LPN or RN which did or would you do?

Jules A, MSN · Oct 3, 2008

Hi,

I never had a problem getting what I felt was a good job as a LPN but since you have your bachelors I'd find an accelerated BSN program and go right for that. You should be able to finish that as quickly as the LPN program. Good luck.

MikeyJ, RN · Oct 3, 2008

In my area, hospitals are definitely limiting their hiring of LPN's. If they do hire them, they are usually for an ambulatory setting.

From what I have heard from other nurses and a few nursing managers is that hospitals are opting to hire RN's instead of LPN's because the wages between the two are not drastically different, thus it is more cost effective to hire an RN.

LTC facilities are probably the heaviest employers of LPN's. And I although I respect LPN's and think it is a wonderful profession, I think you should pursue the RN route. It would probably be wiser to shoot for the RN -- more job opportunities, better pay, and it would be easier to go for the RN rather than going for the LPN and then pursuing the RN later on in life.

akanini, MSN, RN · Oct 3, 2008

Do the RN while you can as fast as possible. So much more opportunities!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 3, 2008

lpn and proud. have not been too limited in opportunities, but it depends on what you are interested in doing.

akanini, MSN, RN · Oct 3, 2008

That is so true. It does depend on what you want to do. I guess that's why going for the RN makes you marketable to do anything. OP, If you find your niche in LPN positions, you can become a wonderful LPN.

allnurses Guide · Oct 3, 2008

I agree - it depends on what you want to do.

Locally, LVN's mostly work in LTC. We do have one LVN in our acute setting but she is also an EMT and has her IV certification.

Is your heart in geriatrics? That is an honorable job.

Or is your heart somewhere else?

What is the hiring like where you want to work?

steph

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2008

I completed the LPN/LVN program in 2005, and have no regrets so far.

I've been accepted into a trade school RN program which will start in January. I believe I might have a decent advantage because I can earn a good income as an LPN/LVN while in school, whereas other students don't have that type of earning potential.

CheyRN · Oct 3, 2008

I was an LPN for 15 years before going back for my RN 2 years ago. I'm glad that I'm an RN now, but the education that I received for my LPN was far superior (and harder) than my RN. LPN programs usually give you a much more intensive experiance. I worked with several BSN nurses over the years that I had to teach very basic procedures (trach care, suctioning, cath changes, etc.) to because they didn't include them in their programs. Good luck with your career change:up:

MUUGUZI · Oct 3, 2008

I started off in an LPN program because I couldn't get into an RN program d/t long waiting list. I also wanted to be licensed nurse ASAP.

Turned out to be a blessing because I learned so much more in the LPN prog. and it provided an excellent basis for my RN program. RN school was more manageable because of my LPN background.

I totally agree with CheyRN--LPN school was MUCH more intensive than RN school and we HAD to know our stuff during clinicals or risk trouble !! :wink2:

The pay I made as an LPN also allowed me to work only part-time during RN school, so that was a huge relief.

I only continued on to RN school because of my career goals.

And, yes, RNs have more opportunities available to them.

GOOD LUCK!

PS-- I still have HUGE respect for those LPNs (and CNAs)!

Ruthiegal · Oct 3, 2008

I am just starting my journey of applying for nursing schools...I already have my Bachelors in business but have decided Nursing is what I really want to do!
I'm looking at Concorde College's 50week LPN program or their 70week RN program...I've heard becoming an LPN is a waste of time and that employers are no longer hiring LPN's
Thoughts?

I did both. Was an LPN for several years, and moved to a city that had a 2 year ADN program at the local branch of a state university. They accepted previous credits from my Biology Degree, let me test out of 2 quarters of nursing clinical so I finished in 18 months! I'm glad I had the PN first it helped me out a lot.

Have fun,

Mydnightnurse:specs:

kksmum · Oct 3, 2008

double post...