Looking for best route to becoming an RN

amjowens · Mar 2, 2009

I'm in RN school, and just finished an LPN program. A lot of people would say the year of LPN study is a waste, but personally, I am so grateful for that time. I say that because, in nursing, experience is so important. I am going to school continuously-no breaks and not part-time-for LPN (done), ADN (first sem, not a bridge), BSN, and I have a goal of going on to be a nurse practitioner. Most of my RN classmates work a job, but the difference is, I'm passing meds and working as a nurse instead of working as a nurse aide (still wonderful experience) or at a store or something. Another thing, I'm going to be earning enough to pay for college and live reasonably well while in school.

At the LTC place I work, they just hired a contingent RN. I met her last night, and was shocked to learn she has a Masters' in Nursing, and took the position (same as mine, as a new grad LPN) because the job market is so bad. She's been out of clinical nursing for a few years, but her job was cut, and she's been looking for a job, yet finding she doesn't have the clinical experience required for most open positions. I still am shocked that, and quite a lesson for me...experience is as valuable as education...I'm also finding this at school and see on this site-new grads aren't finding it easy to get a job without at least some nurse aide experience.

Whatever you do, don't take breaks, as statistics show you likely won't go back! If you are at risk for this, just do your BSN because this is where you want to be, at minimum, to have the most opportunities. The ADN route first is awesome, though, as it's usually cheaper and you'll be able to practice sooner. Unfortunately, a lot of students aren't CHOOSING their route these days, but going with the flow of where they are accepted, then going the fastest path. SO, step one, get out there and apply-the sooner the better! Good luck!

guiltysins · Mar 2, 2009

It depends on where you live and how soon you want to start working. If you want to get your license quick then you could go the ADN route for two years and then do a BSN program. That way you can work and go to school. However, it's becoming more and more that hospitals are wanting people with BSN or at least in a BSN program so it depends on where you live. I live in New York and most of the hospitals want you to be in some type of BSN program if you go the ADN route.