Confused about RN, LPN, etc...

[xmissyo]

I am so confused. Alright, here's my question. I'm a junior in high school who's going to go to Community College for my senior year. I want to get a heads up on what schools I should be looking at for college. I want to become a nurse. Everyone is telling me that the RN is best, but I want to make an educated decision. I just want to know if anyone can give me the basics of an RN, LPN, BSN, etc. How much schooling there is, what kinds of schools should I go to/look at? My guidance counselour really isn't much help. I know this is asking for a bunch, but any help would be appreciated.

[Katnip, RN]

LPN is a Licensed Practical nurse. You can get your education through vocational school, or sometimes a college. You take an NCLEX-LPN exam then practice as an LPN when you get your license. Practice tends to be more limited in scope than an RN, and scope of practice is determined by each state.

RN is a Registered Nurse. You get that license after taking the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 3 ways to go about it:

1. ADN, through a 2-year community college where you will get an associate degree in nursing (though it usually takes more than 2 years for most),

2. A diploma program through a hospital program. This takes about 3 years.

3. A BSN program offered through a 4-year college or university. You receive a bachelor's degree when done.

No program is better than another. It depends on what you want, what you can afford, and whether you plan to go for further education.

Of all the RNs, most hospitals pay the same pay scale regardless of education as long as you have your license.

Some will tell you that you get more clinical experience with and ADN progam. Sometimes, that's true. But I see new grads from both types of programs and they seem about equal in basic skills.

If you plan to get a master's degree in nursing, then you will definitely need a BSN at some point unless you find a program that will allow you to do RN to MSN.

There are also RN to BSN programs for nurses who have an associates degree or diploma and want to get a BSN. Usually you have to take a few prereqs for that before you're accepted.

[twstdlkephillyz]

WOW Katnip, that was very educational , thank you.

[jackson145]

They just told us in NS that diploma programs are slowly being done away with. That may differ state to state, though.

I will say that if you ever want to promote to administration or a department head position you should probably go for a BSN instead of an ASN. At least that's what is required at my hospital and they are leaning toward MSN for that type of position.

Also, if you're interested in being a nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse that's a MSN.