full of DOUBT! need advice from EVERYONE!

VM85 · Dec 19, 2008

you need to just take a step back and think, what do you want to do with your life? if you want to work as a lab assist/ekg/phlembotomist, then enter into that program. I dont want to sound insensitive- I understand that things get hard, but it seems like if you want to be a nurse, spend your time studying, staying after school with your instructor, and really devoting your life to it while your in school would prob take less time than researching all of these other programs and trying to get into them, not to mention, changing your dream because its hard. Im in an LPN program, and its harder than any RN programs because theres so much info and only 10 months to learn it. Every one learns different so i cant exactly say what you need to do- have you tried buying study books for the entrance exam and ttaking a test review course? Id just sit back and think, what do you really want to do career wise cuz you may be doing that for the rest of your life, and you dont want to have regrets!

Amethyst8324 · Dec 19, 2008

you need to just take a step back and think, what do you want to do with your life? if you want to work as a lab assist/ekg/phlembotomist, then enter into that program. I dont want to sound insensitive- I understand that things get hard, but it seems like if you want to be a nurse, spend your time studying, staying after school with your instructor, and really devoting your life to it while your in school would prob take less time than researching all of these other programs and trying to get into them, not to mention, changing your dream because its hard. Im in an LPN program, and its harder than any RN programs because theres so much info and only 10 months to learn it. Every one learns different so i cant exactly say what you need to do- have you tried buying study books for the entrance exam and ttaking a test review course? Id just sit back and think, what do you really want to do career wise cuz you may be doing that for the rest of your life, and you dont want to have regrets!

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it. Thanks for the kick in the a** maybe I just needed that. How do you know that the LVN program is harder than the RN? Have you tried it or maybe know someone who's in the RN program?

lpnflorida · Dec 19, 2008

Both programs are difficult programs. Some of the pre reqs are the same especially if it is an Lpn program with a bridge to the Adn Rn program.

The Rn program goes much more in depth than the more technical aspect which is the focus of the Lpn program.

I think maybe the poster may have meant due to the amount of information you needed to learn in such a short time period is what made it difficult.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2008

I can understand your struggles, however, I can tell ya that LPN school is not much easier than RN. Our tech school has a program where the nursing students are all lumped together. You can opt out at the LPN level, or take your PN boards and continue on right away, or just continue on to finish as a RN. It was no easy task, but if your dedicated you can do this. If it's in your heart, you will succeed. You'll never know until you try. If you choose to get into nursing, you may want to purchase a PN study guide (Saunders or Kaplan, there are others). Not only will this prepare you for your Boards, but will help you learn how to take the nursing exams. They are a whole lot different from your prereqs. I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. :heartbeat

navydad51 · Dec 20, 2008

I agree with all. As far as that old question what is more difficult LPN or RN, both are just as hard. Both require a lot of dedication and sacrafice. Being an LPN now since Nov. 3rd, and working for 3 weeks, I can tell you that the real hard part is actually being a nurse. So it really never gets easy, and you never stop learning. But it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.

I have many nurses in my family. My older brother ws an LPN for 20 years, then went on to get his RN. Did it in one year. But had NO LIFE in that one year.

I guess you should be asking yourself what it is you really want. When you want something bad enough you will get it.

Good luck to you on whatever you decide.

BMXMom · Mar 5, 2009

I think you really need to do some soul searching. I graduate this May with my LPN and next year with my RN (hopefully). LPN is not easier. I study everyday and I have had no life at all this year. Trust me I have cried at times and other times felt great about my accomplishments. I also have two other degrees but later in life decided I wanted to be a nurse. I must say the LPN schooling was much harder than my last two degrees. In the state that I live in, LPNs can draw blood. You really need to do what is best for you and believe in yourself. Good luck.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 7, 2009

Doubting myself again and thinking that I'm not going to pass LVN school, I found another program in Santa Clara, California called Institute for Business Technology and they have a Lab Assist/EKG/Phlebotomist program. It still sounds scary but, I think I can handle it.
please, any inputs from ANYONE or (RN's, LVN's or Lab. Assist/EKG Tech./ Phlebotomists?)

From where I live, the lab assistant, EKG and phlebotomist courses have not led to any substantial positions. In fact, most of those programs are very expensive, the students have to take enormous loans and they either not gain employment at all, or the salary does not compensate enough for the high interest student loan taken. If anything, I would search for a program that offers the CNA training with additional courses in EKG and phlebotomy because most positions these days are searching for those that can multi-task. I do believe, however, that taking an EKG as well as phlebotomy course is an advantage for a nurse, because learning EKGs is not a major component of nursing school, but yet, understanding the EKGs is a definite plus (and necessity) for a nurse (especially RNs). Also, if you can find a vein, you can start an IV if you practice enough.

Main thing is to look at the job opportunities for the positions you are seeking training in. Many areas are phasing LPNs out of hospital positions, leaving the LPN to work in long term care (nursing homes), home care, prisons, assisted living, doctor's offices. Some of these are not bad choices for those who like them, but if NONE are available for LPNs or none of these are of interest to you even if they are plentiful, then, you might as well bite the bullet and go for the RN (which, will lead to more job opportunities).