Is LPN a good first step?

[dari98]

currently i work as a cna in a ltc facility and i will be starting my

prerequisites to nursing in august. i was told that i should consider going for my lpn first then doing bridge program for lpn to rn. do you think this is a good idea for me to consider.

[striving2007]

I am currently in an LPN program and I graduate this September 7th. I chose to become an LPN first because I wanted to be able to work as an LPN while having my employer foot the bill (all or some) for me to become an RN.

There are so many different reasons and options for you to chose. The RN program is longer (depending on which program; 2yr or 4yr). I plan to receive my 2 year associates degree for RN. If I attend the school (LPN-RN bridge) that I plan it should take me a year (full-time) to complete. So, I would have received my LPN, RN, and tuition reimbursement (from my employer) all in about 2 years (2 1/2 at the most).

Draw out a blue-print for the next few years. Write down all of the pro's and con's and make the choice that fits your life the best. I do not regret the route that I chose and am so excited to be graduating in a few months.

Good luck to you!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Make sure you check out the LPN job market in your area, and see who is hiring, and how much demand there is for LPN's before you commit to anything.

[michigancowgirl]

I also will be graduating at the end of July with my LPN........I eventually want to get my masters in nursing.........I count the LPN as a stepping stone.........we all have to get there somehow:)

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Given the choice I'd have done the RN route first. But due to the outrageously long waiting lists to get into an RN program, mixed with the crazy amount of pre-reqs (by the time I finished, the ones I took first were nearing too old to use after the wait list time!!), time restraints etc, I am going LPN--->RN route. 15 mths for my LPN then I can bridge and be done with my Associates in a year. Start to finish a bit over 2 yrs. Had I decided to do the direct RN route, I'd still be waiting to get in, in the time it takes to get my LPN AND RN!

But each person's situation is different so each persons route will be too. Whatever works the best for you is the way you should go. Don't let others tell you you HAVE to do it one way or the other, they aren't living your life.

Best of luck no matter what route you take.