Go for LPN or RN?

heathert_kc · Apr 15, 2011

Well, most of us here have been LPNs and are attempting/planning/working on to getting our RN. I have been an LPN for just over 2 years now and nearly through my first of a two semester bridge program for my RN and I do not regret going this route, though it took me a little longer than I had planned I was out there getting experience and making more money than just about any other early 20s college students I know, which is allowing me to support myself through my current educational program (unfortunately I am SO wealthy that I no longer qualify for financial aid, lol).

I originally wanted to go straight for my RN, but had a friend that was applying to an LPN program and told me I should too, cause it didn't require as many general education classes (still needed a ton before I could apply for RN program), sure enough I got in...

With all of the personal/family issues and changes I was having toward the end of my 1 year program, I was lucky it was over not sure I would have made it through another year if I had been doing an adn program. It worked for me but obviously I see the value in being an RN otherwise I would not be returning to school. There are greater, more varied opportunities out there for registered nurses. LPNs aren't generally utilized in staff nurse capacity in most hospitals, management positions require one to be an RN, other types of cushy-er jobs often prefer RNs, like working in schools, for insurance companies, some suburban health departments, etc. So it really depends on what you want to do, but even as a charge nurse in a long term care facility, as I currently am, I am doing the exact same job as the RNs with the same job title and discription (a couple even have their BSN), yet they make an extra $4-6+/hr. If you want to go into nursing you have to see it as a life of learning, even if you obtain your certificate/degree you will continue to learn each and every day, plus your state likely requires continuing education credits to maintain your license and your place of employment may have requirements related to additional continuing training as well....the learning never ends. I'm not even half through with this program and am deciding on RN-BSN programs... Ultimately it's up to you, but if you are looking for an opportunity to get your feet wet and learn the basics of nursing in a realitively short period of time, LPN really isn't a bad option.

Plus as competitive as schools are nowadays it is best to just take the courses that all nursing schools require and start applying to every accredited program available to you as soon as you qualify to.

nurse_bear · Apr 17, 2011

It depends on how much you like money. Seriously though I am an LPN and I don't regret it, but its easier to just go all the way the first time instead of going back. A majority of people start their careers and get complacent and never go back to school.

BerryHappy · Apr 18, 2011

Do the LPN if you need to work sooner than later, are older not younger, have LOTS of personal responsibilities (family, bills, kids, etc), and have more busy time then free time. Also, it can be quite difficult to get into a traditional RN program due to waiting lists, and pre-reqrisites.

Do the RN if you have lots of time to study, can wait for a better paycheck, are younger not older, have fewer responsibilities, and can actually GET INTO a RN program.

Don't forget if you do go the LPN route you can always continue your studies and become a RN in pretty much the same amount of time as a traditional RN program would take you.

It would be ideal to go the RN route, but life is rarely ideal!

Good Luck!

P.S. I've been a LPN for two years and will be sitting for my RN boards in September!