Confused HS Student

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

It won't be any easier to get into an LPN program vs RN program grades wise. Plus you have so much time to do better in school. Focus and do your best. Get your RN, now while you're young, you won't regret it.

NurseBetty_RN · Nov 2, 2014

Here in Chicago some of our high schools have an LPN program, so students can graduate highschool with their LPN license, maybe you should see if your school system offers this type of program because that will make your journey to RN a whole lot easier

caliotter3 · Nov 2, 2014

If you have any doubts about your academic preparedness to compete for RN school admission, then you might benefit from an LPN program. The LPN license and(or) LPN paid work experience are helpful in the RN school admissions process in many instances. The best way to come to a good decision is to investigate all of the RN programs that you are considering to see which ones, if any, provide an LPN to RN bridge program.

At any rate, no matter what your choice, the time to buckle down and to improve your school work habits and GPA is now. Good luck.

SusieQxx · Nov 2, 2014

Thanks guys!! I have some serious thinking to do.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

It won't be any easier to get into an LPN program vs RN program grades wise.

The school where I received my LVN training only required a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on an entrance exam, and an essay for acceptance into the program. No prerequisites were needed; therefore, no attention was paid to prior college coursework. Many trade schools have admissions criteria similar to the school I previously attended.

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

The school where I received my LVN training only required a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on an entrance exam, and an essay for acceptance into the program. No prerequisites were needed; therefore, no attention was paid to prior college coursework. Many trade schools have admissions criteria similar to the school I previously attended.

Aww that sounds kind of disappointing. But I still think it would be difficult once in the program, or at the very least, upon taking the NCLEX.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Nov 2, 2014

The school where I received my LVN training only required a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on an entrance exam, and an essay for acceptance into the program. No prerequisites were needed; therefore, no attention was paid to prior college coursework. Many trade schools have admissions criteria similar to the school I previously attended.

NJ requires a HS diploma or GED as an admission criteria to any PN program. Most NJ HS have an agreement with the vocational or specialty HS for dual enrollment in a preCNA/CNA or pre-health careers program. The pre health career programs are heavy on science and often include collegiate level math & science as a prep for health majors whether dietetics/nutrition, allied health (PT, OT, SLP, RRT, radiology tech--all require AS, BS, MS or doctoral degrees), nursing or pre-med.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2014

Thanks guys!! I have some serious thinking to do.

Definitely work on bringing up your grades. Get tutoring if possible, see your teachers for help, just do everything you can to raise your grades. Develop excellent study habits now because you will need them later, too. Right now, you, presumably, have no kids or other heavy responsibilities, so do the hard work now.

Getting through LVN school isn't necessarily easier than RN school. You still must study and pass tests and take a state licensing test at the end.

Explore LVN/LPN schools. What are their admission requirements? What are job prospects like?

Explore 3 or 4 RN schools. What are their actual admission requirements?

You can go to a community college for a lot less money than a 4 year university, but there is often a long waiting list and you will not receive a BSN, only an Associate's degree. (nothing wrong with it, IMHO, just not what so many employers are requiring these days). While waiting, you can do your pre-requisites, so no time will be wasted. And you can try working 2 shifts per week (no more than that) as a nursing assistant and get your feet wet in the world of nursing. Your might find you don't like it, you might love it.

The 4 year colleges will give you a BSN. Explore grants, scholarships.

There are other schools that will get you in and out faster, but you will pile up huge debt.

Do you want to work in Pediatrics, ICU, or other area of nursing where LPN's aren't really able to easily get jobs? You are likely to be able to find work outside of hospitals, such as in Nursing homes, long-term care, or skilled nursing facilities. Nothing wrong with those, but if your dream is neonatal ICU, ER, or even Med-Surg, you might find that LPN's can't work in those areas because they won't be able to legally do all of the things that only an RN can do.

You should talk with employers (Charge Nurses and Nurse Managers) in the areas of nursing you think you are interested in and see what they advise (RN or LPN).

LPN's often feel like 2nd class citizens. They shouldn't, but they often do. Sometimes they are doing just about everything the RN's are doing, but for less pay. By law, they usually can't do Admissions. They can do IV's after a certification class - in addition to LPN school. RN's get that class in RN school.

So I guess I'd say go for the RN. You will have more options in your career lifetime. And if you are considering advanced nursing practice (midwife, anesthetist, nurse practitioner, clinical specialist, educator, administration), you will need the RN.

If you go the RN route, get your Bachelor's degree, possibly even your Master's at the same time. The BSN is often/usually the minimum requirement to work as an RN for many employers these days.

It's a lot of footwork, but do it and you will reap the rewards.

:yes:

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

ktwlpn, LPN · Nov 2, 2014

The difference between a nursing program and high school is this-YOU WANT TO BE THERE...The entrabce exam will point out your weaknesses. I am lousy with math, had NO idea how much would be involved in the program (this was before computers) I came home crying the first day of class. I was in a small group of math challenged students,the program offered us plenty of remedial help and I excelled. You will too. Look at your vo-tech options,many offer some entry level training.Become a CNA when you graduate high school,you may find an employer offering financial assistance with school.Good Luck

T-Bird78 · Nov 4, 2014

No, the LPN program won't be easier to get into or easier to complete. Check the requirements for both RN and LPN and if you do decide to go LPN you can always bridge to your RN if necessary. Three of my classmates got their LPN then bridged over before they could even start their RN program at a larger university. The reason LPNs feel like second-class citizens is because of some of the responses in this thread, that you can graduate high school with your LPN. My state does have a nursing career pathway but you graduate high school as a CNA and have some prerequesites toward your LPN but not your actual LPN. My nursing school, a technical college, had at least a year of pre-requesites (college English, college math/algebra, a computer class, intro to healthcare, Spanish for Allied Health, A&P, medical terminology, and intro to psychology) plus a year of the actual nursing program full-time. We had 700 hours classroom and 700 hours clinical in that year. It's hard work but it's so worth it. I don't want to come across as trying to dissuade you, I just wanted to paint a more accurate picture. Bottom line is, start checking with both LPN and RN programs in your area and brush up on your math/science skills. Good luck--you can do it!

Confused HS Student

Lpn or rn