Is it better to be LvN first?

savnlivzPRN, LVN · Apr 12, 2010

Oh and by the way I do not work as a cna...

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Apr 14, 2010

I think it depends on what you want to do, really.

I thought about doing it simply because it would be easier to get into licensed nurse school (at least around here- you basically just walk in and sign up.) Then I discovered that it is trickier to matriculate into and RN program from and LPN program than it used to be (again, around here.) I also learned that LPNs don't make any more money than I currently do, and I need to be able to pay for the rest of my education, so it honestly just didn't make sense for me. However, you certainly would get some good experience. I'd say look at how easy/difficult the transition is at programs you want to get into for your RN and then go from there.

Anne36, LPN · Apr 14, 2010

Technogeek, my school has a modified career ladder route and thats what I plan to do.(First LPN school, then LPN-RN) I have a feeling that it will be easier to get into the LPN-RN program than to go straight into the RN program. Its so competitive right now, and will allow to me get my foot in the door while I finish the other pre-req's.

savnlivzPRN, LVN · Apr 14, 2010

Thanks for the comments... Well I agree that I'll be making the same if not less as an lvn... And u mentioned it depends on what I ultimately want to do. At the "end" I want to be an rn. Preferably with a BSN...

I'm in california (Los Angeles) and was just looking for the best way to go about everything, from real nurse people.

I see alot of "pushing" toward an lvn program even though there is talk they are being cycled out... Just for the fact it makes the rn trip easier (more experience) and faster (lvn to rn bridges)...

Then there are RNs and LVNs that say NOOOOO just do rn... lol...

Wow that was a ramble on and a half...

Anyway... I think I'll try for rn...get at least a 3.5 gpa... And if I'm still waitlisted then I'll take and lvn program in the meantime...

That sounds good no?

Thanks again...

Anne36, LPN · Apr 14, 2010

Yeah, that sounds good. If you were at my school that may not work out too great though. Our LPN application is due in Sept and the RN due in Dec. If you accept LPN you cant apply for the RN. Most people with a gpa so low they dont make it the first cut, usually take classes over and reapply the following Dec.

savnlivzPRN, LVN · Apr 15, 2010

Hmm good info Anne thanks

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Apr 15, 2010

I think if you can afford to do it (I can't- I have a daughter and a mortgage and the education wouldn't pay for itself in the long run) you should consider it. You will get experience you can't get doing other work. Around here, schools used to have those lpn to rn tracks, and they still do, but they have modified them and they are a bit tougher now. Also, I work at a large hospital (currently in charge in the 2nd shift OP lab) and we don't hire LPNs- not many area hospitals do. MD offices do, though, and so do nursing homes. It didn't make sense for me for a variety of reasons (though if I hadn't gotten into to RN school, I still would have considered it.) It sounds like it might make sense for you. Best of luck either way!!!

savnlivzPRN, LVN · Apr 15, 2010

Thanks kimberlina... Well thanks all actually... :) I think I'm just going to double major and do admin of justice while waiting to get into rn program this way I'd have more credibility for the specialty I want to get into... Forensic nursing... Then again I'm barely beginning So many opportunities for changing my mind... But as of now that's what I wanna do (after some research)

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Apr 16, 2010

Wow- forensic nursing...never heard of it. Might be the perfect job for a friend of mine with a criminal justice degree who was also considering nursing but isn't really sure what she wants to do. Thanks for the heads up- I'll tell her about this field!

happy2learn · Apr 22, 2010

Thanks for the comments... Well I agree that I'll be making the same if not less as an lvn... And u mentioned it depends on what I ultimately want to do. At the "end" I want to be an rn. Preferably with a BSN...
I'm in california (Los Angeles) and was just looking for the best way to go about everything, from real nurse people.
I see alot of "pushing" toward an lvn program even though there is talk they are being cycled out... Just for the fact it makes the rn trip easier (more experience) and faster (lvn to rn bridges)...
Then there are RNs and LVNs that say NOOOOO just do rn... lol...
Wow that was a ramble on and a half...
Anyway... I think I'll try for rn...get at least a 3.5 gpa... And if I'm still waitlisted then I'll take and lvn program in the meantime...
That sounds good no?
Thanks again...

Not sure who's doing the pushing, but where I'm at, it's a waste of money to become an LPN/LVN if you want to be an RN, and it takes just as much time in the end, maybe 6 months less. Of course, my school won't tell you that because it is a business so all they see is money.

I personally don't have that money to waste. Plus, financial aid does not cover the LPN/LVN course where I'm at since it is not a degree program.

What I am able to do is, while I'm waiting, I can work on nursing courses(that are not clinicals) so when I get into clinicals, that is all I will need to focus on. And while I'm waiting, I am able to take classes that will apply to the BSN program at the local university. It will then only take me 1 year to get my BSN after I finish the RN program. So altogether about 4 years for a BSN, which is normal.

omgitsmari · Apr 23, 2010

hey im thinking of going to lvn program too and then pursue rn after. but then im reading things like more lvns are not needed anymore. its really taking me long to get into an RN program all that applying and waiting. Im done with pretty much all the pre-reqs. I was thinking is it worth going to a private lvn program and then bridge to rn? mostly all the LVN programs in cali are expensive and private. but i am willing to take the risk if its going to get me to nursing school faster.