LPN or RN can't decide were to go!

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Hello,

I'm fairly new to this site and I had a few questions. I'm currently employed as a Veterinary Assistant but going to school to full-fill pre-req's for a nursing career. I love the medical field that's why I know this is the right career path for me but, I currently live in Las Vegas and the college that I go to offers a LPN and RN program. I just don't know which one I should go into. Do I do the LPN program or do I just go straight into the RN program? All opinions are welcomed!! Thank You!

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Only you can make that decision.

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Since your in LV, and you already have some/most of your pre-reqs done, I would go straight into a BSN program. I used to live in LV and it is a tough market for nurses. I would only recommend people for LPN/LVN if they live in a rural area, or anywhere in Florida. I am from Florida and I wish I had gotten my LPN way back when I graduated HS. Some of the girls that I went to school with have made nice lives from themselves with their LPN. But down here where I live now (VI) they have completely phased out LPN's and closed down the program as well. Its BSN only.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

It's true. Only you can make that determination for yourself. There are many reasons to do LVN/LPN, and just as many to do RN. I chose RN for a number of reasons. I'm not saying you should choose RN because your situation and reasons for getting into Nursing are likely very different from mine. I've met some fantastic Nurses over the years and have had great experiences learning from both RN and LVN Nurses. Notice I said "fantastic Nurses" and didn't differentiate them.

All I can say is to look at yourself, examine your own life situation, career goals, and your own educational opportunities. Then make your own decision.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I agree with the above two posters except that due to the unprecedented amount of uncertainty in the healthcare job market, an RN will give you more flexibility, especially if you are sure of your choice to pursue nursing, When I started as an LVN (LPN) we were hired in acute care and every specialty, Barring a few select cases, that doesn't happen often anymore.

I seriously doubt we'll see a nursing shortage return soon enough to bank on a resurgent LPN job market.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

OP - hi! I have been a nurse since 1991. In making my decision, my Mom said "you need to just go for the LPN so you don't waste as much money on tuition". (I had a bad track record in decision making).

Anyway, I went to LPN and after a few years started RN school. It's a decision that only you can make - everyone's situation is different.

Good luck!

Anne, RNC

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I agree with the above two posters except that due to the unprecedented amount of uncertainty in the healthcare job market, an RN will give you more flexibility, especially if you are sure of your choice to pursue nursing, When I started as an LVN (LPN) we were hired in acute care and every specialty, Barring a few select cases, that doesn't happen often anymore.

I seriously doubt we'll see a nursing shortage return soon enough to bank on a resurgent LPN job market.

This.

It is entirely up to you, but please research your market, the local colleges, your life, and figure out the best plan for you.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree about RNs being more in demand than LVNs, especially in a major metropolitan area. Look at job postings, and see what's sought after. The prereqs are basically the same, and you'd have a wider scope of practice as an RN.

Ultimately, the decision lies with you, but most LVNs I know either plan to pursue their RN or are actively working toward doing so.

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I wish I had done LVN early on after HS, but I am now choosing to go ahead and do my ADN. It is best for my family situation and will bridge online once I have a job to get my BSN. Take the advice! Look at your situation and what will benefit you most. Best wishes!

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Thank you for all your responses! I wilk definitely take everything in consideration.

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Specializes in Public Health.

Hi! I'm an RN, in Vegas working at a hospital. I went to CSN and I have my ADN. Honestly, it's a bit of a waste of time to become an LPN in this town if your goal is to be an RN. CNAs in hospitals and some rehabs make more than a lot of LPNs here. Offices, nursing homes and maybe homecare are your only options as an LPN in Vegas.

PPs are right, go for the BSN if at all possible. Same amount of time but for the higher degree. There isn't really a difference in pay between BSNs and ADNs but why waste time?

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