Help! Lpn to rn or just rn????

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Hello everyone! I graduated from high school in 2001 went to college for a year and decided to take a break from school. Well I breaked until 2007. I decided to start school and pursue a career in nursing. I finished all my prerequisites required for the BSN program, all I have left to complete is clinicals. I did a good job in school, with my overal GPA above the minimal requirements to get accepted into clinicals, not to mention I met all other requirements but one to be accepted into the clinical process. I did not pass the nursing entrance exam twice. The 1st time I missed it by 3 points and the second I missed it by 1 point. (Not to mention I studied hard for the test)The morning of the second test I had alot going on, my aunt's funeral was that day, I was running late because of that, and I just didn't think I was focused. So now I have to sit out of school one semester and apply again for the fall session, or I can go to the local technical college and get my LPN and then try again after a year of experience to get my RN. I can also start the LPN program and apply for the RN program while in the LPN program and if accepted start the RN program in January. I don't know what to do should i complete the LPN program and try later for the RN or should i start the LPN program and resign if I get accepted RN clinicals for this coming January. I need your help on what to do because I'm confused. HELP! HELP! HELP!

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I have been obesessing over the same thing for about two solid weeks. Here's my opinion; if you can easily get yourself into a LPN course with the prospect of seamlessly advancing into some sort of RN program, DO IT. You will have done yourself a service by expo sing yourself to valuable information you will undoubtedly use all throughout your career. I would advise you to go straight on to get your RN if that is ultimately your goal-it will be easier to just get it done rather than compete with "life" getting in the way later down the road. Just because you didn't pass those two tests doesn't mean you won't be a nurse some day-you just may need to go a different route than you originally planned. I think doing the LPN course will help you feel more confident and will lend you knowledge that you lack at the moment. Knowledge that is potentially holding you up with the exams, i.e. math computation, etc. and get you prepared for further required testing. Good thing is that you have all the pre-reqs done-what's another 10 mths in a LPN program? --It will FLY by and you will have a "one-up" in the RN program when you do get in. Good luck, hope I helped out-I know how incredibly stressful this all can be, it can be just awful to navigate through. Again, best of luck.:D

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DP,

Oh dear.I understand.I have to I agree with going for the RN first.If you can.You wont regret it.I am an LPN of 9 Years.I am struggling Like heck due to unforseen Health issues..had to take off 3 years.Putting me at a whopping 15 years since I have had my basic but VERY important prenursing pathophys..a&p ALgebra..etc. So I am almost 50 and feel like a freshman.Youll find more opportunities as an RN..pay is better..more respect..and as I said.. doing it in pieces as I have done is VERY frustrating. Im not stopping til I get in..but I am so completely terrified about this hesi ebntrance exam..I am tempted some nights to just take my schools offered remedial semester of LPN school and just DO it. But I passed..top of my class..as LPN..and did not find board exams difficult.Dont know why.except we were VERY well prepared for them had wonderful instructors..Its only my opionion..but I think ID go for the RN ..Being a nurse is the absolute hardest most wonderful most heartbreaking and sometimes the most happy and rewarding carreer there is. But that is My experience.Youll find your way..

Dont panick .There is much support in these rooms..great people and advise.But in the end..we have to make our own choices and just start putting one foot in from of the other. weigh the benefits and risks of each and make a decision and GO for it.I believe in you :o)YOU need to believe in you !

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Thanks very much to all who replied. I really value your opinions. Much of my issue was time. I'm from Louisiana and there is no bridge programs out here. We have LPN-RN programs but the requires a minimum of 1 yr experience as an LPN before we can enter in the RN program. I'm 26yrs. old and I have no kids at the moment. I'm done with being confused about the situation. I've prayed and God knows my heart and that is to be a RN. With the way the program is you have to apply and be accepted and sometimes even if you have done everything right you still miss getting in due to limited staff. So I've decided to go ahead with the LPN program and also apply for the RN program. In January I will know if I am accepted in the program and if so I will go ahead and begin the RN program in January. Again thanks for responding you opinions really helped!!!

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Hi, I have been an L.P.N. since I graduated a one yr diploma program: in 1986. I've never had a hard time finding a job, and could get plenty of hrs telling the supervisor that even at time & 1/2 I would be cheaper than the R.N. ... until I moved to Connecticut! and with the economy the way it is people are not letting go of the jobs. So just research the job market L.P.N. / R.N. before you lock into a "school". I also note that there are a lot more jobs here for R.N.'s. but there is no exception for an L.P.N. even with E.R. / Hospital experience. Good luck.

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