How did you choose between becoming an LPN or RN?

Mewsin · Mar 7, 2013

It is a personal choice for sure. For me, location and time were my considerations. If I went RN it would be 4 years and a lot of driving(1.5hrs), LPN is 2 years and 10 mins away.

michlynn, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2013

I think it depends on where you would like to find a job. If you want to work in a hospital setting then definitely go for your BSN. Most hospitals don't even hire LPN's anymore. The place where I work wouldn't even hire me until I told them I was working on my BSN from an associate's.

StrawberryEssence81 · Mar 7, 2013

I chose going the lpn route first purely for financial reasons. I already have student loans from my undergrad degree and did not want to incur more debt when I went back to school. For me, it really doesn't matter if I start off working in long-term care because my salary will almost double b/c I currently work in retail.

Mewsin · Mar 7, 2013

I think it depends on where you would like to find a job. If you want to work in a hospital setting then definitely go for your BSN. Most hospitals don't even hire LPN's anymore. The place where I work wouldn't even hire me until I told them I was working on my BSN from an associate's.

I always forget that the US is less likely to hire LPNs into the hospital. When I graduate I am going to work in the hospital here.

lilwonder · Mar 7, 2013

I always forget that the US is less likely to hire LPNs into the hospital. When I graduate I am going to work in the hospital here.

Thanks, I'm in Canada too Are you saying that LPNs can work in hospitals in Canada? That would really affect my decision because I definitely want to work in a hospital setting.

thebuffychicken · Mar 8, 2013

I would encourage you to just do the RN program. You will have so much more freedom in finding a job in the long run if you just crunch it out and get your RN. The LVN/LPN bridge to RN programs work, but honestly, if that is your long term goal, just do it at once.

zoe92 · Mar 8, 2013

I agree with buffychicken. If you are going to end up becoming a RN anyways, I would just do the extra year of work now & skip the LPN.

Mewsin · Mar 8, 2013

Thanks, I'm in Canada too Are you saying that LPNs can work in hospitals in Canada? That would really affect my decision because I definitely want to work in a hospital setting.

Yes we can work in hospitals, we can be charge nurses also. If you have a chance to go LPN tuition free, take it. 2 years of school instead of 4. From what I've heard the scope of practice for practical nurses is just expanding all the time, it is absolutely worth it.

yourawonder · Mar 26, 2013

Go for your LPN first, then if they offer it in your area take an LPN to RN transition course. This is what i planned to do, (but never did). All things considered, get your RN. As an LPN you end up doing a lot of what RN's can do, but for at least $5- $10 an hour less.