Help =/lpn to rn or straight to rn?

[minnieme_85]

Ok so i pretty much went though alllll of the articles to see which is the better option and im so confused. I dont know what do?? Should i do start my lpn first then to rn or going to do my rn?? i graduated in 2008 so how long will it take me finish b.c i plan to start in the upcoming fall semester... im sooo confused and frustrated ugh:banghead: Can anyone please give me any info on what is best for me pleaseee.. Thanks

[krltdy]

If you will need to work during school, then LPN to RN is the route to go. If you don't have to work, just go straight for your RN.

[tainted1972, ASN, RN]

Alot of schools offer a stair step program, where you earn your LPN and then you can decide to continue on and get your RN or stop with just your LPN.

Basically the first year of RN is LPN.

[lpn2crna1day]

Don't know what would work best for you but I think testing out for LPN after my first year of RN clinicals was the smartest thing I ever did. Went to school to get my associates degree in nursing for RN (and plan to start on my BSN online next fall). After you complete your first year of clinical, you become eligible to test through the state to become an LPN. So I did that while continuing to finish my second year of RN clinicals. Working as a LPN while in school is a great opportunity to get your feet wet. There are valuable experiences that you just can't get in school during clinicals. Working on the a floor with 1 instructor who is managing 8 students is challanging. Autonomy is non-existent and you have to wait, and wait, and wait........and wait for everything from giving your meds to performing treatments. A lot of time and learning opportunities are lost on the floor in clinical.....or at least that was my experience. Becoming a LPN first made it possible for me to actually BE a nurse while going to school for it!!! It also is a great way to transition into the role from student to RN. Being a LPN gives you a level of independence and resposibility but you also have RN managers to fall back on for a while. For me this was great because it was a stepping stone for the level of responsibility and management. It starts to prepare you for the responsibility of it all. It's also a great opportunity to make great money on the side while in school. I worked weekends so it wouldn't conflict with my school schedule and was eligible for weekend premium pay at $23/hr! Hope this helps.