is LPN a good choice?

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I really want to be a nurse, and I was thinking about becoming an LPN. I'm a senior in HS, and one day I would like to become an RN. But I'm ready to start a career, and I honestly don't want to do another four years of school yet. I like the idea of being an LPN, but everyone expects me to go the BSN route. I know RN's make more, but I'm young, and I don't have any kids, so I should be ok.....so basically, I'm worried about everyone thinking I'm taking the easy way out, and doing LPN. Because the people around me think degrees make the world spin. What should I do? Is LPN a good career choice for a 18/19 year old?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I think it is a fair choice to start with. Many times, it is easier to transition into LPN to RN or LPN to BSN bridge programs, which can cut down on the long waiting lists for traditional RN programs. I strongly suggest, however, that if it is your master plan to become an RN, stay on track, don't become distracted and complete the RN or BSN program before life such as a mate or children get in the way. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

I agree with the above post. LPN is a good route and does often cut down on wait time to get into RN programs. However, because you are young, I would suggest going for your RN or BSN. Life does have a way of changing quickly before you know it and without much warning. If you don't want to do a full 4 years of school now, go for your RN. At community schools you can finish, often, within 2-3 years. At that point, getting your BSN is much easier and more flexible. If you've had academic courses in high school, you may be able to test out of some of the basic classes which will move you through the program much quicker.

Good luck to you in your decision. Either way you go, nursing is a wonderful and rewarding career path.

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

Honestly, I'd go for the BSN. Go to a 4 year college and have that experience. Once you have kids you can't get those young years back. Get a job as a nursing assistant, if you want to work. 4 years seems a long time but it is not at all!

Ok, I just pulled a MOM on you!

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The whole "college life" doesn't really excite me, like kids my age. I don't want to be a broke college kid, +& I don't want to live with my mom forever. But she also told me to do the BSN while I'm still young. So if I wanted to move out before I'm done with college, could I support myself on an STNA salary?

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

You would probably have to have roommates, depending where you live. As an LPN, you could possibly live alone but you may still have student loans to pay back. Get information from a bunch of programs, LPN, RN, BSN, compare costs and see what makes the most financial sense. I love being an LPN and don't regret my decision for a minute. I just finished an RN associates program and am going to start the BSN. I only wish I had done this at 20 instead of starting at 40. Then maybe I wouldn't be living with my Mom at 44. Just my life experience. You must find your own path.

Best, Deb

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

I would say yes, for several reasons. First it would ease you into nursing and you have an oportunity to decide if this REALLY is for you without spending 4 years and then graduating with a BSN and find you really don't like nursing at all. Second, at your age, you have plenty of time and it might be worth it to you in the long run to take it a step at a time. They have great bridge programs now for LPN's to get their RN's.

If you have no prior experience in the field of medicine you might find that nursing is not for you and you might want to pursue something in an ancillary field such as Physical Therapy, Radiology or Medical Lab.

Becoming an LPN first is a good way to "test the waters" without a huge investment of time and money.

I suggest your read lots of the threads on this forum about very frustrated RN's. Their jobs have changed dramatically, their responsibilities can be crushing both physically and emotionally and if you aren't mature enough to handle it, you could become a statistic, stuck in a profession you don't like because of the investment you have made. Do lots of research BEFORE you decide.

I like being an LPN and if I wasn't at the end of my career, I doubt I would pursue an RN. I love the science end of things and would have gone back for my Medical Lab Technologist degree instead of an RN. You will find several threads on here about this exact issue and you will find many RN's would have gone for another field.

Good luck to you no matter what you choose

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

What debanam said. Go to college. If you're not sure nursing is for you, or if you need money, work as a CNA. If you find out nursing is not for you, you haven't lost anything, because you start out with general education courses and you can change your major. I believe the job market for new nursing grads, LPN or RN, will be much better in four years than in one or two years so now is the time to go to school.

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

I agree with Systoly. Here in NJ, the largest hc company in the state no longer hires any RN who doesn't have a BSN. Why? Because they can. We have such a glut of new grads, RN & LPN, that they can't get jobs. Anything to give you the advantage is better for you. My dept head has about a hundred apps for every open job. One of those open RN positions is mine when I pass the NCLEX RN, so that cuts a position for a new grad RN. I've been there for years and have experience, plus I have lots of certs that the hospital paid for. And the hospital paid for my RN. So, if you get a job as a CNA, get the facility to pay for your education, and take every class the facility offers that furthers your prospects, you will be all over the competition. You need to make somebody want to hire you. Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Why don't you get your RN or LPN at a community college? You can get your LPN at a CC in 9-12 months after you finish the science prerequisites and you can get your RN in 2 years at a CC.

I was able to transfer some high school classes to my local community college for credit and I didn't have to retake the classes to receive full credit for each class. It saved me time and money.

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DON'T do it! I am an LPN, a young LPN at that. I'm 21 and feel like I need more life experiences to handle this. GO for the RN and soak up all the guided experiences you can... Sometimes we need more "seasoning" before we can seriously be trusted to care for people. Also basicly the only thing an LPN can do is pass meds in LTC and you will get NO respect for the aides!

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yes, you are making the right decision.so you know what to expect how the job really works as a health provider to get your feet wet.If you are studying in the Philippines. LPN is the best choice than the RN program coz its not yet saturated and its easier to get a visa.For RN here you really must be smoking hot to hire you coz RN there has huge responsibility.

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