Debating on becoming an LPN over RN

heathert_kc · Mar 15, 2012

Some clinics and physcian's offices do hire LPNs, but as far as inpatient units and hospitals it would primarily be RNs. I think that getting LPN is a great option for some, but if RN is your eventual goal, then you should not limit yourself. I was young, single and had no money for school in an area was RN programs were highly competitive. I applied to an LPN program at the advice of a friend who was using it as a second option if she did not get into an RN program, I was still working on my prereqs so I could apply (eventually) to RN programs, we both got in and the rest is history. It was a great stepping stone for me, decent pay at least I thought it was pretty great @ 20 years old I made a lot more than most young people I knew. After finishing, I got married and was able to finish the rest of my general education on a part time basis while working. After 2 years as an LPN, I got into a bridge program and just passed my NCLEX-RN in January 2012.

My advice is get as many general educaton courses out of your way as you can (starting with the classes LPN programs require) and research programs in your area, as you meet the requirements for programs apply, apply, apply... see what your options are. If you are like me, and would have to go to school for at least 1 year+ just to qualify to apply to an 2-year RN program and get into a reputible LPN program at a community college, that is NOT crazy expensive, why not? I do however caution people about going into major debt over certificate programs., especially if they hope to move foward with their education. Private, non-federal, loans continue to add interest and debt can majorly slow your return to school and affect your employment situation (you start to focus more on the $$ a job offers rather than the experience and how if fits into your career goals). I know nurses who have gotten into that situation, deciding on expensive private school that are easier and quicker to get into, in hopes of speeding up the process; not usually worth it. Definitely keep your options open. It helps to have some base of experience, if you have a particular specialty in mind. It might be a good idea to start volunteering or try for a small job in or around the area you want to work, plus it can help you network with nurses, doctors and others that may lead to a job later down the line.

Just keep your eye on where you want to go in life, set your priorities, and take the steps to get there. You can do great things!

Good luck to you

verywishfulthinker · Mar 15, 2012

I guess my issue is I am not sure if I want to be an RN or not, I just want to work in Oncology that is my highest priority when it comes to a career. But I started doing research in the area and found out most of the schools around here only take on people applying to the RN program, but you are able to become and LPN and I suppose hop out? So I might just have to take all the pre-reqs for becoming and RN. Maybe its just something to figure out when im in the actual nursing program so I can get a personal feel of the job?

I plan to do a few things when I go on my summer break, I plan to do 100 hours of community service (The local hospitals minimum, but it doesn't bother me its that much) and I also will be trying to see if I can save money up to get into a CNA class. If all fairs well that might give me more information also.

My only experience so far in the field is being that of the patient, but I admired the nurses and their job. The ones that stood out were the friendly, approachable ones that made you feel like you could fight any cancer off even if you were just coming in for continued treatment.

But thank you for the info, its very insightful.

mlclove · Mar 15, 2012

I myself am an LPN. In my area no oncology specific hospital would look at me let alone hire me. It's RN's only. Go for your RN especially if that is the field you want, good luck, either way it is your choice. Think about what you want, no matter your choice you can end up where you want, it may just take a couple extra steps. Good luck!

Cuddleswithpuddles · Mar 15, 2012

Hello,

I am a former LVN/LPN (same thing) who became a RN last year. In California where I live there are very, very few positions for LPNs in hospitals and areas of patient care that involve a lot of IV access such as oncology. California LVNs with the proper certification can give a limited range of IV solutions but most definitely not chemotherapy drugs and IV pain medications. Your state's scope of practice may be different, and it would be beneficial for you to check out your state boards of nursing for both LPNs and RNs.

Even if your state's scope of practice does allow LPNs to give IV medications, the job market may not be conducive to you landing a job in oncology. It is not uncommon nowadays for RNs with BSNs to be struggling to find work, and it's even harder for LVNs/LPNs in general. Check out your local job listings for oncology clinics and floors. See what sort of educational requirements they have. Also, Allnurses has great state-specific messageboards. They certainly helped me get a sense of my local job market.

Personally, I have found so many more options as a RN than I did as a LVN. I can work in so many more settings, have more than doubled my pay, more job security and I can easily jump off into a BSN or MSN program too. The two years it took to complete my prerequisites and the 2nd year of my ADN program was certainly worth it.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Selene006, BSN, LPN · Mar 16, 2012

I worked as an LPN before getting my BSN, and in my my area, the oncology field demands RN's. Working as an LPN made the format of RN school easier to manage, but ultimately, I have WAY more career aspects now than I did before. As an LPN, I was limited to working in a nursing home or homecare--even MD offices were hiring MA's to cut costs. But now, I can CHOOSE to work in a nursing home or hospital, or VNA--wherever I'm in need. The RN education has benefitted me tremendously. All the school loans that I'm currently paying back...that's another story!

HazelLPN, LPN · Mar 17, 2012

Go straight for your BSN ASAP because it will give you the most options in your career. There are LPNs who work in acute care hem/onc nursing, but these LPNs work in states where LPNs have a broad scope of practice and are most often veteran nurses. Even in these places, when an LPN retires, they are often replaced with an RN...which was the case in the hospital from which I retired. Be extremely careful of these for profit "career" schools that advertise online learning that are popping up everwhere. They are extremely expensive and often have questionable credentials. They will leave you in a LOT of debt and many have low graduation rates.Instead, find a good state school or non profit private school who's nursing programs have been around a long time good reputations. These programs are competitive academically, but they are the best way to go. If you can't find a BSN program that is practical for you, your community college is your next best option for you ADN or if you are lucky enough to live near one of the few diploma schools left in the nation, take advantage of it.

Best to you,

Mrs H.

kellenl · Mar 28, 2012

I would say that it depends on what state you live in.

In the south (I have worked in Texas, Ark and Tennesse)

LPN's can do basically everything an RN can do. (Hang blood, hang chemo, administer BCG, etc) RN's are mostly in administrative positions such as DON. I have worked OR, ICU, Oncology, Diabetic Education all as an LPN. The pay between LPN and RN is not that much different, about $1 an hour starting difference. When I worked in ICU we had 1 BSN that was our director of nursing, 1 PA that that reported directly to the ordering doctors and 1 APN on call but everyone else was an LPN.