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.
I spend about 5-6 years at my community college trying to figure out what I wanted to study (Thought I always knew I wanted to be in the health field). Eventually I decided to go into nursing and I had taken Anatomy before I decided on nursing so I re took it for a better grade which affected my GPA, didn't do so well on the TEAS test. I applied for the RN program and was rejected, but got into another college which is wait-listed for about 4 years! I want to start my career sooner than later so I'm going for the LVN program for now.
I love learning but I hate school. Getting my degree as a lpn was the fastest, easiest way for me to get into nursing. Besides if nursing becomes too much for me to handle or something tragic happens, at least I only wasted a year of my time and $13,000. Honestly I really want to help people and worked as a cna for two years. I saw what the nurses around me did and knew I could do it to and make more than double what I was making as an aide. Hell, yes.
I am going the LPN route for several reasons . First I wanted to start at that level and work my way up I figure by doing so I will have more clinical experience that will better prepare me for the next level. Another reason is a financial one I've been working 2 and at times 3 jobs for several years and wanted to get my foot in the door faster so I wouldn't have to work so many jobs. Another reason is because Nursing Programs are so competitive at all the schools I applied for they offer both so I apply to both and got accepted into LPN. The reason I selected both was to increase my chances of getting into either one of the programs. I heard a rumor that those who do will most likely get in to the LPN program since Most applicants only apply for the RN program. In addition its cheaper since I'm maxed out on pell because I already have a degree and already took courses to apply for a RN-BSN/MSN program. A lot of nurses I know that took the LPN route first were able to work full time and continue their education and a bonus was that their employer offered tuition assistance in return they take a promotion and stay with the company for atleast a year! I will be graduating in August of this year! My goal from their is starting in an LPN to RN bridge next summer which will only take an additional year for that and to the next step and then to MSN since I'm done with all pre reqs.
I'm just browsing the forums and still haven't completely decided what to do. I am currently taking prerequisites. The RN program here is extremely competitive and is something like M-TH 7am-5pm, clinicals as early as 5:30am...which freaked me out because I have kids. I'm looking into a LVN program which seems to have a more kid-friendly schedule. I am nervous, though, because most of the jobs I have seen for LVNs are not things I really want to do (at all). I would definitely bridge to RN if I did go that route.
I don't know. I'm still trying to decide if nursing if for me. And if the crazy schedule would be worth it.
Don't look forward to having a kid friendly class and clinical schedule no matter what nursing program you're in. At most schools they're are no options for class and clincal times and days there's only one option and its what they say. Clincal times can start as early as 5:30am unless you're in an evening program and the site could be 15 minutes away from your home or almost 2 hours away! You have to be prepared for the class and clinical hours but just know if you do get picked to go to the site that's the furthest away atleast ut will only last for so many hours and days depending on the course and clinical hour requirement.
That's going to be the challenge with any type of program such as these are the hours because you absolutely need some form of help, especially if you're single with no family/friends close by. Even if you did, everyone is on their own schedule so you would have to really coordinate and map it out, because you need someone who is dependable and a backup plan if something were to come up. If you can, try to secure this way in advance so everything will be smooth when/if you decide this is what you want to do. The last thing you need to try and figure out is childcare when you have to get up for school, that would be added stress. Good luck in your decision.
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!
You are absolutely correct! My thoughts exactly!!! ? Good luck to you and congratulations!
I am going the LPN route for several reasons . First I wanted to start at that level and work my way up I figure by doing so I will have more clinical experience that will better prepare me for the next level. Another reason is a financial one I've been working 2 and at times 3 jobs for several years and wanted to get my foot in the door faster so I wouldn't have to work so many jobs. Another reason is because Nursing Programs are so competitive at all the schools I applied for they offer both so I apply to both and got accepted into LPN. The reason I selected both was to increase my chances of getting into either one of the programs. I heard a rumor that those who do will most likely get in to the LPN program since Most applicants only apply for the RN program. In addition its cheaper since I'm maxed out on pell because I already have a degree and already took courses to apply for a RN-BSN/MSN program. A lot of nurses I know that took the LPN route first were able to work full time and continue their education and a bonus was that their employer offered tuition assistance in return they take a promotion and stay with the company for atleast a year! I will be graduating in August of this year! My goal from their is starting in an LPN to RN bridge next summer which will only take an additional year for that and to the next step and then to MSN since I'm done with all pre reqs.
Good luck to you! That makes so much sense it's so many benefits to doing the LPN first. I'm very happy with my decision and wouldn't change it at all!
I am going the LPN route for several reasons . First I wanted to start at that level and work my way up I figure by doing so I will have more clinical experience that will better prepare me for the next level. Another reason is a financial one I've been working 2 and at times 3 jobs for several years and wanted to get my foot in the door faster so I wouldn't have to work so many jobs. Another reason is because Nursing Programs are so competitive at all the schools I applied for they offer both so I apply to both and got accepted into LPN. The reason I selected both was to increase my chances of getting into either one of the programs. I heard a rumor that those who do will most likely get in to the LPN program since Most applicants only apply for the RN program. In addition its cheaper since I'm maxed out on pell because I already have a degree and already took courses to apply for a RN-BSN/MSN program. A lot of nurses I know that took the LPN route first were able to work full time and continue their education and a bonus was that their employer offered tuition assistance in return they take a promotion and stay with the company for atleast a year! I will be graduating in August of this year! My goal from their is starting in an LPN to RN bridge next summer which will only take an additional year for that and to the next step and then to MSN since I'm done with all pre reqs.
I went the LVN route because 400+ applications for 23 spots, all of us with great GPAs, put on a lottery to get in, that seemed like losing odds to me. Never mind BSN programs with even more applicants! I still went up against 300 people for my LVN seat, but at least the school interviewed me, got to know me, ect. I also like the idea of finishing out my RN with ACTUAL nursing experience. In a tight job market that feels to me, like it's worth its weight in gold.
I went the LPN route first because my application was denied the first time for the RN program. I had met all of my pre-reqs but there was a long waiting list and I didn't feel like waiting. In the mean time, I figured I should just apply to the PN program to get my feet wet since I had zero experience in this career field. Glad I went that route, I graduated in June '12 and I'm now applying to the transitional program to RN (which is only one semester). I then can apply for the RN-BSN program and I'll have one more year left. Can't wait!
I am doing it because I have no precious college and at 38 (having graduated high school 20 years ago) I think the pace will be easier for me. Was also possible for me to be accepted unlike the very competitive RN programs in this area. I'm attending a vocational school. I plan to bridge when I'm done but also have the option to begin working in the field while I do so.
Hi, newbie on the block well the reason, I'm choosing the LPN route is not only due to finances (I work full time but it's a low paying job) but because it fits in better with my schedule. Also I see it as a way for me to get my foot in the door and gain some experience. Plus I figured I have plenty of time to go back and become an RN. My ultimate goal is to become an NP, but right now the goal is to get accepted into the program.
well the reason, I'm choosing the LPN route is not only due to finances (I work full time but it's a low paying job) but because it fits in better with my schedule. Also I see it as a way for me to get my foot in the door and gain some experience. Plus I figured I have plenty of time to go back and become an RN. My ultimate goal is to become an NP, but right now the goal is to get accepted into the program.
PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN
122 Posts
I spend about 5-6 years at my community college trying to figure out what I wanted to study (Thought I always knew I wanted to be in the health field). Eventually I decided to go into nursing and I had taken Anatomy before I decided on nursing so I re took it for a better grade which affected my GPA, didn't do so well on the TEAS test. I applied for the RN program and was rejected, but got into another college which is wait-listed for about 4 years! I want to start my career sooner than later so I'm going for the LVN program for now.