If you can start from the beinging would you go straight for RN

[mydee]

How many of you if you could do it all over again would have done a straight RNBSN program? I am just wondering because I have a very important decision to make. I'm currently a pre nursing students and will have to decide to become a LPN first then go for my LPN to RN then RN to BSN. The only problem with this it would take me forever to complete my BSN. I am also working with a private 4 year school out of state to start their nursing program but I won't be able to start in Jan 2010 which will make me 30 when I complete the program (also well be in 60,000 in debt). I could try to get into the LPN program at my CC but there are only about 40 seats. I have complete half of the prereq. So far I have my CNA, took my reading test and passed with 88 out of 99,getting a A in Develop Psyc. All I would have left to do would be to get a A in AP 1500 and get a good score on my math test. Even with this in mind there may be at least 200 applicants so I do not know my chances of getting in. Then I would be able to call myself a nurse at the age of 28 years old. Even if I am able to get into the program my husband and I live in a very expense area so I am not sure if I could cont. to work 30 hours a week and do the LPN program. I am afraid that if I go for LPN first that life might get in the way having a baby, buying a house ect and will never complete my nursing training what do you think?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

If you can afford it go straight for RN. Hands down.

You are, at least in New York, very limited in where you can work as an LPN. And even if you get a med/surg/hospital job you'll be earning close to $10 an hour less than the RN's for essentially the same work.

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

Are the credits from your LPN program transferable to an RN program?

I read that you are taking AP 1500? If you don't mind me asking...what is that? Is that a four credit A&P I class with lab that will transfer for college credit? What about A&P II,Micro, and Nutrition?

If the credits from your LPN program will not count towards your RN pre-reqs then I say don't bother. Yes, you will be able to call yourself a nurse at the age of 28 as an LPN but then you will be calling yourself an RN-BSN at 33 or 34 so you will even up spending even more time to get to your final destination.

[Jules A, MSN]

I would apply to both. I really like the security of having my LPN especially as I watch more than a couple of people fail out in the second year of the ADN program. I do not believe there is such a thing as "good debt" so no way would I consider paying $60,000 for a BSN.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Jules

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If I had unlimited time and money, I definitely would have gone straight for my RN-BSN.

However, I was only limited to a year's worth of time, and I needed to continue to pay my mortgage and other bills while attending school. In other words, I obtained my LVN licensure first due to limited time and money. We've gotta do what our circumstances will permit at that point in time.

[Rexie68]

i'd go right for the rn. it doesn't have to be a bsn, though. if you go for an adn or diploma rn, then you can take a few classes at a time to get your bsn (if you like) and still make decent money with job security. good luck!

[lvnandmomx3]

If circumstances were way different than what they were for me I probably would have gone right for RN. Unfortuantly It was not possible for me so the slower longer route is what works. I would do what you think would make you happy for now and in the long run.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I am not an RN yet, but I am in the BSN program. At my old JC their program is 2 years-4 semesters- for an AS and 3 semesters for the LPN/LVN. At my BSN program they recently changed the program to five semesters, so for one semester longer than the AS program some one could be a BSN....there is a nurse on the floor I was doing clinicals at last night and she did the LVN to RN and is now working on her RN to BSN, she is talking about how long it is taking her before she can even APPLY, she said she has to take NINE additional classes....if you have the money I would do the BSN straight out. I do not know why any one would want to do it any other way unless it had to do with money or childcare....but thats me.

[scarlet]

RN first, then work on your BSN part time.

[CyndieRN2007]

Our program required us to have RN pre-reqs to get in LVN program, so that LVN could continue to RN without having to do any basic classes. It was great.

Now Im an RN working on BSN online. It takes longer but at least Im making RN wages while working on BSN.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I totally agree with the posters who advocate doing the BSN first if at all possible. HOwever, we all know life happens and I too had to do a step progression.

[BOSRNMSN, BSN, MSN]

I did the LPN program first, and at first thought that it would take longer and I wouldnt get my RN in the time that I wanted. I graduated in July 2007 and I now work for the VA hospital in Boston. Let me tell you it was the best decision. The way I look at it if you plan to go on the LPN program is just the first year of an RN program, only after the first year you can work and make money. No student in an RN program can work after 2 semester and make over 20 dollars an hour. And I am much more experienced in patient care than many on the RNs on my floor. Not saying I am better by no means at all! I am just sayin that LPN school is alot more about patient care than notes and documentation because thats more of what LPN's can do. On my floor I work right along side the RNs doing everything they can. The only things I can't do are; hang blood, take a verbal order over the phone, do the initial assesement on a patient, and push certain drugs IV. Other than that I give meds do all the other treaments and documentation. I have now started the RN program and let me tell you it is so easy for me I feel like I am so much more ahead than many of the students in my class, who are second year RN students in an associates degree program. Check with whatever school you look into for getting your associates because many will waive the first year of the RN program course i.e Fundamentals of Nursing and Medsurg were waived for me. Overall for me doing the LPN program has been very beneficial!