I need a little bit of advice!

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Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.

I'm contemplating LVN or RN school. I know that there will be more job openings for an RN and all that stuff, but I don't really have the time or the money to wait to get into the RN program. The LVN program is 18 months long and then I plan on bridging to RN. I guess I have already kind of made up my mind as far as my decision, but I need some advice.. Encouragement... Something? I don't want to make the wrong decision. I could be accepted to the LVN program this spring. It probably wouldn't be until next spring that I could get into the RN program. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks in advance:)

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You need to do what is right for you in your personal life, simple as that. I have been going back and forth between LVN or RN for a few years, I flip flopped every other day. Some people have their parents paying all the bills and school and can go straight into a 4 year BSN program and get it out of the way. I have worked full time and have been going to school part time for 3 years. I moved to a rural area and the college does not have a straight RN program, you have to get your LVN first then bridge over but because I moved to a small area I will be done with my nursing sooner then if I had stayed in the city because of the long wait list for the nursing program. For me getting my LVN first was a hard pride pill to swallow but I am okay with it now.. It will allow me to make more money then I was making as a CNA. Also I can work part time as an LVN while I finish my RN and maybe start a family in between. Like I said it depends on what it good for you. I think it would be nice to be an LVN so you don't have to struggle when you are finishing school. I was just excepted in the LVN for August, so If you are able to get into the LVN in the Spring I'd go for it. Best of Luck!

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Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.

Thank you for that! I've been hearing so many people tell me LVN is a waist of time. I think you are exactly right. I have to do what's best for me. I have bills to pay. ALOT of bills as a matter of fact and I'm a CNA as well and the money I make barely cuts it. You seriously just put my brain at ease. Finally someone who has something good to say about my decision! Thank you so much. It really means alot even coming from someone I don't know. It helps to know someone else is in my shoes!

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I completely agree with the PP. I too debated between LPN and RN. I've decided on LPN for now then bridge to the RN later. I do think it comes down to what is best for you. I've been a CNA, and I know a few of those skills will help in LPN school, and I know some of what I learn in LPN school will help towards my RN. It's not a waste of time. It's a stepping stone to where you want to be in the future. Don't let anyone bring you down. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and you know what you need to do for YOU! I wish you the best!

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Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.

Thank you so much! It's nice to hear positive reinforcement from people for a change.

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I decided to go the LPN route first. It was faster to get into school. I didn't need to take as many pre reqs. I had about 12-18 months of pre reqs ahead of me if I went for an RN. Yet, I only need 2 classes to get into the LPN program. My plan is to finish LPN, then go to community college and work on the pre reqs to get into a BSN program. I know that I'll be able to work while doing this. Even if only 2 days a week.

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Specializes in inerested in school nursing, peds, OR.

Yeah, that's my plan as well. I really think that's the only way I'll be able to afford nursing school, and honestly I've seen plenty of lvn openings at ltcs an other places around my area regardless of what people say. I'm a cna so hopefully that will give me a leg up on finding an lvn job.

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Like you, I had family members (RNs and other professionals) telling me not to waste my time going the PN route because I am 'smart enough' to do a straight BSN. Even the program director told me I would likely be bored in the PN program because of my academic background. Of course to me it has nothing to do with being 'bored' or 'smart' it is strictly a numbers game. My 10-month program is roughly $12K including books, uniforms and sundry. If it is as I expect, I will do quite well and finish with a strong GPA and the building blocks to pass the NCLEX. Assuming I pass swiftly, I'll have 2 semesters of RN in the can (my school has a bridge program with several schools, one of which is a LPN-BSN bridge), with a license -and- the ability to practice nursing straightaway.

I am self-paying for the whole of my program out-of-pocket; no financial aid, no loans, not even a tiny grant (I applied with only a few weeks left and snagged one of the 10 seats remaining) so getting this done and striking forth into the workforce is critical for me. Assuming the average salary of $20-$25/hr (in my area) that's about $50K a year plus I am gaining bedside experience and the potential for tuition reimbursement. So that's money I am making, money I am saving, and experience I am gaining for that year that I would have otherwise have spent grinding in an RN program with nothing but progression to show for it. That's not even taking into account the possibility of being wait-listed! Another perk is my program allows you to sit for the CNA exam after you complete Level 1 which means I could be out working (ha with what time?!) as early as mid-program but more than likely I can get hired as a CNA while I study for my NCLEX. Basically it's less like me spending $12K and more like I will be making $38K plus have a chunk of my school paid for by my future employer. One other tidbit, I will have proof that I can do the work, be professional and maintain stellar attendance when I do apply for whatever next step I take.

This is how I approached the decision, I hope it helps!

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Like you, I had family members (RNs and other professionals) telling me not to waste my time going the PN route because I am 'smart enough' to do a straight BSN. Even the program director told me I would likely be bored in the PN program because of my academic background. Of course to me it has nothing to do with being 'bored' or 'smart' it is strictly a numbers game. My 10-month program is roughly $12K including books, uniforms and sundry. If it is as I expect, I will do quite well and finish with a strong GPA and the building blocks to pass the NCLEX. Assuming I pass swiftly, I'll have 2 semesters of RN in the can (my school has a bridge program with several schools, one of which is a LPN-BSN bridge), with a license -and- the ability to practice nursing straightaway.

I am self-paying for the whole of my program out-of-pocket; no financial aid, no loans, not even a tiny grant (I applied with only a few weeks left and snagged one of the 10 seats remaining) so getting this done and striking forth into the workforce is critical for me. Assuming the average salary of $20-$25/hr (in my area) that's about $50K a year plus I am gaining bedside experience and the potential for tuition reimbursement. So that's money I am making, money I am saving, and experience I am gaining for that year that I would have otherwise have spent grinding in an RN program with nothing but progression to show for it. That's not even taking into account the possibility of being wait-listed! Another perk is my program allows you to sit for the CNA exam after you complete Level 1 which means I could be out working (ha with what time?!) as early as mid-program but more than likely I can get hired as a CNA while I study for my NCLEX. Basically it's less like me spending $12K and more like I will be making $38K plus have a chunk of my school paid for by my future employer. One other tidbit, I will have proof that I can do the work, be professional and maintain stellar attendance when I do apply for whatever next step I take.

This is how I approached the decision, I hope it helps!

You've just got it all figured out huh? Lol

Sounds like you're making the right decision! Good luck!

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You've just got it all figured out huh? Lol

LOL! If only! I still have to do the work like everybody else. I just keep reading about so many PN students getting demoralized by people dismissing LPNs. For some it's a stepping stone, for others it is the perfect blend of direct patient care and technical knowledge; everyone comes to this path from different places and with different motivations. I just wanted to show the financial merits of going the PN first then RN if one chooses, particularly because so many places require experience just to get your foot in the door.

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Specializes in LTC/Short term rehab/Trauma.

Kiki, i was told the same thing! But when I explained WHY I went that route it all made sense. The part that ****** me off is why do I even have to explain myself to begin with?? I am unemployed, have 2 kids, in my 30's, competing to get into an RN program in NY over high school grads, and wait list is almost 2 years!! I don't have 2 years to wait! Going the route I'm going, I now can get my CNA, work, finish my LPN and bridge over to RN without a wait in less than 2 years!!! Lol.. You know what the hell you are doing! Dont let anyone question your decisions! And I have a bachelors in health services administration and an associates in criminal justice! But Im Still working my way from bottom, to top cause that's just what I have to do! Let me tell you something, some of if not most of the best nurses are those that started as a CNA and LPN because that have that bedside experience! They are WELL rounded and know what is is too start from the bottom. Embrace it girl!

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We just all need to stick together and help each other along... even if it's only to sing loud enough to drown out the naysayers!

You know there's a lot of NY BOCES people on the AN-LPN forums maybe we need to network beyond our counties?

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