Am I crazy to do LPN to RN instead of ADN

Published

I'm considering nursing as a 2nd career. I have 3 schools to choose from where I live. I can get my BSN or ADN in 2 years, but the schools with these are private and would cost me $20,000+. Or I could go to much local community college. The offer LPN and LPN to RN bridge programs. I can get my LPN and then do the bridge program in the same 2 years for about $10,000.

My my goal is RN, but I can't see paying twice as much or more to get there in the same amount of time! Are there any reasons not to take the less expensive route? The NCLEX pass rate is pretty even among all the programs.

It's an ADN here too. I figure I can do the LPN to ADN while working and then I can continue to bridge to BSN. Since I already work for a hospital hopefully I can continue to do so and get the tuition assistance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.
It's an ADN here too. I figure I can do the LPN to ADN while working and then I can continue to bridge to BSN. Since I already work for a hospital hopefully I can continue to do so and get the tuition assistance.

This is my plan as well. If you're crazy, then so am I. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

One major factor that often gets overlooked when weighing the cost of attending a $20,000 dollar program versus a long, circuitous route to the same end is income.

Should you become an LPN and then go through the process of application, texts, classroom attendance, clinicals, fees, time, etc, to earn an RN license, you will be making LPN wages during that time.

Should you spend the $20,000 to earn your RN right away, you will be making RN wages right away. That $20,000 is the equivalent of 385.00 a pay period for two years. Student loans are spread out much farther than two years.

Most RN's ON AVERAGE, make about $10 dollars more an hour than LPN/LVN's.

Rare is the LPN/LVN that enjoys actually having their time in grade as an LPN/LVN count towards being "a nurse" by a prospective new grad RN employer. Not fair - but it is a disheartening reality.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm currently in an ADN program at a cc college. I think it is a smarter and more economically friendly route. With today's economy who wants to be knee deep in loans. Plus, hospitals still hire ADN RNs, they just have to have BSN within 5 years. My goal is to obtain my ADN, find a job and use tuition benefits from employer to help obtain my BSN. In most hospitals ADN RNs and BSN RNs make the same pay, have the same scope of practice and in reality take the same NCLEX test. Why would I go in debt to receive the same pay as a ADN? Not smart in my eyes. You have to be smart, resilient, and financially stable to survive in this economy. S/N.. Only hospitals prefer a BSN RN, there are other options besides hospitals. You can work at a less stressful environment and finish your BSN and then try to work at a hospital, if you desire.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Most RN's ON AVERAGE, make about $10 dollars more an hour than LPN/LVN's.
This is often true in states such as CA and NY, but the LPN/RN wage gap is significantly narrower in many other states.

As an LVN in Texas I started at $18.50 hourly in 2006 and had inched up to $27 per hour in 2010, which was the last year that I had worked as an LVN. In my metro area of residence (Dallas/Fort Worth, TX), new grad RNs start at $23 to $25 in the major hospital systems.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I am doing this route. For me it was cheaper. It also let me avoid the dreaded lottery system. In addition my local hospital hires LVN's in the er and on med surg so my employment prospects are good post graduation. I intend a direct bridge. I'm done with my RN prereqs. I plan to work as an LVN while finishing up my RN. I'm happy with my choice and through my clinicals I've met a lot of RN's who took the same path.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.

That is the route I am taking. If I had just done an Accelerated BSN program I would have been working as an RN for about a year. Right now I am 4 weeks away from my ADN (knock wood.) I value the knowledge and experience I've gained as an LPN, but I don't think it's going to help me find a job in a hospital.

No, you are not crazy. You're not taking the most efficient route, either. What do you want? What is your ultimate destination? Are you planning to go to graduate school? Those questions should be part of your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion