Ok, here's the deal. I'm a male 45 year old with one 11 year old son. Took all prereqs for LPN and most for ADN. Aced TEAS (don't ask me how, I just did on version V, was luck probably). Anyway, I would only have to take just LPN classes Pract 1-3 and Pharm. For the ADN, I'd have to take the nursing classes and AP 168 and 169 because I only took the LPN A&P. My original thinking was I need to get a decent job as fast as I can to be able to adequately support my son and myself. Tired of worrying about being terminated at different jobs because of the economy. I live in NC and it's mostly manufacturing and service industry. But, after a year of going to school, most of my instructors have encouraged me to accept the ADN letter because my job opportunities will be so much better. And, because of my grades, I'm more than qualified. Have a cuml. of 3.579 and got an A in LPN A&P. I've had all my maths for both programs, got an A etc. Having said all of this, I was set (and had my mind made up) on LPN then transition in ADN for money sake. But, having gotten the letter, and holding it in my hands, I'm having second thoughts especially with the job market for nurses in NC. It use to be an LPN could work in hospitals, not anymore unless your grandfathered. Mostly LPN work in LTC facilities and Dr offices (the LTC I like, but I'm not the Dr's office type). What's your ideas? Thoughts? etc. I've got until June 1 to make up my mind, but I'll either accept or decline the ADN by May 31th. Any help would be appreciated.
As an LPN who's now starting the LPN to RN journey..my opinion..if you're been accepted to both..go for the RN. Especially since you already had it in your mind you'd eventually do the LPN to RN when you got your LPN..
I can tell you many LPN's had the greatest of intentions to do the LPN to RN. The thing is life happens, you're now working and a year goes by, then two, then three and then the thought of going back to school really isn't appealing. I know this for a fact I should have just gone right back, but I wanted "a break" and next thing I knew it was 3 years later. But I've finally bitten the proverbial bullet and am diving in head first for my RN now.
If you can, RN. If you can't find a way to get through the RN program, go LVN and take a job... then transition to RN. I'd say be heavily biased toward RN... and LVN only as a last resort as that will lengthen the time it takes to get there.
RN. Even the LPN program I was considering, way back when I was first deciding to go to nursing school, encouraged me to skip the LPN and head for RN. So glad I did.
I would say go for the RN if your able to do it for 2 years. If not do LPN so you could work sooner. Here on Long Island hospitals and jobs ONLY want BSN. Thankfully as an LPN there are many oppurtunities. Here LPN have good job prospects and so do BSN it is the ASN that are in limbo.
Do the RN. As a recent LPN-RN grad, I wish I would have done this initially. It is harder to go back to school after some time. I will also go a step further and recommend you get some sort of patient care experience while in school, even just part time. Good luck!
RN for sure. I have a couple of LVN-RN friends that are graduating with me in 4 weeks, and they both say they wish they'd just done RN straight out of the gate.
CT Pixie, BSN, RN
3,723 Posts
As an LPN who's now starting the LPN to RN journey..my opinion..if you're been accepted to both..go for the RN. Especially since you already had it in your mind you'd eventually do the LPN to RN when you got your LPN..
I can tell you many LPN's had the greatest of intentions to do the LPN to RN. The thing is life happens, you're now working and a year goes by, then two, then three and then the thought of going back to school really isn't appealing. I know this for a fact
I should have just gone right back, but I wanted "a break" and next thing I knew it was 3 years later. But I've finally bitten the proverbial bullet and am diving in head first for my RN now.