LPN or ABSN?

Updated:   Published

Please feel free to move this if it's in the wrong category. I'm looking for some advice and/or opinions. I have a bachelors degree and two semesters to complete pre-reqs before applying to these programs. There is an accelerated BSN program at a private university very close to me; 12 months. Then there is a LPN program, a bit further away - also one year. I'm sure a lot of people would think, for the same amount of time, why not do the ABSN? I am very fortunate that my husbands career provides an income we can live off of so I don't have to work now, or during either of these programs.

Obviously, the BSN is going to give me just that, and if start with the LPN eventually, I will need to go back to school again...and I don't know how long I want to keep going back to school. But, I'm not sure I want to be a BSN. I'm very interested in nursing, but I think starting as a LPN might be better for me to see if it's something I am really interested in. I'm intimidated by the accelerated program and afraid I will get swallowed up in the clinical portion. If I get through LPN school and actually really enjoy the majority of my work, I "think" I would be more interested in becoming a PA than a BSN/MSN/NP. And, if not, then I could do a bridge program. But all of those options will take more time.

ABSN program is much more expensive than the LPN program, but I would likely make more money after graduating (and I still have loans from my first bachelors). Anyone else have a degree and choose to start LPN instead of a second bachelors? I can't be the only one considering this..?! Part of the appeal for me with the accelerated program is that it's mainly all mid-career changers and I would feel similar to that, but if I'm honest with myself the accelerated program makes me feel extremely nervous and the LPN program a bit more doable. Would greatly appreciate any advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

You have to consider where you see yourself working as a nurse. Although I am sure there are exceptions, for the most part, in order to work in most hospital settings you will need an RN (ED, OR, ICU, etc.). If you are interested in LTC, home health, etc., there are opportunities for LPN nurses in these fields. So, where do you see yourself?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the reply. I see myself working in an outpatient clinic or physician's office, ideally. Pediatrics possibly. We are also a military family and I often see positions for LPNs at the military hospitals and VA medical centers. Of course there are RN jobs as well but I don't think as an LPN, I wouldn't be able to find a job. I don't see myself in the ER and I don't desire LTC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Well, in that case you could be well suited to LPN. RN does offer more flexibility generally, but as long as you will be in the military system it won't have so big of an impact on you as it might in the "outside world".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello,

We moved your thread to the Pre-Nursing forum. Good luck with your decision(s).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same boat interested on LPN to see if career is right for me and have the chops to make it through the program. Shelling out an extra $30,000 out on a program may or may not finish and not the right career is a bit nerve racking.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.

I am not a nurse yet, just a pre-nursing student waiting to get into my RN program, so take that with a grain of salt.

If I were in your position, I would first evaluate my goals, financial situation, etc. I would have to know that nursing was right for me before even attempting an LPN program. If you determined that you know you want this, I would go for BSN. I know a few nurses who intended to do LPN-RN programs and got stuck in their situations, never making the step they wanted. If you want to be an LPN, then absolutely do that, but if you want to be an RN, I'd take the leap to accelerated BSN while you can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I am not a nurse yet, just a pre-nursing student waiting to get into my RN program, so take that with a grain of salt.

If I were in your position, I would first evaluate my goals, financial situation, etc. I would have to know that nursing was right for me before even attempting an LPN program. If you determined that you know you want this, I would go for BSN. I know a few nurses who intended to do LPN-RN programs and got stuck in their situations, never making the step they wanted. If you want to be an LPN, then absolutely do that, but if you want to be an RN, I'd take the leap to accelerated BSN while you can.

This.

I was a LPN before I got my BSN; I will also preface to state I have not go into an ABSN program, but I wanted to speak on the pace of a PN program.

PN programs require one to understand a breadth of information in a very short time; the same can be said about an ABSN program. The clinical component of a PN program does help in putting it together.

What prompted me to go further from LPN was when I found out I could never be able to be certified and be considered an expert in my specialty (Peds), so I had to go back to school; I also thought of the flexibility to teach and give back at the bedside when I got older, so getting a BSN would give me the beast option in term of employment and the gateway to graduate school.

I will say, OP, you may not desire certain specialties NOW, but I assure you, think in terms of the future; both options will require a lot of dedication and concentration; neither choice is easy and it will take a lot of work, however the BSN will give you more options and put you in a position where you will be in the most control for your career.

Best wishes in whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment