LVN or RN???

ChasingRain · Apr 7, 2010

I'm in the same boat you are in :confused: I was just accepted into an lpn/lvn program and was super excited until I read all of the stuff on here about lpn's being "phased out" and after reading the pressure that is put on lpns to become RNs often before they are ready. I started questioning my decision to go this route and thought maybe I should just skip this and go straight for RN. However, the down side to RN school for me is that the waiting lists are very long and the competition is Stiff! Being an LPN first def gives you an advantage on getting into an RN program(at least where I live).

So after doing a lot of reasearch on this site and others I have decided that doing LPN/LVN is the best choice for me. I will be able to start working and making Money in just a little over a year(once graduated, and passed boards). It will also give me plenty of experience in the nursing profession and will help me to decide if I ever even want to be an RN at all. Then if I do decide to become an RN I know that I'll have an advantage on getting into the program and will feel more comfortable taking on more responsibility that comes with the RN tiltle since I will be a working lpn and have hands on experience outside of a clinical setting.

I know there are plenty of ppl on here who will tell you to skip LPN and go straight for RN, and if that's what's best for you then go for it. However, they have to consider the long waiting list, the competition, and the years without pay while you wait...

Do as much reasearch as you can: See what the advantages are at your RN school of choice for becoming an LPN first, Find out how many LPN jobs there are in your area to make sure that you will be able to find a job(b/c a lot of bridge programs require you have at least 1 year LPN experience before you can get in program).

Good luck with whatever decision you make, and I hope you become an awesome nurse

racefan88 · Apr 8, 2010

I agree. I've seen a lot of posts saying to go straight for RN, but I also considered the long wait and decided that I wasn't willing to lose 2 or 3 years waiting to get into a RN program. I would rather gain experience as a LPN than wait around for an opening. I'll look for bridge programs after I get my license.

Good Luck :)

ann3tt3 · Apr 10, 2010

Hey Mmmmark!

I was stuck on this as well but have finally decided to pursue my LVN first. The wait-list seemed fine a few years ago but now that I'm 22.. I just want to get things going! It's a difficult decision, do what's best for yourself and keep us posted!

Anne36, LPN · Apr 10, 2010

I'm applying to LPN school in Sept. We dont have wait lists, but I couldnt even apply till Dec 2011 and the competition is getting worse with each year. I am hoping that it will be easier to get into the bridge program than directly into the RN program. I need an income as soon as possible. Im also a little bit worried about getting through LPN school. I have been told that half the current class has failed or quit. Im very nervous about the amount of work its going to be.

asfreeasabird · Apr 10, 2010

I did the LPN route then transitioned to get my RN at the same community college. I noticed that I needed to study less because the A&P made sense after caring for patients. Nursing is cyclic sometimes there is a huge shortage and ADNs and LPNs are in huge demand and sometimes there is an oversaturation of nurses and entry nurses can not find a position. Long and short LPNs will not be phased out, they may not be able to get a job at the hosptial but they will have jobs. As an LPN you can usually find a job at a long term care facility or a doctor's office. I think if you want to go back for your RN you should seriously consider working in a long term care facility. Although the patients are not as sick as they are at the hosptial the amount of juggling required to work long term care teaches these nurses amazing time management skills. I am very thankful I did it the way that I did becauase I know what and LPN does and have more respect for them. Hope this helps.

ann3tt3 · Apr 10, 2010

I'm applying to LPN school in Sept. We dont have wait lists, but I couldnt even apply till Dec 2011 and the competition is getting worse with each year. I am hoping that it will be easier to get into the bridge program than directly into the RN program. I need an income as soon as possible. Im also a little bit worried about getting through LPN school. I have been told that half the current class has failed or quit. Im very nervous about the amount of work its going to be.

I'm extremely nervous about the work load too!

Roxyann57 · Apr 11, 2010

I am going for my LPN right now. Personally for me I went straight for my LPN because I would like to take it one step at a time. It was a 3 year wait list at my community college and they referred me to LPN and said if I can make it through that I'll breeze through RN. Where I live (NJ) LPNs are certainly not being phased out. They just are not in acute care as much. But there is still ltc, psychiatric, specialty hospitals, home care, state jobs, schools, I could go on forever. I want to go for my RN but right now LPN is the best choice. I like the whole thing that we are the bed side nurse, not the nurse that just charts charts charts. It's not always all about the money. I understand that LPN get paid less than RN but it's because of education and yeah after a while you want to move up I just like where I started and do recommend it to people because I have known at least 6 people who went straight for RN and failed out and went back to get LPN first.

ah not sure if this helped but good luck deciding.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2010

Moved to the General Nursing Discussion forum for a wider range of responses.

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Apr 13, 2010

If I had to do it over again, I would do the RN route first. However, I was a LVN for many years before I transitioned and I value my experience that I achieved during my LVN years.

I think it depends on your situation. If there are waiting lists for RN but not LVN AND there is easy access to an LVN to RN, then do the LVN first. This is especially true if you are single and don't have a lot of debt. I transitioned while working every single weekend with a husband who had a knee injury requiring him to miss work. I had a rambunctious teenage daughter that was driving me crazy. All while trying to pay a mortgage and other bills.... whew! Glad it's over.

beingthankful · Apr 13, 2010

Tough decision. In my opinion you have to do what fits best into your lifestyle right now. If you need to work and get some income, and you can get into the LPN program, then go for it. Otherwise, even though your RN program is waitlisted, depending on your grades, maybe they'll pick you up for the next cycle. Are both of them day programs? Are there any evening programs, etc?

Things like that may help you make your decision for you unfortunately. Good luck with your decision! :up:

youngvil · Apr 13, 2010

I began my career as a LPN first. I spent 5 years working in an acute care facility. I worked right along side many RNs, often doing the same things and they were making more than I was. I decided to go back to school and become a RN. That was twelve years ago. I a few credits away from completing my BSN and have applied to a Master NP program for the fall. I would not trade my training and working as a LPN for anything. Take the route that works best for you and your family. It does require a lot of time for studying. All worth it in the end. This is one of the most rewarding and respected professions. I love being a nurse. My sister is a nurse and two of my nieces have become nurses. Good luck to you. You can not go wrong with either choice. RNs do make more money and have many more opportunities for employment. :nurse: :nurse:http