LPN in Illinois...give it to us straight...is it worth it?

U.S.A. Illinois

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I'd like to know from nurses if it's worth it to start at the LPN. Getting into ADN programs in Illinois is (IMO) damn near impossible. I have a BA degree in business all my adn pre reqs a reasonable GPA and a super high science/math GPA, CNA for a year etc but I still haven't gotten in. I'm trying to research as much as possible about LPN programs but is it worth it? I've heart a few snide comments here and there but also a lot of good....I plan to do a bridge to RN ASAP when I pass my NCLEX-LPN...but is it worth it? My ultimate goal is to become a Midwife (uh yeah I'm a long way away).....should I just keep applying to ADN or jump on this LPN program (at PCCTI) that has surfaced and go from there? Any and all comments are welcome - I can take it!! TIA!

Specializes in Geriatrics.

Hi, I live in IL but Im an LPN in MO. I think it is well worth it. People have been saying for years that LPNs are being phased out. But if you look in the newspapers LPNs run the LTC facilities. I've had about seven job offers alone. I currently work at a rehab center doing weekends day and evening shifts. They give me an extra 8hrs a week so i get me full time 80hr a pay period plus an extra $2/hr for working weekends. That's $20/hr for a new nurse. I love the pay and being off M-Fri:nuke:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Sub-Acute Rehab.

hi deeply. i am an lpn and i can tell you for one the biggest difference between ma's and lpn's as far as companies that want to hire them is that ma's make considerably less and that means a better bottom line for the company. they will more than likely have an rn there so an lpn wouldn't be necessary.

now for the lpn hype. i started my career as an lpn at the va. that didn't work out for me because their lpn's become cna's when the cna's are short-staffed. i had a huge problem with this:banghead:. so, i quit. i am now at a nursing home and i make a greater difference here than i ever would have there not to mention they pay me nearly $5 more per hour (i'm a new nurse and started at $23/hr).

if you really want to learn how to be a good nurse before you become an rn then an lpn is a wonderful place to start. i went to school at everest in merrillville and it was expensive but it is so very worth it. i am starting at prairie state in a couple weeks to get my rn licensure but by the time i finish (4 semesters), i will have 3 yrs of experience so they have to pay me more than starting pay. be smart about your choices but don't forget to make choices that coincide with your wants. you should want to be a nurse. if you are unsure, just think about it some more and ask nurses what they deal with on a daily basis to see if it is really for you. :nurse: any more questions ask me, i'll be glad to help!

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Specializes in Sub Acute and Wound Care.
hi deeply. i am an lpn and i can tell you for one the biggest difference between ma's and lpn's as far as companies that want to hire them is that ma's make considerably less and that means a better bottom line for the company. they will more than likely have an rn there so an lpn wouldn't be necessary.

now for the lpn hype. i started my career as an lpn at the va. that didn't work out for me because their lpn's become cna's when the cna's are short-staffed. i had a huge problem with this:banghead:. so, i quit. i am now at a nursing home and i make a greater difference here than i ever would have there not to mention they pay me nearly $5 more per hour (i'm a new nurse and started at $23/hr).

if you really want to learn how to be a good nurse before you become an rn then an lpn is a wonderful place to start. i went to school at everest in merrillville and it was expensive but it is so very worth it. i am starting at prairie state in a couple weeks to get my rn licensure but by the time i finish (4 semesters), i will have 3 yrs of experience so they have to pay me more than starting pay. be smart about your choices but don't forget to make choices that coincide with your wants. you should want to be a nurse. if you are unsure, just think about it some more and ask nurses what they deal with on a daily basis to see if it is really for you. :nurse: any more questions ask me, i'll be glad to help!

thanks so much gg! i'm actually 2 months into the program and i'm really enjoying myself. the program is new and the admin leaves a little to the imagination, but the instruction in solid. i'm glad i made the leap. 10 months and couting until i'm an lpn!

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I definitely think LPN is the way to go if you are interested in the medical field. Due to lack of trained instructors, colleges are turning away students who otherwise would be admitted into an RN program. Get some experience and start taking care of sick people! With the babyboomers on their way to retirement, LPN jobs will be plenty!

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Specializes in Emergency.
I believe the last comment was best advice...

time is a big factor when deciding to start as an LPN! As you stated, you can begin work (and YES, you'll find work, i see ad's for lpn's all the time!) and start making a little cash while then enrolling in a bridge program.

Time is a huge factor.

Speaking of which... im curious, is there anyone who can give a few options on different LPN programs starting (no long waits) in the city perhaps?

Or atleast where one could go to obtain this info, if not here?

Thanks much everyone

And good luck :up:

American Institute

Wilbur Wright College

college of dupage

pccti

Triton college

all offer LPN school

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Specializes in Emergency.

I just wanted to add, American Institute costs around $14,000, and PCCTI costs around $17,000. However, community colleges, Wright college, or Triton college, will cost about $80 per credit hour and the LPN course typically is 42 semester hours. That will run you just under $4,000, significantly less than these private schools will.

That is my plan.

J

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I have not had any problems at all in finding a job as in LPN and it was something that I was concerned about when I graduated. My husband tells me all the time that it must be terrible having so many jobs to choose from. But I would not pay $12,000 for a LPN, I have only gone to Community college and it came no where near to that close.

Take notice though: Now that I have started to go back for my RN many schools will not let you bridge immediately. More and more schools are requiring a certain number of work experience hours before apply for a bridge program.

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Dear Gods Gift-I am considering Everest and you obviously had a good experience...I don't know why I'm so hesitant? I could use some encouragement! thanks!

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