LPN now, RN later?

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I just finished the "RN" (ADN) portion of a 3-year program: the first year gives a certificate in practical nursing, and we sit for the LPN. The second year (which I just completed) gives an ADN and we sit for the NCLEX-RN (which I plan to take end of Jan/early Feb--depending on how long it takes to process paperwork, etc). I'm now moving on to the 3rd year, which grants a BSN.

So my question is this.....I need to start looking for a job, since the BSN year is part-time and we all know school (and life) is not cheap! Do I start NOW and look for an LPN job? Or wait until I've taken the RN NCLEX and look for RN jobs?

The way I see it, the risk with an LPN job is they might see my resume/education and assume I won't stay. (Which isn't necessarily true--experience is experience). The risk with waiting is 1--sitting and WAITING, but also 2--being a newbie and only ENROLLED in a BSN (though I have a bachelors in another field) puts me at a big disadvantage in the NYC RN job market.....

Thoughts or advice appreciated.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

If you desiring to work as RN in NY city job saturated market and you are taking NCLEX RN within the next 8 weeks, then it makes no sense to apply for LPN positions.

Best wishes completing BSN program!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree- you're better off applying for RN positions than for LPN positions. Now, that said, if you already have your LPN, there's no harm in applying for those positions AS WELL, but aim for RN.

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Specializes in ICU.

Its better to pursue ur Rn license rather than working out ur lpn.

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