Advice, Please??

[blw8765]

I am a 20 year old college student. Right now I have been taking the pre-requisites for the Associate Degree Nursing Program, where you graduate as an RN. I will not be able to start the nursing classes until this fall. If I start this fall I would graduate in May of 2003. At my school, there is also a 12 month LPN program. I was wondering about starting the LPN program this summer. That means that I would graduate from it is May. Then I would be an LPN and could start to work. Then I would start the RN program next fall. In a way it seems better to me, because I was thinking, then I could already be working as a nurse, and surely that would make the classes easier. They are really good about working your schedule around your work, because a lot of the students are LPN's already. I would really like some advice, I don't know what to do. Please give me your comments and advice. Thank you so much,

Brooke

[NurseCC]

Hi Brooke,

I have been an RN for 17 years. I read your question with interest and my opinion is that no matter who gives you their opinion, the answer to your question is in reality your decision. I have worked with many great LVN's during my career, and in fact during nursing school, the LVN's helped us "greenhorns" learn a lot. But by todays standards, you will definitely be able to go higher in your career and make more money being an RN. If that is not an issue with you, then LVN's are able to do most everything an RN is. One big advantage of being an LVN is that you don't usually have to worry about taking charge"and all the responsibility that requires. Take some time to make your decision and good luck with your career.