LPN or RN school?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Mar 17

If you are accepted to a BSN school.. take it. You will make MUCH more money in the long run.

elemnurse007 · Mar 18

An ASN-RN program is also a good option. ASN-RN to BSN programs are super common as well if you decide you want to get your BSN later. I have my ASN-RN and I have always had the same pay as my BSN holding coworkers.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Mar 18

If BSN is the goal- I'd go for ADN then bridge (or straight to traditional BSN). And LPN bridge to BNS will take much more work in the long run.

JohnHood, BSN · Mar 19

The problem with an LPN is that it is a limited position. Many hospitals are phasing them out. An RN must see and document on hospital patients each day. Either an RN must have the patient or another RN will have to assess that patient. Many hospitals now are even wanting a BSN to work in a hospital setting.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Mar 19

It kind of depends on what programs are available to you and how much determination you have to finish all the requirements for the final degree. One of the PCT's I work with is going the LPN to RN to BSN route.

The RN program she is in allows sitting the LPN NCLEX at about the halfway mark, so she plans to work as an LPN while finishing the RN program getting valuable nursing experience, a larger income than her PCT pay, and maybe most importantly for her experience taking the NCLEX. Then she plans to enroll in an RN to BSN bridge.

I can't say for certain she will complete all this but that is the plan. A big deterrent to completing the bridge in our area is the local RN to BSN program is at a rather expensive private school while there are plenty of RN programs at community colleges. There is no real need to get that BSN for employment around here, none of our local employers are BSN required.

Gratefulbutnotstupid, ASN, LPN, RN · Nov 1

The BSN requirement sometimes comes down to where you work. I went LPN to ASN through Excelsior College The LPN experience really helped me with my skills. At the time a LPN could start IV's , hang new Ivs except the first dose of an antibiotic , so the RN could assess a patient's reaction to it. RNs only did push meds. . I worked in a hospital environment and floated for 15 years of the 27 years. I worked for this hospital. I took a lot of classes at Community Colleges. And then I started studying to challenge the nursing courses, which I did. I also challenged the practicum. Excelsior had nice workshops to go over some of the expectations during the curriculum. The nicest thing was that the hospital I worked for wanted their LPNs to become RNs and they paid for out training. Associates Degree Nurses and Bachelor Degree Nurses take the same NYCLEX . The BSN nurse can really shine in a leadership role. My last 17 1/2 years were in leadership, but there were some things I had to learn in order todo the job well. So I took every leadership class I could find and many other classes too I. I would go straight for my BSN if I was you. If I was young enough I'd do that , and then get my MSN. You won't regret it.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 1

I would say that it would greatly depend upon a lot of factors as to what paths I might recommend. One of those things is money. Generally speaking, if there's an LPN-BSN pathway, that implies starting as an LPN. That's about a 3 semester course of study. Then you'd have to complete any additional prerequisites needed for RN school entry and then transition to BSN.

If you're looking toward BSN, I would suggest going toward BSN as directly as possible. If finances are a problem, you might inquire as to whether or not the programs you're looking into will allow you to take the LPN/LVN boards while doing school. If you pass, you then might be able to work part time while still doing the BSN work.

I chose ADN as BSN programs in my local area were NOT accepting 2nd Bachelor's students. I've been working as an RN for nearly 10 years now (as I write this). Some of my coworkers and classmates were LVN/LPN licensed before becoming an RN. Some have gone on to earn their BSN and beyond. Eventually I'll get my BSN but I'm going to have to get my kid through her schooling first.

Gratefulbutnotstupid, ASN, LPN, RN · Nov 1

Money is a big consideration. I was lucky to get a spot in a LPN program within the hospital. I only had to pay for my uniforms. The books were even supplied to us. The class ran from Sept 8 to Sept 8, and ran through the Summer 6:30am to at least 5pm each day, but we really learned. 5 days off for Christmas. 1/2 day off for New Years and you were allowed 5 sick days during the year. If you went over the 5 sick days , you had to work at the Behavioral Health Unit to make up your time. But it was a good school and it was fun. Money is why I stayed a LPN for 27 years. As soon as the hospital offered to pay if I stayed there at least 2 years after graduating, I was in. I have been so lucky. I had friends who sat with my son when I was taking prerequisites. I am retired and would still like to get my BSN for my own satisfaction. Who knows, maybe?