Is it worth working as an LPN while getting your RN?

John--RN · Mar 12, 2014

I worked as an LPN while I completed my pre reqs and transition program. Not working was not an option for me. I was not able to maintain full time but I was at least able to do 2 12 hour shifts per week until practicum. The RN program was as hard if not harder than the LPN program. I personally would not try to move out on my own and fully support myself while attempting the bridge.

nervousnursehopeful · Mar 12, 2014

I'm currently in an LPN program planning to do the bridge next year. I don't think that there is anything wrong with working as an LPN before being an RN. I really kind of like how its broken down and I can work as a licensed nurse during that to gain valuable experience. So many people I mentor in high school get the big head. I hear a lot of kids basically tell me that they are too good to be LPNs (in nicer terms of course), and it is really irritating. There is nothing wrong with being an LPN your first few years as a nurse!

Compassion_x · Mar 13, 2014

I had planned on working as an LPN during the LPN-RN bridge program I'm currently doing. It didn't work out for me. It did for plenty of my classmates, however. I put school before work, and could only do 16 hours/week, and oriented for maybe two months before the DON pulled me in my office and told me I had to choose. She told me she didn't think they were able to teach me how to be a good nurse at only 16 hours a week. I worked at one of the best nursing homes in my area. Other nursing homes here would have seriously thrown me out on my own after 2 weeks, regardless of actual orientation time. This happened to almost all my classmates.

Lucky for me I am a huge saver and am able to rely on my savings account, student loan refunds, and my tax return to get me by on my bills (I live with my boyfriend), from December to this June when I finish the program.

CLUVRN, MSN, RN · Mar 13, 2014

I lived on my own and worked full-time as an LPN while doing my bridge program, which I graduate from this June. I have loved my time as an LPN. My experience has laid the foundation for my upcoming RN career. I would not have traded being an LPN first for anything.

duskyjewel · Mar 16, 2014

Just as a general principle, doesn't working always outweigh not working? Any experience you can gain will serve you later, and yes, earning a decent paycheck will make it a lot easier to move out on your own. Maybe you could share expenses with another student to make it even easier?

MedChica · Mar 21, 2014

Should you work?

Having money > No money.

Having experience > no experience. *shrugs*

Beyond that, you will improve the odds of having a job when you graduate. Trust. Don't be like these other people. Waiting until the month before graduation to think about employment. I worked FT as an aide through LVN school. I start the RN bridge in days and I will work FT, too.

Can you work? Depends on the hours and facility. Days (7-3/8-4/6-2) would be better what with you being a new nurse. Staff support/resources would be available but day shift would not work with school.

- Weekends (12 to 16 hour shifts) would be optimal but it's doubtful that you'll land a position because there's no staff support/resources, though, because you'd be so new. I was started on weekends as a new nurse but I worked there as an aide, too.

- PRN would work because there's always shifts to be had and plenty of new nurses have to piece together their first year because FT positions are always filled or go to those with the most/varied experience.

- Evenings (3-11/2-10) are a good option but only work if your employer is willing to work with you. You may come late to shift because your class/clinical group was dismissed late. You may have to miss shifts because you've got 12 hour clinicals on Tue/Thurs.

Etc...etc....

- Nights (11-7/10-6). I've seen plenty work night shift through school. Possibly easier to study, maybe. The drawback? Wacked out sleep schedule.

Get a job. Don't move...yet. Work, school, apartment...? That's too much upheaval in such a small amount of time. You don't need to worry about 'bills' while you're in school.