LPN/LVN vs. RN?

HippyDippyLPN · Oct 14, 2012

If your ultimate goal is to be an RN I would just skip LPN school an go straight to that. If you need to work while in school get your STNA that way you can possibly get into a hospital as a patient tech and have a foot in the door. If you want to get a feel for nursing without the 4 year of school for an RN, LPN may be the way to go. Of course you most likely know that RN's are paid more, have more options job wise than LPN's. It's just what is going to fit your life style the best. I went to LPN school with the idea I would bridge over to RN but kids and marriage happened so I am sticking with my LPN because my schedule at a md's office works well for my family and I am content in my role.

Elladora · Oct 14, 2012

I can't think of a single school in my area that doesn't require an Lpn license in order to take RN classes.

HippyDippyLPN · Oct 14, 2012

really? Ive never heard of having to be an LPN to enter an RN proram..all my RN co workers were def not LPN's first.

stacyab · Oct 14, 2012

I have just completed an 11 month LPN program at VEEB in Uniondale, LI NY. I am on my way to taking NCLEX PN in a few days. I have applied to schools who offers LPN RN Bridge program. I seem to be making my way to my ultimate CRNA degree. I chose this route because I wanted to get some experience in the field prior to the RN and also make some money while Im in school pursuing my degree. There is no right or wrong way as long as you plan carefully and stay focused on your long term goal. Good Luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2012

There's a quote: "The shortest distance between two points is a straight line."

In most real-life situations, the shortest distance between two points is to go from zero (no training) and directly pursue the RN license.

However, many of us wanted or needed to pursue the LPN path due to circumstances. Although an RN license will usually result in more money and greater career opportunities, the LPN is also a respectable path into nursing. Good luck with your decision.

Nursing24/7, LVN · Oct 26, 2012

Anyone have any advice on going for your LPN versus RN? (in NY state)

I am also torn about this...Here's how I have come to understand it:

LVN is for those who want to work in a Drs office, clinic, urgent care, in LTC or as a Home care nurse. If hospitals aren't your thing, then LVN is your best bet.

RN is for those who want to work in a hospital and like the fast pace of the hospital setting.

So once you pinpoint what specialty area and what setting you think you want to work in that will help you decide whether to do LVN or RN.

Here's my issues. My dream job is to work in L & D/Baby care unit, that is what I've always wanted to do. But I also think I would fit in well in an OB/GYN office or womens health office/clinic. I also have an interest in LTC.

So which do I choose??? As of today, I am leaning towards LVN, so I can get my feet wet in nursing and hopefully get a job sooner than if I were to try and do my RN now. I just don't have the time or $$$ for RN school right now anyway. If in 3-4 years I start to feel like I want to advance my career, then I'll go back for my RN and move on to L & D. But who knows, I may end up being content with LVN and stick with it.

But the way I see it, either way we should just take the leap and just roll with the waves. The longer we debate it, is another day lost that we are not in school working toward being nurses! Take the plunge! The only thing holding me back right now is $$$ and it is ******* me off...I got laid off about 8 months ago and can't find work, so my nursing dreams are put on hold for right now, but I'm keeping positive thoughts for starting LVN school in 2013!

Good luck! Let me know what you end up deciding! :)

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2012

I can't think of a single school in my area that doesn't require an Lpn license in order to take RN classes.

The OP is in NYS and most definitely does not need to become an LPN first, before enrolling in an RN program.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2012

Anyone have any advice on going for your LPN versus RN? (in NY state)

You already know the answer to this, if you know what kind of nursing job and setting you'd most like to have.

In NY, the job market is tight and you're most likely to find work in a LTC facility. It's the rare hospital (rural locations?) that will hire an LPN new grad.

While it's true that you might find work in a doctor's office or clinic, the job market IS competitive and those with the most/best experience are getting those few precious jobs--and mostly they go to MA's anyway. The possibility is certainly there, but just know that it might take you a long time to land one.

Do you want to work in specialty areas you'd most likely find in a hospital? You'd need to be an RN. Do you want to work in nursing homes, other LTC? You can most likely be an LPN.

Do you want to work in home health? LPN, yes....but with experience you'd have gotten by working in an acute care hospital first. So....See #1.

Do you want to go beyond bedside work and go into management? RN.

Ultimately, the path you choose will choose your income potential and career flexibility. The greater the level of education, the greater your chances at both.

Nursing24/7, LVN · Oct 26, 2012

Wanted to add that it also depends on the job market in your area...here in LA the market is flooded with new LVN's and RN's, so it's really really tough to find a job as a new grad. RN's seem to be having a harder time than LVN's though because RN's don't tend to quit once they get into a position they stay for yeeeeaarrs. For example, I have one friend who has had her RN license for over a year and JUST got a job...but it's at the worst area and hospital in the county--someone came in with a gun and shot a patient in the waiting room on her 2nd night at the job, which apparently happens often at that hospital. But she was so desperate for a job that she took it. Her plan is to try and tough it out for at least a year and then transfer to a better hospital closer to her home. She figures if she can tough it out there, any other job she gets after that will be a piece of cake. I'd have to agree with that logic. But even after all that shes been through, she strongly suggests that I go for RN instead of LVN. My other friends who are LVNs have struggled finding jobs as well but most end up with jobs in LTC or Urgent care clinics.

That is another thing that keeps me torn...75% of my family members are nurses and they ALL tell me the same thing--go for the RN, go for the RN. Ugh. In my gut, I feel like that's what I should do but RN private schools are insanely expensive in Los Angeles and community & 4 year colleges throughout Los Angeles are conistently full and/or have 1-2 year (or longer) waitlists. It's insane. That's why I figure work as a LVN for 1-2 years, then bridge to RN because the LA RN school situation is so overcrowded. It's easier to get into an LVN to RN bridge program, than a RN program in Los Angeles. That's why I figure do LVN now, so I won't just be sitting around while waiting to get into RN school & at least I'll get some experience in nursing while I'm waiting. It's such a hard decision. I still may change my mind AGAIN before all is said and done...sigh.

How's the nursing job market in NY? And the LVN and RN schools? Are they overcrowded??? I guess those would be other factors to consider before making a decision.