Graduating LVN August 2015. Work as LVN for a few yrs or straight to LVN-RN bridge??

[cantwait2beanurse]

Hi there. Was hoping to get some input from the veteran nurses. I will be graduating LVN school this August 2015, super excited! However I am torn between staying an LVN for 1-3 years prior to bridging to RN or going straight in to LVN to RN the following semester. What are the advantages and disadvantages to both?? What are your recommendations or experiences in this? My ultimate goal is to get/ be working on my RN within 5 years of LVN graduation. Then finishing with a BSN. Just wanting to get input on this please. TIA

[PghRN15]

I worked as an LPN for 1 year before going back for a bridge program. I continued to work full time during the bridge program as well. I work 3 12 hours shifts so I pushed them to Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Having some experience helped but I would go right back.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

If you are receiving any kind of financial aid for school continue on immediately. If you wait a few years your income as a working nurse will impact the aid you are eligible for, by going directly into a bridge program only the income you received while you were a full time student will count.

If it's possible for you my suggestion is to work as an LPN part time while finishing your LPN to RN bridge. You will get some invaluable nursing experience and possibly have a good foot in the door towards that RN job when you are done with school while maximizing any grants you may be eligible for as they will be based on previous years income.

[PD82]

I told myself I would take a year off after LVN school so I could get a nursing job and make some money- A few months later I already regretted it. My goal has always been an RN in a hospital environment but as a LVN there are very little opportunities that even come close.

I say keep going, or at least apply to bridge programs to see where you get in, then decide whether to accept or take more time off.