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?

[pink2blue1]

I did the LVN route first because #1 the wait list was too long, I had at least a year of pre-reqs left before I could apply and I was tired of being a CNA, working so hard and getting half the money. I wanted to DO more! So I went the LVN route. I am finished and have been working on the floor for a year already. I would probably still be waiting to get into the program at this point. Also I have 3 kids. Getting it all done and quick was hard, but I did it and now I am glad I did. The only time I EVER regret becoming an LVN first is when I hear negativity about it (Because RN's have to cover me for IV piggy backs and pushes, even though I am IV certified) then I get frustrated. I am doing the LVN to BSN program through college network (Going slow) but I have already completed some classes.

Anyways, for me it was the right thing. Good luck!

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

For some people the LVN/LPN route is the best. :) You don't have to wait as long. That is why I chose LVN. I still had 2 pre-reqs to go and I was feeling very poorly about myself and thought the task was too big to accomplish (silly me!) Now I have a ton of confidence and know I will be a good nurse and a good nursing student when I do the LVN-RN. I am over 40 and just wanted to get started.

But when I go on the Hospital websites I can't get a job as an extern because they only take RN students! That is so frustrating to me because all I want to do is work in the ER. As an LVN I am very limited in my job choices. I thought anyone would hire me for a tech job because I am an LVN student but no that didn't pan out. I work at the only place that would hire me, long term acute care. Now after 6 mos I can't learn too much that is new and I want to move into a big hospital but sadly I think you have to know someone to get in. I keep applying and applying but I hear nothing.

So whenever anyone asks for a recommendation I always say just go for the RN. But sometimes LVN/LPN is best. We have students in our class that are over 50. Can they really wait 4 years? Sure but in the meantime life is passing by. The oldest student was 62. In the end each hopeful has to weigh their options as to what is right for them.

My friend is saying she is just going to be an LVN because she is over 40 and doesn't want to do that much school. She is also going to work for the county in a correctional facility that will only hire LVN's and make good money doing it so she is set. :) To each their own, right?

[Simba&NalasMom, LPN]

Definitely go straight through for your RN; the work you do as a new-grad LPN (which in most cases these days will be LTC) will stress you to the point where your continuing studies will suffer, whereas you are already familiar and comfortable with your job at the bank.

I really regret my decision to pause at LPN; it's been almost 3 years and I am still nowhere near going on for my RN. Looking back, it would have been easier in so many ways to go straight into an RN program and have it done.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Definitely go straight through for your RN; the work you do as a new-grad LPN (which in most cases these days will be LTC) will stress you to the point where your continuing studies will suffer, whereas you are already familiar and comfortable with your job at the bank.

I really regret my decision to pause at LPN; it's been almost 3 years and I am still nowhere near going on for my RN. Looking back, it would have been easier in so many ways to go straight into an RN program and have it done.

Wow well said. And scary for us LVN students!

[lsyorke, RN]

I did the Lpn first and don't regret it one bit. My Lpn clinical was awesome and the years I worked as an Lpn made the RN program MUCH easier. It also made it nice that my employer paid for my RN program! I wouldn't have changed a thing.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

I did the Lpn first and don't regret it one bit. My Lpn clinical was awesome and the years I worked as an Lpn made the RN program MUCH easier. It also made it nice that my employer paid for my RN program! I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Oh that's nice to know. I had forgotten about that benefit! Yeah I'm hoping to have a one up on the RN program when I get there. :)

[Simba&NalasMom, LPN]

I did the Lpn first and don't regret it one bit. My Lpn clinical was awesome and the years I worked as an Lpn made the RN program MUCH easier. It also made it nice that my employer paid for my RN program! I wouldn't have changed a thing.

That's an excellent point and I admire you for being able to continue on while still working!

[Jules A, MSN]

Definitely go straight through for your RN; the work you do as a new-grad LPN (which in most cases these days will be LTC) will stress you to the point where your continuing studies will suffer, whereas you are already familiar and comfortable with your job at the bank.

I really regret my decision to pause at LPN; it's been almost 3 years and I am still nowhere near going on for my RN. Looking back, it would have been easier in so many ways to go straight into an RN program and have it done.

This wasn't my experience at all. Why haven't you gone back to school?

I am very glad I did my LPN first. I started in the very next RN bridge program after I finished LPN school and have worked the entire time. In the LPN to RN section we did a thread on the benefits of doing it this way, check it out.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f233/we-have-edge-266609.html

I think it really depends on the person's individual situation and goals. Good luck!

[Simba&NalasMom, LPN]

This wasn't my experience at all. Why haven't you gone back to school?

I am very glad I did my LPN first. I started in the very next RN bridge program after I finished LPN school and have worked the entire time. In the LPN to RN section we did a thread on the benefits of doing it this way, check it out.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f233/we-have-edge-266609.html

I think it really depends on the person's individual situation and goals. Good luck!

You are right. I did not go back to school because I needed to work fulltime to support myself (I know, there is always an excuse LOL). The point I was trying to make is that it's that much harder to pick it up if you pause at LPN and plan on going back later, KWIM?

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

You need to do what's best for you. Check into your options. For me, the ADN program I'm in offers the LPN certificate after the first year, so second year students can work as LPNs while also in school for the RN. Also, the hospital I work at has a scholarship program where they give employees a significant amount of money for schooling. For me, it was in my best interest to work as an LPN.

Also, since I am working in a nursing capacity now, I am experiencing the reality shock of student to nurse now, instead of delaying it until I am an RN. Once I am an RN, I will still have some reality shock in my new role, however, much of it will be behind me. In addition, because my scope of practice is limited by my licensure, I have time to learn certain procedures through observation and limited participation that I will be expected to perform as an RN, giving me a head start on being competent with that skill by the time my license allows me to perform it.

For example, I had a patient who needed fresh frozen plasma and PRBCs, but I am not licensed to administer blood products. The doc was on me to get it started, but I had to wait around for an RN to come and assist me. It was really frustrating. It will be nice when I'm an RN and can do these things for myself.

On the downside, nursing is incredibly stressful. Working as a nurse while also attending nursing school is all-consuming. I have to make special effort to have a life outside of my work and schooling.

As others have mentioned, there is the "nursing school way" of doing things, and the "real world way", but that hasn't been a problem or issue for me. I can easily switch between functioning as a nurse and functioning as a student. In fact, practicing skills as a nurse has made clinical that much less terrifying, because when I need to perform a procedure with a patient as a student, chances are I have already done that procedure as a nurse, and feel comfortable with it. I just have to remember to perform it the "nursing school way".

[Jules A, MSN]

You are right. I did not go back to school because I needed to work fulltime to support myself (I know, there is always an excuse LOL). The point I was trying to make is that it's that much harder to pick it up if you pause at LPN and plan on going back later, KWIM?

Yeah, "life" has a way of happening. I'd highly recommend checking out a RN-bridge program. Its been far less stressful than LPN school for me. Maybe as your New Years resolution?

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Yup I agree with Jules A.

And getting your employer to help pick up the tab for school is a real plus!

I read other posts that said that because they were LVN/LPN first that school was easier for them and the other students just going thru school for RN really looked up to them for their experience and knowledge in the nursing field.

I too am afraid that working and going to school at the same time will be very difficult. There is no part-time program where I am. But when I read the description of the LVN-RN bridge program it says that you only go to class one day a week. They really work with you. I imagine that it is that way all over? Check it out. Maybe start a whole new thread on your adventures in nursing Simba&NalasMom. :) I would look forward to it! :chuckle