Benefits of LPN over RN?

U.S.A. Washington

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Specializes in NAR, soon to be NAC.

I begin taking my pre-reqs at Shoreline for the RN program there in June, and am now currently working on my CNA cert. I want to become an RN, however I oftentimes wonder how I will benefit from going from working as a CNA while going to school for RN.

Since this experience is new to me, I wonder if I should first work as a CNA and go to school for LPN and then do the LPN to RN ladder? Or should I just go straight for the big time with an RN degree?

My girlfriends dad is an RN, BSN at a local hospital and did his study as an RN then BSN and skipped LPN, and a good friend of mine also did the same with a BSN from UW. They both say I should study and become an RN and just forego the idea of LPN.

Now since they are the only nurses that I know, I thought I'd post my thought and questions on the matter to the forum.

It seems to me that working as a CNA and then achieving high marks in pre-reqs and earning competitive points for RN degree approval would be the way to go, however, I'd like to see how some of you guys made your way to earn your degree.

I apologize if this is a topic that has already been brought up, and I'm sure it has a million times, I'm a new forum member and am just excited to hear from some local nurses that I may soon have a chance to meet or even work with!

R.

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I would recommend doing the RN initially if you can - this will provide a greater financial return, greater job flexibility, and you can then work on your BSN through a distance program or hospital supported BSN satellite extension program (if interested) I just wanted to point out that for the ADN to BSN you don't need hands on clinical site time.. so you have a bit more flexibility. However, the LPN to ADN will require clinical time and perhaps be a bit less flexible for you. I would say if you can handle the financial burden of getting the ADN (RN) now.. it will be positive factor ;) Also after year 1 of most ADN programs you can test/obtain your LPN license and work in that capacity for that first summer and following 2nd school year - and then test for your RN licensure.

v/r

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I can't think of any long term benefits of being a LPN versus being an RN, times have changed and many positions now say BSN preferred even. I had a great LPN instructor through my CNA course and she wouldn't encourage anybody to do LPN nowadays. Of course you need to evaluate your own circumstances like the poster said above. Most LPN seem to work in LTC and while some love it, some don't but find it hard to move out of that because they lack the RN.

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I recommend going straight to RN too. And while being a CNA can be of benefit to some, it isn't necessary to be a great RN.

My mentor, one of the best nurses/managers I've ever met, encouraged me to NOT take the CNA course and NOT work as a CNA.

Some schools do require it though.

There are many nurses here who did not do the CNA - LVN/LPN - RN route and are great nurses and team players who don't turn their nose at making a bed or emptying a urinal.

Teamwork comes from the heart of the person.

Locally, most LVN's work in LTC - if that is your goal, then that is fine. But if not - and you are young and not married and have no children and no other things that would make it hard to just go to school for your RN, then I'd stay the course and be an RN.

steph

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Specializes in Sub-Acute/Psychiatric/Detox.

If time allows and its financially and educationally feasible to become an RN instead of an LPN I would become an RN.

Mainly because if you go into the LPN Program (we'll say you take A&P 1 and 2 instead of the crammed version of A&P that some schools offer is no good for the RN Program).

By the time you finish your LPN get working in the field and dealing with life and go back for an RN Degree. Guess what?

Your A&P might not be any good assuming you waited 5 years. Have to take it again. So will your math.

However if there is a drawn out waiting list to get into the ADN Program at Shoreline I would try the LPN Program.

There are A LOT more options out there for an RN compared to a LPN. RNs can make deals to pay off student loans join the Public Health Service, etc. etc. etc.

I am doing the LPN program because I determined by the time I finished all of the prerequisites for the RN Program I would have all ready finished LPN School.

Everyone is going to tell you why are you going to school to be an LPN or why are you just getting an ADN? Why not a BSN? People do not realize time and effort it takes to get into a nursing program now adays.

Even if the Nurse went to school as little as 5 years ago admissions processes have changed. Also life throws things at you. I know a women who was an LPN for 12 years, raised her kids while working as an LPN. Kids moved out went back for a her BSN and is now working on her Masters.

Being a CNA will help, but please keep in mind its all about patient safety.

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Specializes in NAR, soon to be NAC.

Thank you all for your replies, I think I will stay the course and just continue on for my ADN.

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Actually I'm in a similar situtaion right now. I am going to begin my Cna class next week and then begin taking the pre reqs for the LPN program this summer. Alot of people think I should go staright to RN. But I have a few good reasons why I would not right now. First off I'm a single parent and I have to work full time. I can't afford to spend another 3 yrs in school. Trying to get into an RN program is not 123. Its competative and there is a waiting list. The LPN program is easier to get into most of the pre reqs you can take online. I also heard the LPN test is way easier than the RN test. Also working as a CNA will give you the flexible schedule to work and go to school. There are alot of evening and night positions available through agencies. Also as an LPN there are alot of opportunites in LTC which does offer good pay and lots of hours plus its easier then working in a hospital which is too fast paced and stressful. LTCs are much more layed back. Most LPNs depending on the state you live in only make about $10 less than a RN. If you can start out making $20 an hour after only a years worth of school why not? I personally want to work as an LPN for a little while and if I really enjoy the field I'll do LPN to RN program which is only a year. Just for the record an ADN makes just as much as a BSN with half the school time. Anyway good luck on your endeavors.

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J_Angel,

Where are you planning on going to school? I would listen to your friends and others who say forget the LPN. LPNs are being fased out. Also, a lot of LPN to RN nursing programs are being fased out. An LPN is a dead end unless you don't mind working LTC. In my experience, LTC is not laid back and easy. None of them are. You are responsible for upwards of 30 residents, lucky if you have a med aide or any decent CNAs to assist. LTCs are run on the cheap and you are lucky if you have enough supplies to do your job. It's hotter than heck in the summer (I've never been in one with A/C in the summer). Often, the bottom of the barrell CNAs work in LTC and so do a lot of nurses who can't find employment anywhere else. Getting a BSN is no longer time-wise than an ADN. It's still two years, except you take the nursing classes at a university (a real college experience) instead of a community college. And usually LPN classes are held at technical colleges or some community colleges offer the LPN as the first year of the ADN degree. There is a reason LPN programs are not competitive to get into and have cake prerequisites. Just my :twocents:

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

The program I went through was an RN ADN program that allowed you to stop part way through and take the LPN boards or take the boards and keep going for your RN (which is what I did). It was nice because during my RN portion I was able to gain experience as a nurse and make descent money. I'm not sure if there is any programs like this in your area but it might be worth checking out. The programs in our area have a 3 part application process, one you have to have your CNA, two you are given points for how good your grades are on pre-req's, and 3 your score on a general knowledge placement test.

There is also a couple LPN programs that have contracts with the local ADN program that guarantees their applicants spots in the RN program.

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