Lvn to rn? A good path?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello. I am a single mom of a 4 year old. I'm almost done with my CNA. I want to get my bsn but I'm not sure what's best. I'm thinking of doing lvn to rn bridge. But everyone tells me not to. They say it's better to just apply to the rn program. But it's gonna take years because I still need to do my prerequisites. I need to work so I can only take a couple classes at a time. Then there's the waiting list. I keep thinking that the lvn to rn will be faster and I can also work as an lvn while I finish my rn. I currently work at an assisted living and only make 12 an hour. I know lvns don't make a lot of money but it's better than what I'm doing now. Any advice?

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Specializes in CICU, Telemetry.

Where do you live? Do they hire LVNs in your facility? How much do they earn? What will you make as a CNA?

For example, if you make $14 as a CNA and $17 as a LVN, and you work full time, that's $29k pre tax as a CNA vs. $35k pre tax as a LVN. 6k difference per year. School probably costs more than that 6k difference.

What would be the cost of getting your LVN versus your RN? How many semesters/classes would each take? What is the cost per semester or per class? What is your expected income as an LVN? These are all things we would need to know if you're trying to make the best decision financially.

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This is state and program specific but try to find a program that allows you to take you NCLEX-PN at some point. A couple of ADN programs in my area are set up to where the first year of their ADN program is basically the same as their LPN programs. You would just have to take an LPN capstone course during the summer session to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. I plan on doing this as it is one extra class and I would be gaining a year of actual nursing experience over just CNA experience.

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Specializes in GENERAL.
This is state and program specific but try to find a program that allows you to take you NCLEX-PN at some point. A couple of ADN programs in my area are set up to where the first year of their ADN program is basically the same as their LPN programs. You would just have to take an LPN capstone course during the summer session to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. I plan on doing this as it is one extra class and I would be gaining a year of actual nursing experience over just CNA experience.

This is great information if it is applicable to your particular set of circumstances. Otherwise, if this type program isn't available to you, work as a CNA go to a CC that has a nursing program and take the prerequisites one at a time so you don't get stressed. After that apply to the nursing program and get a ADN.

Then get a job that pays tuition reimbursement to get a BSN if you like. This way you do the whole thing for the most part with a minimum of student loans if any at all and you're in the driver's seat.

But this plan takes patience and diligence and with today's stupid tuition prices the only sensible way to go.

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I'm in the exact same boat except I'm an older student and have 6 children and a grand baby. I keep wondering the same thing. I'm a CNA now and I cannot make up my mind on which route I should go either. I do think the LVN to RN route would be best for me so I can start working as an LVN and getting experience and making money while working towards my RN. Although, I also think about doing all of the prereqs and nclex twice is it worth it? I don't know! I can't make up my mind since I'm already old lol :banghead:

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