Better to be an LPN than not a nurse at all?

augurey · Dec 12, 2015

As I didn't do the LPN route, I can't really comment about benefits on doing that (but I'm sure there are others than can give feedback).

I know it'd be hard to do as you'd be likely moving around and not knowing where you'd end up (re: LPN to RN bridge), but I would check the accreditation of the technical school. If I didn't get into my current program, I had considered doing LPN first. I had posted on here before about LPN programs, and I know some people mentioned that LPN programs didn't need the same accreditation as RN programs. In my area there is only one regionally accredited school with an LPN program; all others are independent college accreditations (the technical schools/colleges). I looked at the bridge programs in my area and both of them stated that the school that I attended for the LPN program must be regionally accredited. If I had attended one of the technical schools, I wouldn't have been able to apply for the bridge and would've had to start from the beginning of the regular program.

I'm sure this varies state by state and school by school, but I think that's something to take into consideration. It's not meant to discourage you at all from LPN as it's definitely a great way to go for many people, but something to look into. It could very well just be my area that does it like that, but I would think it's something to look into just in case that could possibly cause any problems for a bridge program.

How far in advance do you know when and where you will be relocated? If you have enough notice, maybe you could check out some schools in the new areas, find out what pre-reqs would transfer from where and start working on pre-reqs before moving and then start an RN program after you move, giving yourself enough time to complete the program? I'm not sure how easy or possible it is to do that, but just a thought (not that I'm trying to discourage you from the LPN route at all! Just some thoughts/suggestions as it sounds like RN is your goal at some point).

And congratulations on your baby!

livimo · Dec 12, 2015

Yes the school is regionally accredited, I made sure of that when I started getting info on their programs. It's a very reputable school in my area and not at all like those "for-profit" career colleges (which I am always skeptical of because I had a friend finish a program at one and then couldn't find a job.) I do like your suggestion of finishing the prerequisites now and then waiting to enter a program at our next station. That gives me something to consider! I'm just so anxious to get going.

rogersim · Dec 12, 2015

Yes, I was going to say the same thing. Do your prereqs then wait to transfer to another station. Also I was thinking about taking the LPN route. But it is too late, but honestly if I was to do it all over I would take the LPN route then transfer to RN then to BSN or Masters (which is mostly online). I wish I did this route to avoid all the core classes and stuff.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2015

Welcome! I'd like to stress that the LPN pathway shouldn't be seen as a consolation prize or second place award for those who see obstacles to becoming an RN.

My four years as an LPN (2006 to 2010) have served as the foundation of my entire nursing career. I earned good money as an LPN and enjoyed the flexibility that the role provided. However, I never had any interest in acute care hospital nursing and never really will.

livimo · Dec 12, 2015

This is what I wanted to hear. While considering my options, I just want to know that becoming an LPN first has value for a potential RN. I know that some people become an LPN with no intention of ever becoming an RN after (and I think that's great! I definitely don't view that route as "second place"), but for someone that has the desire to become an RN at some point, I want to make sure that the LPN experience really is a great way to start my nursing career. I don't want to regret anything.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 12, 2015

Even though LPNs are rarely in hospital settings nowadays, you could look into clinic/doctor office positions. If you're interested in nursing and LPN is your only option right now, go for it. I'm in the same boat as you and also would like to be an L&D nurse but I've come to terms that it's going to take a little longer than I expected to get there. I've kind of accepted the fact that LPN is the best route for me right now and that there are still opportunities in offices and hospital owned clinics.

livimo · Dec 12, 2015

Very true. I have a friend that works in an OB office and she loves it. The hours, the pay, the fact that the practice is privately owned... She said that if becoming an RN right away isn't an option, then I should try going that route for now. Apparently the office she works in only hires LPN's for the back office work. I think I may have to accept that if I want to get into nursing sooner rather than later, I have to take the program that is available to me at this point in time.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Dec 12, 2015

I would say that with the time factor, go ahead and become and LPN. You can find a rewarding job as an LPN and you might have to work in a place that is not your first choice for a while. When you are PCSing to a new duty station, start looking for schools to attend for your ADN. Start it there as soon as possible. Between getting your LPN and going for your RN, you can take classes that would qualify for your prereq's.

I have heard nursing school instructors say that those of us who work as an LPN tend to do better in the ADN program, especially clinicals as we are comfortable working with patients and already have some of the skills needed such as med administration and injections, as well as assessments.

Good luck to you.

caliotter3 · Dec 12, 2015

If it were me, I would pursue the LPN program and at the same time, take RN program prerequisites, one at a time. When you know where you will be going next, you will be that much more prepared to enter a local RN program and you will have two possible avenues of entry: LPN to RN bridge, or straight admission.

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Dec 12, 2015

I went to LVN school with a girl in a similar predicament to you. Husband often deployed/moved. She did her prereqs, did an LVN course because it was short enough to do before they moved again, and is now doing her RN bridge program in the state they just moved too. I think she has a VA job as an LVN. I'm not certain though.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Dec 13, 2015

Overall, I have had a great career as an LPN and am now back in school for my RN.

My bridge program is at a well respected university - at a satellite campus. When I graduate with my associates, it's automatically built in for me (pre-reqs for BSN taken during associates) that I will bridge to BSN online in two semesters if I attend full time. So I wouldn't worry about finding a quality bridge program, they are out there.

I have worked in LTC/SNF, occupational health, and allergy/ENT nursing. I have learned so much and really grown. I am ready to do more critical care now so that's why I returned for my RN. I have made many connections as an LPN that I won't have a problem getting a job in the hospital when I graduate. I can't name my floor obviously but I have a few hospitals to choose from. I would not have had that without my LPN experience. RN school has been much easier for me than anticipated, while I still have to work my booty off, things come to me easier now that I can see it's real world application as opposed to the difficulty seeing that in LPN school when I had not worked as a nurse yet.

I have made good money as well for 12 months of schooling. Right now I work PRN for $20/hour - in the Midwest so great for our COL. And I am making that while in school.

There are of course cons to being an LPN but for me they did not outweigh the positives. If I were in your shoes, and I didn't not absolutely need the income of an LPN, I would get my STNA and be a tech in the hospital while your picking away at your RN pre-reqs. Many of them are available online so can travel with you if need be.

If you do decide to do an LPN program, further looking to the bridge program clause it must be accredited. Accredited by whom? The board of nursing, another entity, etc? The majority of LPN programs in my area are for profit and do not have accreditations beyond the ones they need to graduate students and let them sit for NCLEX. My bridge program is fully accredited with all the fancy letters needed to work anywhere and if they required the LPNs to attend a school that had the same -- they would have like 2 students.