LPN or RN?

[Prairie]

Im thinkin about signing up for LPN school in the fall..I have been told I should go straight for RN..How long is the LPN program compared to the RN? Here is some info about me...

Im 30 and have 4 children.... For the past year I have been taking care of my husbands 18 month old cousin.He has Spina Bifida,Chiari Malformation with 2 decompressions.a shunt also.He has to be cathed and he had a NG tube but he now has a G-button. He has a trach also because he is an extreme breath holder in which We have to constantly bag him . He is a vent baby(only while he sleeps though) and he is on and off oxygen...

I got trained by the hospital last march when he got his trach and so the past year I have spent 5 days a week with him taking care of him while his mom works... I know how to change trachs(even by myself) and trach ties a..Ive done it all for this baby....Now im ready to make something of it and go to school..Im so nervous though...the fact that I have done all of this I feel like ill have a good start....

Im so scared. will I ever have a life outside of school with my husband and kids ? how long is the LPN training? thanks everyone!, Prairie

[dee78]

Yep, each situation is different and you have to weigh all of your options and pick the one that works best for you. I'm 31 with 3 kids, I need an income soon so I chose to get my LPN, then I will do a bridge to RN. I could have waited and hoped to get into the fall 2010 program but decided to take a chance on getting into the LPN transition class, if it all works out, I will graduate the same time as the Fall 2010 class but will have earned more in the process, plus be in a better position to be hired based on my LPN experience.

But again, you do what is best for you and your situation. Good luck to you!!

Hospitals may not hire as many LPNs but the health dept and doctor's offices here do. Home health and nursing homes also hire LPNs.

[Angel0411]

I would check into different schools and options. My school's LPN program is 1 year and they have a 8 month (2 semester) bridge from LPN to RN if you do both at their school. The straight RN program is 2 1/2 years with prereqs and more expensive, so I chose the LPN to RN option.

[kcochrane]

I'm with the "it depends on your situation" crowd. It depends on how long you can be out of work, how long the waiting lists are at the LPN and RN schools and how much they cost.

I went the LPN route since I needed to get back into the workforce quicker. It was a 10 month program. The local CCs have waiting lists and you really need a high GPA to get in. With my LPN I was able to work full time and take classes part time. Took me about 4 1/2 years taking 1-2 classes per semester. Once I had my prereqs, I got in the next semester with no waiting. I was able to challenge 8 credits with my LPN. I'm glad the route I went, but it was the right one for me.

Good luck whatever you decide. :)

[RNperdiem, RN]

When you list your schooling options, see what options you will have for childcare. Regular childcare, backup childcare and emergency childcare for several kids are issues you will need to sort out.