should I get my LVN?

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

Medical assist. And LVN, are anything, but "the same thing".......currently most LVN are limited to LTC, predominantly.....some home health , hospice, and some physician offices...... You would start making more money, after the twelve year investment........there does exist upward mobility, a lot of LVN to ADN or BSN........be careful about any school's....certification......

today, there appears to be emphasis of BSN, over ADN, as entry level for RN........sometimes, in more rural areas, less emphasis.....

best wishes.....

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2015

I completed a medical assisting program in 2000 and an LVN program in 2005. They are NOT the same.

The medical assistant role is part of the medical model of care provision and is geared toward patient encounters in clinics and doctors' offices. Meanwhile, the LVN role is part of the nursing model and is geared toward providing basic nursing care in most types of settings.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Nov 24, 2015

It really depends on where you're from and where you see yourself working. If you want to work in LTC or hospice I'd go LPN. If not, go ADN

moore3015, LPN, LVN · Nov 24, 2015

Thank you so much. So I should go ahead with my LVN?

moore3015, LPN, LVN · Nov 24, 2015

Have you completed you BSN? Did you get your LVN as well? I'm curious know of i would be going out of the way taking this route? But experience is EVERYTHING.. Right?

I completed a medical assisting program in 2000 and an LVN program in 2005. They are NOT the same.
The medical assistant role is part of the medical model of care provision and is geared toward patient encounters in clinics and doctors' offices. Meanwhile, the LVN role is part of the nursing model and is geared toward providing basic nursing care in most types of settings.

Roo.RN · Nov 24, 2015

If you've already decided you want to become a nurse then get your ADN for sure. There were many that were still able to work full time while in the program, albeit difficult, but definitely doable if that's a concern. Longterm-wise, your ability to find a good stable job anywhere and make good money has a much better outlook with your RN. To be honest, LVN/LPNs are being phased out of many different aspects of health care which is why many are going back to get their RN in an associate program. When they go back, they typically get to opt out of one semester. That's it. So all that hard work and money you have poured into your LVN/LPN program isn't worth much when it comes to going back to school and getting your RN. Do yourself the favor and just get it done. If you don't want to get your bachelors in nursing at this time, that's one thing and it's definitely easier to go back later on to finish that up. But honestly, go for it now.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2015

Have you completed you BSN? Did you get your LVN as well? I'm curious know of i would be going out of the way taking this route? But experience is EVERYTHING.. Right?

I completed an LVN program in '05, an LPN-to-ASN program in '10 and a BSN program earlier this year.

Obviously, for most people, skipping the LPN and ASN to earn a BSN degree is the most direct pathway.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 27, 2015

As Commuter said, if you can go straight into an ADN or BSN program, that is the most direct route.

Indeed, it was my goal to get into the local BSN program.

However, life circumstances changed and I became a single parent while finishing up my prereqs.

I did opt To go to an LVN program. In my area, new grad MAs have a hard time finding jobs, and they typically lay low ~10/hr. Hospital MAs earn a whole lot more, but those jobs are hard to come by in my current market.

I researched my local market, which I recommend you do, as well. And I found out that new Grad LVNs earned $19-25/hr.

While my goal was BSN, I ended up opting for an 11-12 month LVN program. I graduated and was able to earn. $17,22,23/hr.

I had 3 kids and needed to be able to support them quickly. It worked out for me.

Once my LVN was done, I completed the rest of my prereqs and am now in my last 6 mos of an RN program.

That's one of the wonderful things about nursing: you can build upon your current license and bridge To a higher license.

moore3015, LPN, LVN · Nov 27, 2015

As Commuter said, if you can go straight into an ADN or BSN program, that is the most direct route.
Indeed, it was my goal to get into the local BSN program.
However, life circumstances changed and I became a single parent while finishing up my prereqs.
I did opt To go to an LVN program. In my area, new grad MAs have a hard time finding jobs, and they typically lay low ~10/hr. Hospital MAs earn a whole lot more, but those jobs are hard to come by in my current market.
I researched my local market, which I recommend you do, as well. And I found out that new Grad LVNs earned $19-25/hr.
While my goal was BSN, I ended up opting for an 11-12 month LVN program. I graduated and was able to earn. $17,22,23/hr.
I had 3 kids and needed to be able to support them quickly. It worked out for me.
Once my LVN was done, I completed the rest of my prereqs and am now in my last 6 mos of an RN program.
That's one of the wonderful things about nursing: you can build upon your current license and bridge To a higher license.

Yes, I'm seeing $19-20/hr in my area. I believe I'm going to go for my LVN seeing that I don't have help with my son. I need to be able to support him as soon as possible as you said. I do have enough pre reqs to apply for a couple of the ADN programs so I may go ahead to apply for both and see what happens. Thank you!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 28, 2015

Just to add something else to consider, I didn't realize your prereqs to apply to the ADN program were complete. If that is the case, i think you should apply to both LVN and RN programs.

1 1/2 yrs of grueling work versus 2? Same difference! But you'll earn more as an RN.

I took the LVN option because i still needed 1 term of prereqs. I attended an accelerated private LVN program that I could complete in 11-12 months and it started ASAP!

In order to apply to The ADN program at community college I still needed 1 semester plus had to wait for the application period. By the time I could have theoretically been accepted to the RN program, (which is lottery, so no guaranteed slots) I was done with my LVN program.

Lots to consider!

Best wishes!!