Confused future Nurse

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I was just wanting to reach out and get any advice that I can. I LOVE nursing and am going to start applying after the first of the year to programs. In you all's opinion, which nurse do you feel is better to start out as..an LPN or an RN? Which nurse has a better chance of landing a position after graduating? This is what's in my head: My heart is telling me to go ahead and apply for a 2 year program, because even though it will be tough, it'll be well worth it. Plus financial aid will cover a huge portion of my tuition, so why not go for it right?! Just looking for opions and maybe even stories if you've struggled with this decision, and what track you eventually chose. Thanks to you all in advance!!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Have you researched job postings in your area? Which has more postings, LPN or RN? Where do you want to work and what is available there? Do job postings for RNs require/prefer BSN degrees? Research your specific area, and that can help you make a decision as to which nursing license you choose to attend a program for and what degree you obtain.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

It'll be most beneficial to go for your RN ☺️ however, this coming spring I will be applying to both the LPN and RN programs at my community college. LPN in case I don't get into RN.

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I don't mean this negatively at all, just curious -- how have you decided that you "LOVE nursing"? You haven't been one, obviously. How much research have you done? The general public often has v. unrealistic understanding and expectations of what nursing is and does.

Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Have you researched job postings in your area? Which has more postings, LPN or RN? Where do you want to work and what is available there? Do job postings for RNs require/prefer BSN degrees? Research your specific area, and that can help you make a decision as to which nursing license you choose to attend a program for and what degree you obtain.

This.

I'm in an area saturated with nurses; if you desire getting a hospital job, at least in my area, having a BSN seems to be the advantage.

Also, do you want to specialize?

What prompted me to become an RN was I was in two specialties as a LPN and found out in order to become certified in those specialties, I needed to be licensed as an RN; hence, I went back to school, got my BSN and RN license and can become certified in my specialty.

Once you figure out what your plans are, find out your market and what you ultimately want to do, it helps determine which path to choose.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
how have you decided that you "LOVE nursing"? You haven't been one, obviously.

Best wishes for your journey!

I was wondering this myself. I see this so many times on here. Folks glamorized by what the media is selling. No realization of tight job market and lower starting wages due to saturated markets. To all, I say research your market before you sink $$$ into school and can't get a job. You may not LOVE it so much then. Like elkpark, no negativity. Reality....

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I've researched this career back for as long as I can remember. It's been a passion of mine, and I've been a CNA for many years, since I was 21, I'm 35 now. I'm just now feeling where I'm at a point where I can go back to further my education. I don't think your comment was negative at, I neglected to mention that I'm already a CNA..thank you for your reply!

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Thank you all for your comments. My area is in more need of RNs based on the research I've started doing and from talking to people already working as RNs, so it looks like RNs are in more demand here. And believe me, I understand that it's not as glamorous as it's portrayed, and for me it's not just about the money. It's my personal goal.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Now, you will need to research ASN or BSN depending on desired specialty

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My vote is RN as it'd probably be easiest to find jobs (in my experience most hospitals weren't looking for LPNs when I was applying for RN jobs). And I'd recommend the BSN route - many places are requiring it for new grads (particularly if you're in an area saturated with new grads). May as well get it over with.

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Congratulations for opinion. I also prefer you carry on,It's so honest job.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

What kind of specialty do you want to get into? LPNs are a lot more restricted to where they can work and what they can do. Typically LPNs work in nursing homes but I've also seen them in clinics, urgent care centers and even some ERs but they are almost always limited to the fast track area. It seems like hospital units (like med-surg, etc) are focusing on going to an all-RN staff. With an RN, you'll be able to do a lot more.

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