LPN??? RN???

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 4, 2010

Obtaining any nursing license, degree, or certification is never a waste of time.

Do what you think is best.

NaKcl, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

You can get into the RN program after you have your LPN liscense. Most of nursing schools have the program for LPN to enroll in senior level of RN program.

Instead of waiting another semester for RN program, many students start LPN program first, then jump into the RN program later.

Crux1024 · May 4, 2010

I would at least WAIT to hear from the RN program first. If youre going to have to wait a ridiculous amount of time for the RN program, then try the LPN. But an RN is never a bad idea if youre able.

dorothyrose · May 4, 2010

thanks everyone. i just started my pre reqs for my RN. i have a while to go. (I am accepted into a LPN program in August) if i chose the LPN route first, does anyone know what classes i would have to compltete at a junior collge to continue with my RN Degree. and i would like to know the role of a LPN.

OutlawNurse86, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

If nothing else, the experience of working as a LVN (LPN or whatever state is calling them whatever this week) will be invaluable. You can have the best instructors in the world, but honestly, you won't REALLY learn anything until you see and do it for yourself. I started off as a CNA on a med-surg then a step down unit. I had some great nurses who taught (and to some extent) let me do some things which GREATLY helped me out in nursing school. Since I've been working as an LVN for the past year and a half I've gained even more experience, even managed to grab some ED and PCU/Step Down time. Since I'm trying to go back for my RN, this experience is gonna really boost me up.

On example is ACLS. You can study and study those heart rhythms and protocols enough pass the test, but you won't really know them until you work telemetry and go through a few codes.

It depends on where you work as to your role as a LPN. In my hospital (in Texas, where we do things our own way too lol), the LVN does dang near everything an RN can do (with exceptions like Charge Nursing and Careplans and such). There are a few things I can't (well...not supposed to) do as an LVN; The RN is supposed to do central line dressings, start blood product transfusions (while the LVN monitors them), and complete initial admit assessments on new patients.

Of course the Scope of Practice varies from state to state for future reference I'd suggest consulting almighty Google and search for your state's Board of Nursing. Most nursing schools require you to read the Scope of Practice any way so you'll have a leg up.

Nurse Joey · May 4, 2010

A lot of times getting into the RN programs are so cut throat that people, like myself, go the LVN/LPN route first. Getting into a bridge or transition to RN program is somewhat easier. The role of LPN is not much different, depending on your state board. I can't start a transfusion, or monitor it for the first 15 minutes, but after that I can monitor it. RN's do the initial assessment. They do the care plans. Hospitals are making a big push for RNs now, trying to reach the "golden" Magnet status. I would at least wait for a letter from the RN program before accepting the spot in the LVN program, if that's possible. Good luck!

milobust · May 4, 2010

Find out your place on the "waiting list" if they have one, finish your prereqs and if you have your lpn you should only have a year to go to get your rn and at least youll have exp under your belt. Good luck its gonna be a wild ride!

BulletBlueSky · May 4, 2010

I don't think you would be wasting anytime, perhaps saving time, by going the LPN right first. I just decided in January that I wanted to change careers and become a nurse. Realizing how "cut throat" entrance into a RN program is in my area and the length of time it would take to get into one, I went for the LPN program that is taught at one of the public VocTech schools in my area. From then I will apply to a bridge program. I think this route is fastest for someone who doesn't have the 4.0 in all prereqs. Anyways, just my opinion and I'm sure whatever path you choose to become an RN will be just fine.

kcochrane · May 4, 2010

I went the LPN route and then got my RN after 5 years. It was the best route for me since I could not stay our of work while getting my RN. The LPN was only 10 months.

Look in your area to see where they are hiring LPNs. In most places you may be working long term care. But some hospitals are still hiring LPNs. Long term care is still good experience.

As someone else mentioned, each state has their own scope of practice with regards to LPNs and RNs - even failities differ on what they let LPNs do. For example in my LTC where I worked as a LPN I could not take telephone orders, start IVs, or do anything with a central line/PICC. But at the hospitals, LPNs can start IVs (with certification) and monitor central lines/PICCs. They can't push IV meds and need someone to cosign thier orders and discharges.

Really the answer for you depends on how long you can stay out of work, how long the wait lists are and what you goals are.

Good luck!

OutlawNurse86, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

But at the hospitals, LPNs can start IVs (with certification) and monitor central lines/PICCs. They can't push IV meds and need someone to cosign thier orders and discharges.

Certification? What state do you work in? Never heard of that.

Here we have a limited list of what IV meds we can push ( we can do most of them like Labetalol, Dilaudid, etc.).

dorothyrose · May 4, 2010

thanks everyone!!!