why are you going the LPN route?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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Just curious as why others are going the LPN route instead of straight to ASN or BSN RN ?

I want to be a nurse and personally can't attend a full time program. And in my area LPN was the only program that offered a part time evening class that would allow my work schedule and I have a 6 month old son. Also the private school didn't have a wait list. So ill be starting jan 13th. once I'm a LPN I'm hoping on a job that will allow me to live off while I can go Ft days to a RN program.

What are others decisions?

I chose to become an LPN first because I had to to continue on to get my RN from my school. Our program is in steps. It is only LPN-RN that is offered, not straight to RN.

I did get accepted to a really expensive BSN program but decided to do the less expensive community college and then bridge to BSN at that other school.

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I do not have my LPN and am currently working towards a BSN, but I have several friends who went the LPN route, and now they do not feel like going back. So some advice, once you get your lpn, keep going! Don't get too comfortable somewhere and that be good "enough". Becoming an lpn first is a great idea, especially since your program sounds more flexible than others, but don't settle for anything less than what you want! Good luck, I'm sure you'll make an amazing nurse.

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I started out as a pre-BSN Nursing Student at a University. I had the GPA (3.7), every single pre-req and even A's in the major science courses (A&P 1/11, Microbiology and Pathophysiology). I submitted my application to enter the program , and about 3 weeks later I received a letter of rejection stating that I was on the waiting list. (Ain't nobody got time for that ! lol)I was so confused and dishearten about everything. I even questioned whether or not I even wanted to be a nurse anymore. So, fast forward 3 months later, I picked myself up and started doing my research on schools in my area that were accepting applications for LPN or RN program. I found a 1 year LPN program where I could start in January and finish in December. I submitted my application, transcripts and recommendation letters and I even had to interview for the program. Now ,one year later I am graduating from the Practical Nursing Program (December 13, 2013)!! It was a journey, and I am definitely a different person now one year later. I still have hopes of returning for my RN within the next 6 months or so. AND...The answer is NO, what you are doing isn't a waste of time. BE VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF! It will not be easy, but you can do it!

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I did the LPN program first because of the long wait lists for the RN program. I am glad I did it that way because I chose a private school for the RN program (graduated Oct 2013) had I not gone through the LPN program first I don't think I would of done as well as I did. I am set to take the NCLEX RN in 3 days!!

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Because I wanted to be an LPN. I have been an LPN since 1990.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I chose the LPN route for a couple different reasons..For one, I wanted something that I could jump into w/o having to take any additional pre-reqs aside from what I already had so that I could start immediately!From what I'd heard from others, LPN at my school was competitive to get into, but not nearly impossible like the ADN program.And lastly, with my husband being military & us not knowing whether we'd be here for another whole two years, I needed something that I knew I could start & finish fairly quickly--which turned out to be LPN.My ultimate goal is to become an RN, as I plan to bridge in the near future, but LPN was ideal for my current situation.I'm glad I took this route--only one more semester to go! ;)

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I went LPN because it was faster and more convenient, plus I work in office/clinic settings so I have my weekends/evenings/holidays off with my family. When my kids grow up then I may be more open to advancing to my BSN and getting into an acute care setting. For now, though, I love being a LPN.

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Thank you ladies for the inspiration.

A friend of mines wife is going for RN and all I hear is LPN is a waste just go for your RN. I explained a hundred times that my schedule didn't allow it. Others said to wait it out on the wait list and that I was rushing into it. But spring 2015 is a long time and I have to redo AP. So it was more like fall 2015.

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I have found the same problem. I have my BSBA and I originally wanted to go into an accelerated BSN program. There are about 7 prerequisites for the program and it fills up fast each year ao I was looking at only starting Fall 2016 (unless I got waitlisted). I looked into the AS programs and they told me the same thing. You need to complete the prerequisites first (only 2) and then apply but the list for the next year is already full. Very discouraging. I also work fulltime right now and need to work at least part time while I go to school. So, I have looked into LPN! I'm working on getting that going and hope to be able to work and complete an LPN to RN program while getting experience too!

Anyone that is saying its a waste of time just doesnt get it. If this is the road you need to take to get to be an RN then thats it. You're still going to get there you're just taking a different road.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med/Surg, hospice.

I did LVN first because I knew it would be a great foundation to build my nursing career on. My mother has been an LVN since 1985 and is amazing and well respected as a nurse. Not to mention I was able to get in the LVN program immediately at my community college whereas the wait for the RN program would have been at least 2 years. I finished my LVN program and was able to finish my RN prereqs and then immediately get into my CC's LVN-RN program. Now I have been an LVN for almost two years and am one semester away from graduating with my ADN/RN. Some of my classmates applied for the RN program the same time I was in the LVN program and have no nursing experience at all, so really I am at an advantage. I feel as though I am learning better and appreciating more what I am learning, doing and seeing in class and clinicals because I have been exposed to it before in school and more importantly, the REAL nursing world. I would recommend this route to anyone.

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Thank you ladies for the inspiration.

A friend of mines wife is going for RN and all I hear is LPN is a waste just go for your RN. I explained a hundred times that my schedule didn't allow it. Others said to wait it out on the wait list and that I was rushing into it. But spring 2015 is a long time and I have to redo AP. So it was more like fall 2015.

You can not listen to everyone else you have to do what is best for you hun because everyones situation is different and everyone cant go straight for their RN. I have 2 friends that went straight for their RN and literally told me that they wished that they would have did the LPN route. Different people different experiences.

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I messed up. I should have gone to a second degree program, but I didn't know that they existed. Also, I did not know that hospitals were phasing out LPNs. I was hoping to get a job at a hospital and have them pay for my further education. I listened to someone who gave me old information. I should have done some research first. Oh well. No use crying over spilled chianti.

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