LPN first?

An LVN is the same thing as an LPN. I don't TX and CA use that title.

If your ultimate goal is the RN degree then go for it; don't stop at the LPN level. I'd been accepted twice into the same RN program and was going for the RN when life got in the way so I stopped at the LPN level, thinking that I'd practice a year or so and then return. Alas,now it's nearly 22 years later and now I'd have to repeat all my science courses, etc and be on a waiting list for quite some time (despite my other B.S. degree) and am feeling a little too old to do that. Sure wish I'd stuck with the RN program!

You asked the difference between LPN and LVN. LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse and I believe the only states that nurses are LVNs in are TX and CA.

LPN and LVN are the same.

LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse.

LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Look different but the are doing the same work.

If you want to become RN, you may want to use the LPN as a stepping stone. Whether there is a wait list or not, it is hard to say, it varies from state to state.

I just finished with my CNA and just got hired to work for an agency. I'm going to start the LPN in August and then I'm going for my RN. I feel I learn better starting from the bottom and working myself up. I did the CNA to work part time while I do the LPN. Then I plan to work as a LPN while pursuing my degree of RN part time. LPN is only 12 months long and I can be working as a nurse sooner. Good luck!

I'm doing the same plan as futurenurse-- working my way up. I'm starting CNA classes this July, will be done by the end of August. Then I'll start applying for jobs AND applying to LPN schools. I definitely know that I want to become an RN eventually (since I want to work in pediatrics), but I think working your way up is a great way to get experience, and the RN waiting lists are crazy around here! Good luck with whatever you decide.

The “Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse” first question has been a tough one for me also. I have shadowed, volunteered and have done informational interviews with friends and people unknown to me who are nurses.

I already have a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems / Decision Science. A Bachelor’s degree in nursing would require at least three more years after transferring coursework because of the differences between the two disciplines. The degree in MIS required a lot of coursework in Calculus, Accounting, Finance, and Economics, where nursing BSN coursework requires studies related to Biology.

I chose the LPN program at the local technology center (I was accepted to the program and starting classes this August) because I don’t want to put a lot of time into a vocation that I may not feel comfortable with or feel that I am being hurried to learn too much too quickly. People and computers are not the same.

Why nursing and not continue with computers and Information Systems with ten years of experience? I am hoping to find gratifying work where I know I won’t be a millionaire, but I can somehow make a great difference in someone’s life. Teaching and nursing are hand in hand, and maybe I will want to become a nursing instructor in the future.