Does anyone have a Bachelors and still pursuing LPN??

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

Published

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?

Specializes in Substance Abuse, Mental Health.

I have a Bachelor of art in African American Studies (minors: English and Communication) and decided it would be in my best interest to pursue the LPN. Initially, I was interested in an accelerated program, but I am weary of the intensity of the program since my children are still not school age. Also, I would like to pay along as I go. I've borrowed ENOUGH money so far. Also, I don't have to take any prereqs for the LPN and can get in. I will not be starting for another year, but my time will not be wasted. I will be working as a CNA and the community college I'm going to has my status as Pre-PN, so I can register for the classes that nursing students take (except for the actual nursing/practicum courses) this fall. This means that when I'm "formally" in the program, the only thing I'll have to take is the nursing/practicum courses and nothing else. From then, I have a couple of options. I can either do the LPN-BSN program that a local university has here OR do the LPN-RN bridge at community college and apply to the RN-MSN program at a nearby university (w/o needing a BSN). I'm taking the slow road because I look forward to hands on learning and experience, plus I'll be paying my way along while still helping my husband to support our family. Sounds like a sweet deal to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't feel bad about it. I have a BS in education (big mistake!) but oh well, who knew I'd only get to teach for 2 years and then get laid off? I could spend a year doing pre-reqs, and, if by some miracle, get into a ABSN program for another year, but all that adds up to 2 years. Whose got all that time? My unemployment check will run out well before then. Since I have no hubby to support me I need to get WORKING!! That means an LPN first, then maybe a LPN-BSN bridge.

I admit I'm a little embarassed, but oh well. You do what you have to do. Remember what they always say: when life slams the door in your face, the force breaks open a window. :smokin: Wait, is that what they say? :nuke:

Keep moving foward! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

I am also one of those dime-a-dozen folks with a bachelor's in education. After 7 frustrating years of long and short-term subbing jobs, I decided to cut my losses and start over as a nurse. I came to the same conclusions for joining the LPN program as others here have stated, less time, had to contribute to family, could work while going for RN, easier to get into program, future employer could pay for continuing education, etc. But I have found that there is another fantastic benefit to having a bachelor's before going back for a PN program....

There is one other girl in my class who has a bachelor's as well. The two of us have noticed that we don't seem to be struggling as hard as most of the other people in our class. We maintain our A average almost effortlessly as people around us stress and panic. We've lost 9 people already who just couldn't hack it. Now, neither of us are particularly brilliant. We think it's because we know how "to go to school", we've been through it all before, we know how to study, take tests, write papers, deal with difficult professors, etc. So having solid college experience helps a person through the challenges of any PN program. And if I may add, this one year of "mere" LPN school has been more challenging than ANYTHING I ever had to do in teachers' college. (If you can't do, teach. If you can do, nurse!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so Much!!!! I have a Bachelors degree and I'm applying to LPN school. You're right, there are different paths to nursing.

Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.
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!!

Me too! I eventually want to get my BSN, but it would've required a whole year of going to school almost full time just to get the pre-reqs in for the accelerated program. My BA in history is great, but didn't set me up with the science classes I need for nursing.

I'm going the LPN route because that's how my community college does it. You get your LPN, take the exam and are licensed. I can immediately apply to the RN program at the same school, which is the plan. If, for some reason, that doesn't work out, I'll be an LPN by next summer and can begin work right away.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

]Hello All!

]

]I too have a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice though. I'm currently a Special Education teacher in Texas. I actually love what I do but I've also wanted to become a nurse. I've actually had to wait until more programs fit my current schedule as a teacher. Becoming a nurse will not only allow me to continue helping people but it will allow me to care for my daughter even more. I'm a single mother and my potential two incomes will help greatly!!!

]

]Some people have asked why not go for your BSN? I understand their question but I also know my reasons. I've found a program that fits my schedule and I can finish within a year. It has been a no-brainer for me. The decision was easy!

]

]-Good Luck to All as we venture into this new profession :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, ICU, ED.

I have a Bachelor's degree and completed all of the prerequisites to apply for an ADN or BSN program. I chose to go the LVN route for the following reasons:

1. I didn't want to be on the waiting lists and lotteries for the RN programs here in California. It's ridicoulously hard to get into a lot of programs here. I chose to go to a private LVN school because it was easy to get into but, EXPENSIVE! I paid close to 25K. I see my LVN education however as an investment on myself which will definitely pay off in the long run.

2. I wanted to get my feet wet and gain LVN nursing experience. Luckily, my program provided me with very good clinical sites.

3. I am planning on applying for Indiana State University's LPN-BSN program this year. Because I have a Bachelor's degree and have completed all prerequisites for their nursing program, if all goes as planned, I will start my clinicals and classes in their nursing program Spring 2010. I plan on working part-time as an LVN and going to school online for my RN degree.

4. I want to have kids and didn't want to be stuck in a 2 year program. My LVN program was only 14 months long. Time is of essence for me in that realm and we're going to try to conceive this summer.

Good luck to you and I wish you all the best!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have an Associates in Liberal Arts and a Bacheor's in Business/Health Management. As others have already pointed out, the LPN route is VERY beneficial for my situation. I was lucky enough to finish my undergrad education without taking out any loans ata ll. However, the jobmarket isn't too promising for someone with my degrees and no experience in anything other than bartending. I'm 26 with a 3 year old and time is of the essence. NYC schools for LPN and RN have proven impossible to get into! Waiting lists, lottery systems, etc. I tried getting in to programs at SEVERAL cuny solleges (2 of which I graduated from) and to no avail. LPN allows me to be a nurse, support my family while pursuing my RN. I'm glad I took this route. I believe it better prepares me to be a more prepared nurse. Esp. since I have no prior hands on medical experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Everyone has to take their own route. I have a degree. The possibility of working in 14 months, I like it. My degree and LPN can go so many places. When I was in orientation. There were so many folks with degrees. Stay positive!

I say Everyone do what is best for them.

Good luck to all!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am truly appreciative that youve created this answer. I just recently earned my BS in Health Science in May of this year, but am currenly pursuing my LVN. I got alot of backlash and critique from not only friends and family asking me, WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE AN LVN? WHY NOT GO FOR YOUR RN?

Well, I'm doing this for myself. I've always wanted to be a nurse. I went to a university for 4 1/2 years and am NOW finally doing what I WANT TO DO. Don't let anyone discourage you. Do what you want. Eventually I will go for my RN, but it's only for me and for no body else. I'm not trying to impress anyone but myself. Good luck to you. (In california, we call LPN's LVN's)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a Bachelors degree and I'm also a LVN. I did the LVN route because there was no waiting list and found that I can do the LVN-RN and then go for my MSN. I don't have any regrets persuing my LVN first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nothing is wrong with it!!! You can do a lot with your LVN degree, and get your RN later if you want. I have lots of classmates that already have their Bachelors, so don't think you are alone. You will do well with the fact that you can handle your study schedule, having had your experience. Good luck, and be proud!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment