Passed lpn boards today, going for RN should i work don't want to be stale?

[alodocios]

I graduated from lpn school in january 2010, just found out i passed my boards today, have been taking my prereq's so i can start my rn bridge right away, heavy course load, 5 classes, and two little boys at home. I haven't worked since i started school. I don't want to be considered "stale" like one nurse said who was having trouble finding an RN position because she hadn't worked in a year. I don't know if i should just plug away at school to get my RN or should i get some experience by working as an lpn. They might think i'm stale too since i didn't go job hunting as a new pn grad. I want to be in the OR and many hospitals in my area have on the job OR intern training programs. I don't know what to do. Help!:confused:

[Jules A, MSN]

You do have a lot on your plate but I found working as a LPN while I went for my RN invaluable in both experience and also contacts for future opportunities. Good luck.

[mariahas4kids]

One of the advantages as working as a LPN when you are going to school is that a lot of time your employer will hire you as a RN when you pass your boards. At this point in time any job and job experience is invaluable. Good Luck.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Im working as a lpn while in school for my RN, I think the experience is great!

[newsupernurse]

First of all, set your priorities.

If you need job at this stage for letting the money flow in then go for job and wait for RN.

If you think your career advancement is imp at this time then go for RN.

If you want both then go to school and work part time or on per-diem basis in any hospital and complete your classes at same time. Experience is imp but when you compare LVN and RN on floor then RN is always the boss, no matter if LVN has 10 yrs experience. I have many LVN turned RN's on my floor and at same time I hv RN's who are coming from street, no nursing floor experience, working in grocery stores earlier and are so smart and competent as RN"s.

i hope this helps :)

[alodocios]

I don't really need the money right now, my mom watches the kids, husband brings a good income. He wants me to focus on finishing my ASN so i can hurry up and get into the area i want to be in. The market for LPN's isn't great here especially for new grads, i will keep trying for part time but will probably focus on RN, my hospitals don't hire LPN's so internal hiring is not an option. I am trying to get around some rules and apply for the student nurse position seeing as though i am a student RN nurse who just happens to have her PN license. I know some one in high hr position who i hope can get me around the technicalities, i got great hands on in school, but would like some more and some kind of experience to put on my resume.

[caliotter3]

With the difficulty that new grads are having in getting jobs lately, I don't think that being "stale" will be your problem. Just move forward to get your RN license and worry about work when the time comes.

[NC Girl BSN]

Congrats! If you can swing it, try to find PRN job as a LPN. If thats not an option then don't stress it right now. Maybe you can find room for it next semester. Good Luck to you!

[meadowsong, ASN, RN]

I'm with NC girl RN, try to find a PRN job. Chances are you'll get in a few days a month and keep up on your skills. Plus, like a PP mentioned, if you have difficulty finding a job as a RN you'll have your foot in the door at this facility all ready.

Of course, maybe I think this is best because it's exactly what I am doing while attending school for my ASN Good luck either way, you have to make the best choice for your family.