LVN or ADN?

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2015

First of all, it is LVN or RN. Those are both nursing licenses. The RN can have 2 different degrees, ASN or BSN. The LVN program is a certificate program. It is not awarded a degree.

A LVN and RN have 2 different scopes of practice. You will need to look up what those differences are in your state. I am assuming since you are using the term LVN you are either in Texas or California. Every where else it is LPN. The pay is different for each one and you will need to research your area on job opportunities for both. I see you are in Texas. Look at what the hospitals in your area are hiring. I'm pretty sure you will need to be a RN to work in a hospital. LPNs mainly work in doctors offices, clinics, and LTC. The hospital I just did clinical at last semester did have LPNs working the medsurg floor. But I also live in an area where nurses are needed. It's not that way everywhere.

You will also need to look and see if hospitals require you to have a BSN to get hired. Some places especially in the big cities are requiring a BSN. It's all about the job market. Sit down and google, google, google. It's your friend.

WCSU1987 · Jul 15, 2015

Go BSN! Get your bachelor's if you already have your A.S. probably have prerequisites and filler classes to jump into a BSN program. Market here is strong for LVN/LPNs and BSNs...however, most ADNS struggling finding work most work is in rehab/LTC facilities.

13grad71 · Jul 16, 2015

Of course ADN. Once you get your ADN you will be an RN. However, you just cannot jump into an ADN program. You have to take prereq classes and ace them. I mean get all A's and ace the Teas V test and then apply to the ADN program and hopefully get a spot. Getting your ADN RN license isn't really just 2 years its more like 4 years. 2 years prereqs and 2 years into the ADN program.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2015

LVN may be cheaper but it can be just as expensive if not more expensive. Some places pay LPNs really, really well such as 20 bucks an hour but then some places pay really low, about 14 dollars an hour. Twenty minutes over the border can make four to six dollars a difference too in LPN pay. Although some places pay RNs like 20 bucks an hour to start out at.

Some places are experiencing an overflow of RNs and are being pickier. Why get an RN and pay for the BSN when you can get one with a BSN already? Some BSN programs cost over 10,000 dollars so there are hundreds of dollars in hiring new RNs with BSNs.

In all honesty, get an RN. Apply to three or four schools. If you get into an associate program, make sure you prep yourself to get credits that will transfer to a BSN school. I earned my ADN in 3 years and then completed my BSN in 9 months. I saved a lot of money doing it that way while getting valuable experience. Some people with their ADN struggle. Some with their BSN struggle.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2015

LVN may be cheaper but it can be just as expensive if not more expensive. Some places pay LPNs really, really well such as 20 bucks an hour but then some places pay really low, about 14 dollars an hour.

As an aside, I worked as an LVN in Texas from 2006 to 2010 before earning my RN license. My lowest LVN pay rate was $17.75 (new grad, 2006) and my highest wage was $27.04 hourly (four years of experience, 2010).

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2015

My first question is: What it your ultimate goal? You said you want to get licensed so you can earn a living and study. What is it you want to be studying? Is it your goal to be a biologist at the end or a nurse? If your end goal is nurse, you should go straight to BSN from where you are now. Stay a CNA and work toward that goal (just my opinion, you're already halfway there). If your goal is to be a biologist, and you just want to earn a little more money while you slowly complete that goal, LVN isn't a bad side road to take. Good luck to you.