I was looking for some insight from the folks in both LPN and RN fields..I can't decide which field to go into! I am an extremely dedicated individual, if I want something, I won't give up until I have achieved my goals. I feel that I can withstand the rigourous programs offered..but I can't decide whether to go for the LPN program, then start working and later go into the RN field..or to just go for the full RN program from the start.
I am an LPN, but if I had started this wild ride earlier, I would have gone on to get my RN. I tell anyone who asks me, that I would reccomend going LPN to RN.... that way while you are earning your RN, you can work as an LPN (at better wages) than if you only can work as say a CNA or retail.
Plus..... some employers will help you work your way up the ladder.... CNA working while earning your LPN, LPN working while earning your RN...
Specializes in infection control, peds, home infusion.
i was an lpn for ten years before becoming an rn. honestly, i am so glad that i had those years of experience as an lpn first, as it made the transition to becoming an rn so much easier for me than some of my schoolmates who did not have that experience.
ultimately, the choice is up to you. i do know that here, adn programs are extremely choosey, and the bridge programs are easier to get into.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Although I have found great opportunities and good income as an LVN/LPN, be aware that the RN designation typically leads to enhanced career opportunities, greater earning potential, and more options. In other words, you may want to make the RN licensure your ultimate goal if you feel you may want to make a long term career out of nursing.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR POSTING YOUR THOUGHTS. I HAVE READ EVERY SINGLE ONE AND THEY ARE TRUELY ASSISTING IN MY DECISION MAKING...:flwrhrts:
Eventually I will be married with kids, and this is making me push the issue of getting a career started that I love, BEFORE that happens. I am 21, and I live at home still. I have been working as a Customer Service Rep for almost 4 years. I saved TONS of $$$, but I just can't stand it anymore. Being stuck in a cube with a phone attached to my head is not my ideal working environment. I want to be somewhere where I am needed and respected, somewhere where I can make a difference...
I think that after "sleeping on it" for a day or two, I am being directed more towards the RN field. I am going to be FOCUSED. I am leaving my full-time job and will become a full-time student/potential part-time worker in a long-term care facility. See...I am very interested in geriatrics...which makes me ask another question...is there a job within a hospital geared towards the geriatric population? I would love to work in a hospital, but don't know what is available. I'm sure it varies depending on where you live, but any suggestions would be wonderful. Thank you all so much! :rcgtku:
At my local community college, they only offerred the LPN courses during the summer. A couple of my classmates got their LPN prior to RN. The RN program was just one more semester than the LPN program. I would go for the RN degree, since there are many more fields and options you can choose from with this degree.
I became a PN because of the unreal lineup to get into the RN programme. At the time there was no bridge in existence.
I work full scope in my province. The only place I can't work in my health authority is L&D (never wanted to either) or ICU. PNs work in those areas in other parts of my province. We have the opportunity to obtain extra certifications in dialysis, the OR and orthopedics. The actual difference is our scopes of practice is narrowing yearly. The old chestnut of "only RNs can critically think" doesn't apply anymore. It is stated in our job postings that we must be able to critcally think and evaluate our patients needs. The current round of negotations by my union should close the hourly rate.
In a way I'm glad I didn't go the RN route, I'd still be paying off my student loans and after nearly 10 years, I've decided I'm not staying in the nursing field much more than another five years.
My degree is an unrelated area, paid for by my PN wages. I'm just saving up enough cash to go to graduate school.
That being said, personally I did a LPN program (took a year because I could test out of the first quarter due to already being a CNA) then while getting my pre-req's (still working on) I am working and earning an LPN salary (vs. CNA). It will ultimatley take me approx. 3 years to get an RN ADN instead of 4.
I'm an RN student that challenged, and successfuly, passed my LPN exam. We have the opportunity to challenge the LPN exam after our second year of the BSN, which is kind of nice to gain some experience and much needed money.
I find myself using all of my BSN assessments and skills (without the odd psychomotor skills LPNs are not permitted to do) as I work as an LPN. I enjoy learning a lot more and therefore I chose to complete a BSN. In BC, Canada, it's hard to differentiate who's the LPN and RN in a hospital. They're both full scope. RNs, however, work in the speciality areas and act in the resource role.
So, if you don't want to read all that, basically here it's like: LPN have the assessments and psychomotor skills. RN have the in-depth assessments, more complicated psychomotor skills, and the ability to work in specialties.
We read this at work and snickered. You can not challenge the PN in Canada. You must be a graduate of an approved Practical Nursing programme to write CPNRE.
It is possible for 2nd and 3rd year RN students to work in a roll similar to that of the PN, BUT, and this is a big BUT you are not a LPN. Your duties may appear very similar but in the provinces that myself and my co-workers have worked in you have a smaller patient load and some of your skills are restricted. Having said that, BC did have one of the PN programmes with the weakest A&P and assessment backgrounds compared to PN education across Canada.
PNs also work in specialties, it just depends on the practice act of the province or state they are working in.
I want to be somewhere where I am needed and respected, somewhere where I can make a difference...
wearingmanyhats, RN
140 Posts
I am an LPN, but if I had started this wild ride earlier, I would have gone on to get my RN. I tell anyone who asks me, that I would reccomend going LPN to RN.... that way while you are earning your RN, you can work as an LPN (at better wages) than if you only can work as say a CNA or retail.
Plus..... some employers will help you work your way up the ladder.... CNA working while earning your LPN, LPN working while earning your RN...
Good Luck!!
Faye