

If your goal is to be an RN, go straight to the ADN or BSN route.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 2, 2017

1. Would a RN with a ADN get jobs as a LPN before a "LPN" if I chose to go that route? Just so I am atleast able to work while trying to obtain my BSN? (as I hear ADN's are being phased away)

Nope. LPN and RN licenses are very different. If I were hiring for an LPN position, I would not accept an RN applicant. One, because as soon as someone with an RN license finds an RN position they're going to jump ship, and two, because there would be an issue with scope of practice vs. job description. As an RN, I'd also never accept a position below my highest level of licensure- even though I may be restricted by facility policy to a lower scope, the BON is going to hold me to the expectation of RN standards.

2. Can you get your BSN without getting your ADN 1st? Or do you automatically recieve that after 2 years of school?

The type of degree granted depends on the institution. There are a few remaining diploma programs, there are ADN programs, there are BSN programs, and there are RN-to-BSN programs that allow nurses who received either a diploma or ADN to complete a BSN without having to start from scratch. An ADN is not awarded partway through a BSN program, although there are some schools offering both an ADN program and an RN-to-BSN program that automatically enroll their ADN graduates into their RN-to-BSN program unless they opt out.

LovingLife123 · Jan 2, 2017

I'm guessing you are looking at for profit, commercial schools? $30k for an LPN is absolutely crazy. Stay away from these schools. They are scams!!

Find a reputable school. You take some prereqs, then apply to a program. Once admitted you attend the program and graduate, then you take your licensing exam.

You need to look at your local job market and see what is being hired in your area. LONs are generally not hired into acute care anymore. I know some places do, but it's rare due to the scope of practice a LPN has. It's more limited than an RN.

The bigger cities these days will generally only hire BSN RNs. It's imperative that you research your market because none of us on here know what it is.

But please don't pay $30k to become an LPN. That's ridiculous and you won't make enough back to justify it.

Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2017

I just graduated last May with an ADN and I had no problems finding a job before I even graduated as an RN. My hiring was contingent on my passing school and more importantly the NCLEX. Most of my class had secured jobs before we even left school.

AceOfHearts<3 · Jan 2, 2017

You aren't going to find a reputable program to enroll in for spring 2017 at this point- it's too late in the game. Most places you apply 6-12 months prior to starting. You also have to complete the prerequisite courses, or most of them, before you apply. Prereqs vary by program, but typically include anatomy and physiology I & II, chem, microbiology, and developmental psychology.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jan 2, 2017

My goodness that's a lot of money for LVN or RN. Why don't you look at community colleges in your area? It will be so much cheaper.

If you had your LVN & RN license you could probably get a job as an LVN but I would never work lower than my current licensure. That could put you at so much risk.

You need to do a Google search for jobs in your area. Are they hiring LVNs? If so where? Same with RNs. Are they only hiring RNs with BSNs or is an ADN acceptable? I know in my area they still hire LVNs in hospitals & I will have no problem getting a job with my associate's.

ADN & BSN are two different degrees. ADN is a 2 year program vs. BSN which is a 4 year program.

You are too late to the game to apply to Spring 2017 nursing programs. Also, if you want to get your RN there are pre-reqs (vary by school) you need to complete before you can apply. LVN programs have fewer or no pre-reqs to complete.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 2, 2017

Your CMA certification has no bearing towards a LPN or RN program.

Any reputable school will not accept you into the spring program.

We are not academic advisors. Consult with counselors at accredited colleges. Agree that 30K is outrageous for LPN, stay away from for profit schools. You will not get your ADN in 24 months. ADN requires 2 years of study, after acceptance to a nursing program.. following successful (or concurrent) nursing pre-requisites.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 3, 2017

Moved to Pre-Nursing

AutumnFutureNurse · Jan 3, 2017

Thank you... What do you mean by "two degrees"

OliveOyl91, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2017

Look into RN programs at community colleges. My school offers LPN certificates to RN students after completing the first three quarters of the nursing program. The final three quarters are to finish their RN and their associate's degree. Perhaps there are schools near you that offer the same thing. Prerequisites excluded, the ADN program at my school costs around $18,000.