Can not decide

If you really want to be an RN, go for it! It will be a waste of money and time to get your LPN if you already know that it is not truly what you want. I don't know anything about the two programs. Good luck!

Hi,

I am new and would be thankful for any advice. I am trying to decide if I should go straight for the RN program or LPN. I think the LPN program will give me a foundation but I really want to be a RN. My other problem is to decide if I should enrol in Piedmont or Germanna Community College. Does anyone know anything about either school nursing program. Any information will help.

I am taking nursing here in Phoenix, AZ. Generally, after you have completed all your prereqs (Anatomy, Microbiology, etc), you apply for and wait to be placed into the nursing program (there is usually a six-month wait). The RN program is 4 semesters. After two semesters, if you like, you can take the LPN board exam. Or you can continue on for two more semesters and be eligible to take the RN NCLEX.

Redd3,

What part of va are you in?

Dear Redd3,

I am an RN in SC Graduated in 1998. In my opinion you should go straight to the RN program. Let me tell you what happened to me. When I applied at school, I put my name on 3 lists. Yes 3. I know I wanted to eventually be a Nurse Practicioner so my plan was to take RN than get my BSN then NP. Well the RN list was so long (approx 18 mos) I put my name on the RN, LPN, and Surg Tech lists. Then I proceded to take my prereqs. One day I got a call from the RN director asking if I wanted to start in the fall. There were so many ahead of me on all the lists I figured I would at least be waiting another year. Well GOD was smiling on me because there were a LOT of people on the RN list that had changed majors, gone to other scools with shorter lists, or just weren't ready to start. Of course I took the spot, I was the 2nd to the last to be admitted to that years class. The funny part is the next day when I got home from school I had messages from both the LPN and Surg Tech classes offering me a position. It seems they had the same problem as the RN list. Two years I was graduating. I managed to take a few form semesters towards my BSN but couldn't finishsince I had the only income(my hubby is disabled). It is now seven years later and I will never get my NP due to becoming disabled recently myself but I sure made the right decision regarding the lists. If you school has no lists go for the RN, the LPN (if only a stepping stone) is a waste of your time and money. The other thing I would suggest is becoming a CNA while you wait. It is a TREMENDOUS help especially during clinicals. Sorry this is so long, I get carried away & babble sometimes. I hope this helped. Rhonda