Does anyone have a Bachelors and still pursuing LPN??

sunray12 · Apr 1, 2009

I have a Bachelors degree and Im currently pursuing LPN, and the common question from RNs is, why not be an RN. Is it uncommon for someone with a Bachelors degree to pursue an LPN? I just went on an interview for a CNA position and the interviewer looked at me like I was crazy because I am pursuing LPN over RN. What is wrong with being an LPN over an RN?

Yes I have a Bachelor's and will be probably be a LPN by next year. Some people have preconceived notions about who does what in this world. I usually shatter notions so nothing new there. :) My positive nurse role model is a LPN so obviously I don't think there's anything wrong with being a LPN and the primary attraction of the LPN for me is that I want to be able to do my RN and BSN online and at my own pace while learning and working as I go. I guess this lady doesn't know there are different paths in nursing and that's fine - not everyone has to know every option. I think you have a higher chance of career satisfaction if you take the path that works for you.

MissGwen · Apr 1, 2009

I have a bachelors, too and am starting an LPN program this month. Although I am going to get my RN, there are several reasons for getting my LPN first. To start with, I was able to get in and get started without having to apply to a million programs, while having no clue if I would get in them or not. Plus, by the time I would found out IF I got in, I could be almost finished with my LPN. If you don't get in, then there you are with lost time on your hands.

Also, by getting my LPN first, I can enter the workforce sooner. The pay and job field for my bachelor's is insulting.

There are obviously financial advantages to being an RN and I suspect the job market is better, but you have to do what works for you because you are the one who has to live with it.

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NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2009

I'm in the same boat as sunray. I have a BA in education and am starting a new career after 25 years of teaching! I'm going for my LPN to get my feet wet, learn what CNA's do, (our school is heavy on CNA skills, in fact we are testing for our CNA next week) and then like sunray I will probably go for a BSN online while I work as an LPN. I need to generate some income fast and LPN seemed the way to go for me and my family. I'm thinking I will eventually teach nursing until I'm old and grey! Do what you want and don't worry about how people look at you or what they think...who cares?

dblpn · Apr 2, 2009

I have a Bachelors degree and Im currently pursuing LPN, and the common question from RNs is, why not be an RN. Is it uncommon for someone with a Bachelors degree to pursue an LPN? I just went on an interview for a CNA position and the interviewer looked at me like I was crazy because I am pursuing LPN over RN. What is wrong with being an LPN over an RN?

theres an lpn student in my class who has a bsn in liberal arts and she cant find a job paying nowhere near what she could as an lpn or rn. she's young and wished she would've pursued nursing first rather than wasted four years on a degree with no job,not to mention student loans on top of that.

newlpn_chic · Apr 3, 2009

I dont hold a Bachelors Degree but I do have an Associates in Human Services, and like the other lady's its to get your feet wet get your on the job experience while working towards being a RN.

I started out with wanting to becoming an RN but the process is almost absurd once you pass a certain age and making a career change. I cant imagine the time loss, I much much prefer the LPN route (think of it as short-cut in a sense). I have taken a severance package to pursue my LPN, so I will be able to dedicate 110% and its 12 months of hard work, and then enter back into the workforce full throttle.

No one choice is better the other, but the route we all chose is what works us, you have to see what works for you

Good Luck:up:

jaebee3 · Apr 3, 2009

I have a BS in Microbiology from 14 yrs ago. I started a family and stayed home the kids for the past 13 yrs. Since I'm re-entering the world of education/working I decided the wise decision would be to "get my feet wet" with my LVN education for several reasons:

(1) I could avoid waiting lists for RN and get started sooner.

(2) If I didn't like the field of Nursing, at least my program only lasted 11 intense months.

(3) I could work as LVN and earn some $$$ while pursuing my RN.

(4) Hopefully, I could find an employer that helps with tuition reimbursement for furthering my education as RN or BSN.

(5) Who knows, I may decide LVN is where I want to stay. The scope of practice for an LVN may be more suited to my taste.

There are many paths that lead to nursing. Each individual needs to weigh the pros & cons and take into consideration their own personal circumstances.

Good luck to you as you pursue your own personal path to success!!! :yeah:

Ling07 · Apr 3, 2009

theres an lpn student in my class who has a bsn in liberal arts and she cant find a job paying nowhere near what she could as an lpn or rn. she's young and wished she would've pursued nursing first rather than wasted four years on a degree with no job,not to mention student loans on top of that.

Im in the same boat as your classmate. I sooooooo wish I would have pursued nursing first.

chachou22 · Apr 3, 2009

I am sorry to cut in but I am just giving my two cents...I had an associate degree before I pursued nursing and I refuse to do an Lpn program because going back to get a BSN would take what seemed like forever to me. I started nursing school after a friend of mine who was in LPN school started working then he went back to become an Asociate RN and started working, by that time I finished my BSN and now he is return again to get His BSN and the mean time I am applying to grad Schools. If I had a BS already there is no way I would go for an LPN vs RN their are plenty of schools that have accelerated programs for people that hold BS/BA degrees in field other then nursing to get a BSN in 15-24mths, then you would not have to worry about going back.

that was just my opinion.

Good luck everyone with your careers

dblpn · Apr 3, 2009

Im in the same boat as your classmate. I sooooooo wish I would have pursued nursing first.

LOL, omg i just read over my comments, and its not a bsn she has its a bachelors in liberal arts not a bachelors in nursing.

Good Luck with on LPN school!

Ling07 · Apr 4, 2009

I am sorry to cut in but I am just giving my two cents...I had an associate degree before I pursued nursing and I refuse to do an Lpn program because going back to get a BSN would take what seemed like forever to me. I started nursing school after a friend of mine who was in LPN school started working then he went back to become an Asociate RN and started working, by that time I finished my BSN and now he is return again to get His BSN and the mean time I am applying to grad Schools. If I had a BS already there is no way I would go for an LPN vs RN their are plenty of schools that have accelerated programs for people that hold BS/BA degrees in field other then nursing to get a BSN in 15-24mths, then you would not have to worry about going back.
that was just my opinion.
Good luck everyone with your careers

The accelerated BSN option means nothing to people like me who have to take 5-6 prereqs before entering such programs. And not everyone has the resources to stop working for an entire year. By the time I finish my prereqs, I could be an LPN!!

Lovely_RN, MSN · Apr 4, 2009

I have my bachelors degree and I did the LPN first. The program I did was a 1+1 program that accepted me with no pre-reqs completed because we did them while completing the LPN. I got my LPN license in '08 and I have been working as an LPN while doing my RN. I am finished in one week and expect to take the NCELX RN sometime in May or June. The entire process has taken me exactly 2 years and 3 months. :wink2: For me it was faster than doing 3-4 semesters of pre-reqs and then doing 12-18 months of an ASBN program.

For me going the LPN route worked out really well. I have gained experience as a nurse before I get thrust into the role of RN. The nurse managers that I have spoken with at clinicals do accept LPN experience and I will not be considered a new grad which is an advantage in this tough job market. Also I have been doing my research and I have found several colleges and universities in my area that accepted ADNs with a non nursing bachelors directly into their masters programs. So I don't even need to BSN to move on in my career.