Becoming an LPN

truckinusa, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 11, 2013

I think the RN route might be less enjoyable than the LPN to RN route. There is a lot more hands on practice time. I'm told 750 hours here in Oklahoma. I would ask about specific schools and make your best judgement from what students say. My school could care less if you fail. The main focus is you passing the NCLEX after completing two years. It looks bad on them if you don't pass. I regret not going the LPN route. I took advice from an LPN school. Instructor I know and I think it was bad advice.

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2013

If I were you, although I do not know your situation, I would go ahead and do a BSN program instead. If your goal is to be an RN on the east coast, it will be less time and money to do the BSN straightaway, rather than a LPN program, then bridge to RN then bridge to BSN.

bubbly79 · Aug 11, 2013

If you read through the LPN boards, you'll gain a lot of insight. I personally think that getting a LPN license is a good way to get your feet wet, gain knowledge, and the first hand experience on whether you want to continue on in nursing. Depending where you study, it can be a minimal investment of time and money. There are jobs for LPNs.

You have to be diligent, resourceful, and network, network, network.

Work hard, learn as much as you can, be likable with a thick skin and short memory.

It's the key to success in any endeavor.

Good luck

nuse2b · Aug 11, 2013

I think your on a great path, I'm also on this path.

You will gain great experience , that will help you with an RN program.

You will find a job at a LTC, sub-acute rehab, Dr. Office.

Good luck

I've been a LPN since 2009, I graduate with my RN December 2014.

Mrs.RNindeed · Aug 11, 2013

I'm too doing lpn then bridging. But I have been in the medical field forever. Go for it.

My lpn school is 11 mths and 5000 you can't beat that. The bridge is a year it. Can't near that either. So if it works for you it works for you.

Fyi I'm in NY. Try nursing homes for work.

blanca0622, LPN · Aug 11, 2013

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it :cool:

blanca0622, LPN · Aug 11, 2013

Thank you guys for the positive feedback!!!!!

blanca0622, LPN · Aug 11, 2013

Congratulations on accomplishing your goals. That's something I look up too. Keep me posted with your journey... Good Luck !

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Aug 12, 2013

I think that you are on a great path and I hope that you know that PA, NJ, and DE has a thing where you could work in each state without having to go through so much trouble so check that out because if you're not too far from these states, then you could always commute. You are on a great career path, I am currently finishing up my LPN program (I graduate this Friday August 16th YAYYY) and I plan on bridging over and having that LPN background with experience would definitely be a good look for you. Good luck hun

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 12, 2013

Hi Blanca!!!! Welcome to AN!!

I'm in your area; there are plenty opportunities to work as an LPN.

I became an LPN in 2005. I worked in Rehab Hospitals, Home Health, Wound Care, Specialty Clinics, Adult and Pediatric Skilled facilities.

I returned to school in 2009 to get my BSN...they accepted my PN credits, and completed schooling in 2012; I have been an RN for a year.

The knowledge of being an LPN and then building on my RN has been beneficial.

PN school is very intense, yet you learn a lot and how the program is set up, and what you put into it, you will learn a lot and become comfortable becoming a LPN.

Even though we live in an area that is saturated with nurses, there are still opportunities to get jobs. Try looking into a skilled nursing facility for a job; there are a ton of facilities that hire employees, and like to help them succeed up the ladder.

Congrats and sending positive vibes in your nursing studies! :up: :up: :up: :up:

blanca0622, LPN · Aug 12, 2013

thanks for the advice and congratulations!!!!! let me know how the RN career goes. Good Luck!!!