Couple of nursing questions??

[Dad_of_2]

OK...I have a couple of questions about becoming a RN. I have decided that I do want to go to a nusring program, but I cant decide wether or not to get my LVN license first and work up from there. 1 year to get your LVN license, work and get familiar with everything...or just go straight for the RN license in 2 years. Right now in my situation, I definately have to work full-time to pay rent,child-support...etc. I cant decide what to do. Would it be wise to get my LVN first and then go back for another year of school and get my RN? Or is getting the RN license better to do it all at once? Also im in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area, and was wondering the starting pay for LVN's. Any help would be appreciated!!!

[jannurse]

It really depends. I went to a university, which took most of the students an average of 4.5 yrs. I say this because usually there are prereqs that are required, even in a 2 yr program (AA) degree. Some of my friends went a called 2 year route and ended up taking 3 yrs or more just because of a waiting list and high placement demands in classes.

You may be speaking of getting a 2 yr degree from a hospital type training program? If your absolutely sure that you want to be a nurse, I say go the RN degree straight away. However, if you are not sure and don't want to invest more time then get the LPN. Make sure you check out this site really well before you start on your journey to be a nurse! I wish that I had, not because I have regrets, just very helpful insight of "the real world of nursing". Be make sure to look into any waiting list that might help your decision easier. It sounds like you are on your way!! Good luck to you with everything you do!

[wildwood]

I went to a 2 year associate degree RN program first, by going to school 1st shift, and working 2nd shift. Third shift was sleep/study, etc. Then I took a year to work and pay bills (get much needed rest), before I went to a BSN program. I still had to work - they had a 12 hr. weekend shift at the hospital. There were 2 years without a day off! I had a small child , and depended on family and friends a lot for help! This was 22 years ago, and I don't regret it at all. I wish you best of luck. Work hard and it will be worth it! Janet

[USA987, MSN, RN, NP]

Well, I went the LVN route first. Took me 11 months. Then while I worked I got some of my prereqs out of the way...english, math, etc. Then I found a 12 month LVN-to-RN transition program.

Personally, I don't regret the route I took at all. My LVN education was top-notch and the experience was invaluable.