would you go the LPN route?

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Ok, so I'm just beyond frustrated trying to figure out how to get into nursing school. My nursing related grades are good, but I had a couple years (after my brother died) where my grades were just horrible. Honestly I shouldn't have been in school at the time. Anyway, I'm so stressed out about not being able to get in anywhere, and I am just ready to start already. I am a single mom and can't waste time waiting to get in to a program. I have my degree in Psychology, but my grades aren't high enough to get me into the ABSN programs around here.

So, the only other option I'm considering is getting my LPN. The pay is pathetically low (less than I make waiting tables) but there are several programs around here where you can bridge into fast-track RN program immediate after graduation :up:. You are given preference over students trying to get into the traditional 2yr-RN program. So should I just go that route? I was really excited about attending a local private college BSN program, but with my grades I don't know if I can even get into that one.

It's really frustrating that mistakes I made almost 10yrs ago, are keeping me from a good future for my son and I :crying2: Would you go this route? I'm looking into some kind of academic forgiveness, but it looks like you can only get it if you are going to the university where you had your trouble.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, IM, OB/GYN, neuro, GI.

That's what I did. I graduate from my LPN program in March and I'm applying to the RN programs after that. I completed all the pre reqs that I need for one program and I need three others for another so that's how I'm spending my summer vacation.

The reason I did this is because the schools around me look at your grades and they DO turn away people with 3.8 because hundreds apply and they only let 50-70 in. If you have a LPN before you apply you're pretty much guaranteed a seat because not a lot of people go that route (at least around here). I didn't really affect my long term goal of getting my MSN (just changed it a semester or two).

The pay around here is a little less than RN's but if I get a job in LTC I'd make more than the hospital setting. Plus if I like the facility I can have them pay for the rest of my schooling.

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Specializes in LTC.

It's a way into the nursing world. I would give it a try.

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Try to get into the other school first- if that does not work- OK LPN, but if makes less than you make now, why spend your time energy and effort and money on it. Can you take one or two classes to raise your GPA?

I don't know- around here it does not seem that hard to get into school. I guess it is different in different areas of the country.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I agree Logos. Try to be admitted in an Rn Program first. If you are not successful, you can try the LPN route.

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ok, so i'm just beyond frustrated trying to figure out how to get into nursing school. my nursing related grades are good, but i had a couple years (after my brother died) where my grades were just horrible. honestly i shouldn't have been in school at the time. anyway, i'm so stressed out about not being able to get in anywhere, and i am just ready to start already. i am a single mom and can't waste time waiting to get in to a program. i have my degree in psychology, but my grades aren't high enough to get me into the absn programs around here.

so, the only other option i'm considering is getting my lpn. the pay is pathetically low (less than i make waiting tables) but there are several programs around here where you can bridge into fast-track rn program immediate after graduation :up:. you are given preference over students trying to get into the traditional 2yr-rn program. so should i just go that route? i was really excited about attending a local private college bsn program, but with my grades i don't know if i can even get into that one.

it's really frustrating that mistakes i made almost 10yrs ago, are keeping me from a good future for my son and i :crying2: would you go this route? i'm looking into some kind of academic forgiveness, but it looks like you can only get it if you are going to the university where you had your trouble.

im in the exact situation as you. i plan on starting lpn school this fall and then go to a lpn-bridge program right after. i'd say go for it! ...btw where do u live? i live in nj and although lpn's dont make alot in hospitals they make pretty decent money in ltc"s (starting rate about 17 or 18 an hour) so i guess i have to work there until i get my rn :o

good luck in whatever route you choose!

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Specializes in Wannabe L&D, NICU, or OR.

I'm going that route as well. I just applied to LPN school hoping to get in in 2009 or 2010. In the meantime I am attending my local college to get the pre reqs out of the way. The director at the LPN school says that if you have A & P and Nutrition out of the way you dont have to take any of the tests. SOunds good to me. If I graduate from LPN school I will do the bridge program at the college and since most of the pre-reqs will be done I will have an in. At my local college its like a 2-3 year waitlist. so I'm better off going thru LPN school getting a job then finishing with my RN. Oh and in NJ where I liive LPNs in LTC make around 26/hr. Sounds great to me!!! Figure out what is best in the long term. I need a better paying job and could wait years to get into the RN program that's why Im doing LPN first.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

LPN was never an option for me. When I was deferred on my first application, I tried again and was accepted. Keep trying and I bet you'll get into a RN program. Apply anywhere you can within a reasonable distance.

BTW, my GPA was a 3.3 when I was accepted, so don't give up!

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I just wanted to update everyone: I did go the LPN to RN route and I'm LOVING it!!! I'm so glad I chose to go this way because I'm 9wk into nursing school and just loving every minute. If I would have continued trying to get it, I'd only be taking one or two pre-req classes right now just waiting to find out if I made it, but now I know I'll be an LPN in June and go straight into RN in August!!!!

Our instructors have told us that 100% of the students who've applyed for the bridge straight from LPN school got it, and I've had that confirmed by the local CC's as well. So, I think this is a fantastic option! I about to start working as a nurse tech at a local hospital that starts LPN's off at $22.50/hr and will gladly pay you to get your RN. For me this has been a huge answer to prayer and a dream come true to finally be working on my nursing degree! Thanks all for your advice :redbeathe

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The thing is, a lot of nurses don't realize the amount of knowledge LPNs must accumulate during the year. So, you'll find you won't get the respect you deserve. The value of LPNs as determined by hospitals is currently showing a downturn, as in much of the country, hospitals aren't quick to hire LPNs. For ex., in my state, I can do IV starts, a lot of meds, but not blood products or certain meds. Also, I can't administer meds in a PICC line. Just about every other skill I'm able to perform. But, with cost cutting, the RN will be hired because the RN can do all, so no "waste".

For me, I have a 3.95 GPA, but live in a competitive market for NS. I was accepted to a RN program, but had to wait two semesters. It worked out that I could get my LPN in that time frame. I was just as misinformed as the average person about LPNs when I started, but I value experience, and thought, why not work as a NURSE while I go to school to be a RN. The salary for LPNs in my area at a nursing home is around $40K-not huge, but not CNA salary either-so that will make up for my $5K tuition investment, not to mention the valuable experience.

I graduate in Dec, and start my RN (regular program, the one I originally applied for) in Jan. I feel confident about going onto the floor and functioning as a nurse, as I was taught. In an odd turn of events, it's been a great learning experience to watch how the hierarchy works (human nature)- a lot of people need to put a group down in order to feel important themselves. LPNs are a great target for RNs, BUT, you'll find the RNs have the BSNs or MSNs or PhDs, or even MDs who "diminish" THEIR standing...if you know what I mean. It's a viscious cycle that never ends, so don't let the common labels given to LPNs determine your choice. I plan to be a nurse practitioner, and my LPN program has given me roots that I will never lose, and I'll work hard to not fall into the habit of looking down on people who haven't achieved my educational standing. LPNs are still and will always be an important part of the health team. Good luck to you!

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I just wanted to update everyone: I did go the LPN to RN route and I'm LOVING it!!! I'm so glad I chose to go this way because I'm 9wk into nursing school and just loving every minute. If I would have continued trying to get it, I'd only be taking one or two pre-req classes right now just waiting to find out if I made it, but now I know I'll be an LPN in June and go straight into RN in August!!!!

Our instructors have told us that 100% of the students who've applyed for the bridge straight from LPN school got it, and I've had that confirmed by the local CC's as well. So, I think this is a fantastic option! I about to start working as a nurse tech at a local hospital that starts LPN's off at $22.50/hr and will gladly pay you to get your RN. For me this has been a huge answer to prayer and a dream come true to finally be working on my nursing degree! Thanks all for your advice :redbeathe

Sorry, I didn't read that before I posted. Congratulations!

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absolutely not.

LPN positions are on the way out

LPNs make very low pay

Id rather do something else for the little bit they get paid

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