LPN or RN? Central Jersey - Need Input, Experiences, Suggestions

[Bell13, ASN]

Good afternoon all ! I was recently planning on applying for a local LPN program. Middlesex County Vocational or the Practical Nursing program at Union County College (if anyone has attended either one of these schools and can provide insight it would be greatly appreciated).

Well low and behold shortly after making this decision I was laid off from work so now I am considering whether or not to apply to the LPN program or to a RN program. Of course the major difference would be the time spent in school. I do have a child in college and a mortgage so completing school quickly would be ideal but no matter what I decide I will do my best to make it work. This is a complete career change for me so I don't have all the answers. Here are my questions, all input and suggestions are needed and welcomed especially if you are from the area!! Thanks All

Did you complete LPN or RN program?

Where did you attend school?

Advantages/disadvantages of each?

Anyone have trouble finding a job as an LPN or RN? (there are about 6 hospitals all within 20 miles here)

If I complete an LPN program I would like to bridge over to an RN in the future, has anyone done this? Issues, problems, highlights?

Based off of YOUR experience do you suggest going to school for LPN or RN first?

And anything else you can think to add to this thread, thanks again!

[RCH85]

I am about to start the LPN program at Camden County Technical in 2 weeks. My program starts April 8th and goes till June 18th, then we have off for July and August and Return for September through June. I decided to do the LPN program because all the Nursing Schools I applied to weren't able to accept me until the January of Next year. At that point I could almost be done the LPN program. I am also interested in doing the LPN to RN bridge and I have heard that it is not as competitive as going straight for your RN. The way I see it, It will take me 2-3 years to go straight for my RN or a little more than 2 years for me to get my LPN and bridge to RN. So, If you really want to get done school fast I would say go for the LPN and have it in a year. Also, there is the added bonus' of being able to work as a LPN while getting my RN, having experience already as a LPN and the possibility of having your job pay for you to get your RN. Of course, there is always the option of stay at LPN. Good Luck with which ever you decide!!

[meluhn]

Did you complete LPN or RN program? Both

Where did you attend school? NJ

Advantages/disadvantages of each?Lpn is easy but RN made me a better nurse. As LPN you will be stuck in LTC.

Anyone have trouble finding a job as an LPN or RN? (there are about 6 hospitals all within 20 miles here) All nurses are finding it hard to get the job they want.

If I complete an LPN program I would like to bridge over to an RN in the future, has anyone done this? Issues, problems, highlights? No problems, best move I ever made.

Based off of YOUR experience do you suggest going to school for LPN or RN first? Go directly for your Rn, it takes a little longer but you are better off in the long run.

And anything else you can think to add to this thread, thanks again! Whatever you do, dont go to a certain tecnical/trade school that happens to be in your area (Edison). If you do go for your LPN, wait for Middlesex! Good Luck!

[Bell13, ASN]

thank you both for the info...meluhn, is there any specific info you may have on that trade school in my area? just wondering about your 'warning'. pls let me know that will def help me narrow my choices down...thanks!

[Bell13, ASN]

meluhn, do you mind sending me an email at [email protected]. i can't figure out how to send a private message on this thing. i would've replied to you sooner but i went on vacation and then i recently had cervical fusion so im still kinda out of it. just wanted to clarify your previous text to avoid making any mistakes! thanks a bunch