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.
Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I am located in PA. I plan on starting Excelsior School of Nursing. It is an online program and has a LPN/LVN -RN program which fits into my schedule perfectly.
Try to find some who have done this program and graduated. I know a couple and well...sounds like they aren't the happiest with the outcomes.
Omgggg this a amazing. Im like in love with this post. Im so happy to see others in mirror situations. This was very incouraging. Im so excited to finally begin my journey next month!
I hoping to get in to the RN program here in AZ in Block 3. The LPN wait time was only one semester for me. There is currently a 3+ year waiting list for the RN program at the community college. By taking this route, I will only have a year left for my RN degree. I'll be finished before a lot of people on the waiting list even get in.
I have been an LVN for 9yrs. I went this route because I was a single mom with 2 young kids, and it was the quickest route for me to obtain my nursing license and make money to support us. And, it did just that. I was blessed to obtain a salary position doing field visits with a hospice company, starting at $41,000 a year, not including visits made after hours, weekends and on-call pay. I am now a high school nurse, and yes, I had to take a pay cut. But, I am able to study for my BSN hoping to attend TWU RN weekend/evening program.
This is such an amazing post. I, too finished all of my prereqs for RN programs prior to attending LVN school. After taking all my prereqs, I applied to all BSN program because EVERYONE I knew told me to get my BSN first. The reason being no hospital hires ADN RNs anymore. I was rejected to all the BSN programs since they were so competitive.. (mind you I'm a 3.5 student with 150+ hours of volunteer work) but that still wasn't enough. It was really disheartening to be rejected. I decided I didn't wanna wait for however long for adn programs in my area, I enrolled at an LVN program. I finished in 15 months. Took my boards, passed and got a job 2 weeks later. And this January I'm starting my RN program!
To me being an LVN has taught me so much. I feel like I'm getting my feet wet with all the experience I have and seen. I feel like LVN should be a stepping stone to being an RN. I've seen so many new grad RN who are BSN, yet the old school LVNs are more knowledgeable than them because of the experience under their belt (a lot of them where I work). Not to insult any RNs out there!! :) So kudos to you! And don't listen to anyone. If your heart is set on it.. And it's what you really want.. You'll make it.
I am looking into LVN programs in the L.A/OC area. Which school did you attended for your LVN? I am trying to find a LVN school who's credits will transfer to a BSN Program. Al ot of the LVN Programs are not Regionally Accredited so I am not sure if the BSN Bridge Programs will accept the LVN Program.
I went with LPN because I wanted to make sure I was comfortable with the work before making a huge commitment that I may regret. The program I went through was ten months at a public technical school. No waiting and only a $5k investment. Also considered the top program in the state, I'm so glad I went this route. I'll have work and life experience when I do the RN bridge program. Bonus - the local public college reserves two slots per semester for graduates of my program, so no waiting. If I do the RN bridge I'll have spent $16k total. My buddy is going through a private program and he'll have spent upwards of $45k (not including interest on the loans he had to take out).
This is my 2nd career. I've always wanted to be a nurse, but life gives us detours. The desire to be a niurse has never left me, so I pretty much quit my 1st career, and am totally going for it as a fulltime student. Why the LPN route... faster than the straight RN route, plus I get some great experince. I intend to get my LPN, work, and pursue my RN part time.
This is a good point to remember for career changers. You can get your BSN but if you have zero experience other than your clinicals its tough to get a job!
The LPN route is much smarter than many people want you to believe. I am 54 years old...a financially-challenged single mother and grandmother with no financial aid other than loans. I have to work full-time while I attend school as well as be the sole care-taker and provider for my family. In only 10 months of school I will be making $20/hr instead of minimum wage. Then when I'm making $20/hr I can have my employer reimburse my tuition to bridge to BSN while almost tripling my salary. This makes soooo much more sense to me than trying to pay for all of school myself and survive on minimum wage for four years for a BSN. A $6,000 school loan is the only "seed" money I need to complete my LPN and have a plan to have the rest of my education paid for through my employer. If I were 18 and still living at home free with mom and dad with no expenses or job, then going four years straight would be my first option. But there are few of us who are in "normal" situations. I graduate in 5 months. Don't let ANYONE tell you LPN is a waste. It's the greatest tool and stepping stone there is out there right now!
The LPN route is much smarter than many people want you to believe. I am 54 years old...a financially-challenged single mother and grandmother with no financial aid other than loans. I have to work full-time while I attend school as well as be the sole care-taker and provider for my family. In only 10 months of school I will be making $20/hr instead of minimum wage. Then when I'm making $20/hr I can have my employer reimburse my tuition to bridge to BSN while almost tripling my salary. This makes soooo much more sense to me than trying to pay for all of school myself and survive on minimum wage for four years for a BSN. A $6000 school loan is the only "seed" money I need to complete my LPN and have a plan to have the rest of my education paid for through my employer. If I were 18 and still living at home free with mom and dad with no expenses or job, then going four years straight would be my first option. But there are few of us who are in "normal" situations. I graduate in 5 months. Don't let ANYONE tell you LPN is a waste. It's the greatest tool and stepping stone there is out there right now![/quote']
This made alot of sense to me. Im so happy to know im not wasting my time.
Hi Cynt87! My reason is because it fits my situation. Ultimate goal is to become an RN. Going the LPN route allows you to break the program up, gain working experience, and continue on while you're making money. Right now I need to work and gain a nice income while doing so. For me, going to school for 2 years or so straight is not ideal. The time works outs the same, when you think about it. The end goal is the same, its just what route you wanna take. A lot of places want experience also, and that's what we'll be getting going this route once we're done :)
.thumb.jpg.2b558712262e1eb94d45f830a7bdfb87.jpg){kind=small}
IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
1,344 Posts
Try to find some who have done this program and graduated. I know a couple and well...sounds like they aren't the happiest with the outcomes.