LPN First or Straight to RN

[vpfeffer]

I currently work at a bank. I will start taking chemistry, biology, etc. to prepare for admission into an associates in nursing program. I would hopefully start nursing program January 2008. Right now I am planning on working at the bank until I graduate from nursing school. Lately I have been thinking about getting my LPN and working as an LPN while I finish my associates.

Would it be better to just stay working where I am and get the RN or get the LPN and do that while I finish my RN?

Does anyone have any advice?

[EmmaG, RN]

If it were me, I'd stay with the bank. Better hours and working conditions, if you can schedule it around school. I was an LPN for several years before starting RN school and had to force myself into a student mindset as opposed to what I knew were the realities of working the floor. My previous schooling was invaluable, but my actual floor experience put me at a disadvantage IMO. If I'd gone straight into LPN work while in RN school without the advantage of having attended a separate LPN program, I'd have found it terribly confusing.

On the plus side, it will be an eye-opener for sure...

[vpfeffer]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your advice!

[Ms Kylee]

I would have gone straight for the RN. However, most RN programs don't fit with my schedule, so I have to go at night. And of course, no RN programs have classes at night. My LPN program does. I have to go the LPN route first, but when I'm done, I'm heading straight for the BSN program and work only weekends.

[EmmaG, RN]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your advice!

Do what's best for you. Why not talk to some of those who chose that route at your school?

[caliotter3]

I would only go the LPN route first if that is necessary to get into the RN program. If the wait is too long, or if the LPN program is required by your RN school, then go this route. You can often find that doing an LPN to RN bridge program will get you into the RN program faster than doing the prerequisites for RN and waiting around on a waiting list. Two other considerations: 1) You might want to take the time to get the LPN license and perhaps some LPN work experience in order to find out what nursing is like; or 2) You might want to get the LPN license just in case something happens to prevent you from attending or completing RN school. That does happen. It happened to me. I was not able to finish my RN program, but I at least had my LVN license so that I could work to support myself and my family. Sort of a fallback position. Good luck in your endeavors.

[Jules A, MSN]

Around here unless someone is in a high position at a bank you would make much more money as an LPN. The hours as an LPN would be more flexible also because my guess is that your school would be full time days which is probably the same as your bank hours. I was glad I got my LPN first because at least I had something I've seen far too many RN students quit or fail out in their second year with nothing more than their CNA. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[charebec65]

I am an LPN working on my RN (ADN). The wait list for schools around here is horrendously long and having had my LPN and another degree meant it took less time to finish pre-reqs and I got into the program in 4 quarters going part time and working part time.

The last I heard, the wait list at my school was 3 years AFTER you got pre-reqs done and passed the entrance exam (which I was exempt from d/t having my LPN).

Not everyone can do what I did. I am fortunate that my husband makes enough money that I was able to go to PN school full time without working and only work part time now while working on my ADN. Then again, all but one of my kids are gone so I'm a bit older than many.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

There are several issues to investigate, in my opinion. If the RN programs have a long waiting list, and require a super high GPA, and is not feasible with your current work schedule, then, see if the LPN program is. Also, nursing on any level is not glamourous. I don't believe you have that impression, but, as Emmanuel stated, you may already have a position where you have decent hours, benefits and upward mobility at the bank. In nursing, you are exposed to disease, personal injuries and unappreciative managers/administration. You are on your feet a great deal of the day. I already have plantar fasciitis, after only working as an LPN (in a clinic, no less) for about 7 months.

I am not trying to deter you, just investigate a bit more, maybe by continuing to read our threads here at all nurses or inquire with friends or family that are already into nursing. Good luck!

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

If you can start your ADN in Jan. 2008, which is only a week or so away, then I would stick with that plan. It's only about nine months longer than the LPN program. Otherwise you're under the stress of finding an LPN job (in some areas hard to get unless you work in a nursing home), studing for LPN boards, orienting to a new LPN job, all the while taking your LPN to RN bridge. It's not worth the aggravation.

There are of valid reasons for getting your LPN as mentioned above.

Good luck!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I'd go the RN route - if you can make that work.

I wish you the best!:balloons:

steph

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

If you can become an RN why go for the LVN/LPN? You would have a big advantage as an RN student as to where to work and what position. Hospitals are looking for RN's. Go for it. :)