LPN. or RN

TigerLilie · Jan 17, 2012

Hello gapeacheykeen,

I advise to just go straight for your Bachelor in Nursing and get your RN license. Make sure you aren't going in for nursing just for the money. Because going in for the money, you wouldn't make your first clinical semester. I always tell people to be a CNA for 6 months to get a feel of nursing.

I don't regret my path one bit. I made sure I took time to know my reasons for going into nursing. It wasn't the " I love helping people" it was because I enjoy making people feel happy and bring peace to them since they are in a foreign environment. I worked as CNA for 2 years while I was in nursing school. It was very tough, but learned alot. Where I am located in the United States-- Registered Nurse's with a BSN is mandatory in order to get a job. They rarely take LPN's or even RN's with their associate degree anymore in the far east up north.

Wish you the best!!!!

vlmusicalsound, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2012

Many hospitals are phasing out LPNs. I know this is the case with mine.

keylyme · Jan 17, 2012

I recently relocated due to a nasty divorce, I have been trying to figure out which to do. LPN or BSN. I was waiting for the in-state tuition to kick in before I made a decision. (In Arkansas the wait is only 6 mo ) I really need the opinions of RN's and LPN's....which is better to have as far as pay and benefits? I have heard that Rns get paid almost the same as LPN's? I'm getting my CNA this summer so that I can get a job as well as go to school. I'm going crazy trying to figure out which road to go! Someone please give insight into each path. Do you regret the path you took? If so, why...I'm really interested.

I would definitely do an RN program - start with ADN, then you can get hospital employment and pursue your BSN. LPN's are not being hired in hospitals any more in most areas and while long term facility pay is good, it is difficult and monotonous. You are basically a glorified pill pusher trying to get meds out to 25 patients. There is really no time to use your nursing skills or ever even feel that you are doing your job safely. I worked as an LPN for 22 years in the hospital. I was IV, PCEP and ACLS certified. I technically worked under the RNs' supervision, but I functioned autonomously. I took a 7 year break to see my daughter through an elite gymnastics career and when I came back - no more hospital job. It didn't matter that I could do the same job as the RN's (sans hanging blood and pronouncing). Hospitals will go so far as to request ADN's with "one year of experience" over someone like me. I am now stuck in long term care - but not for long. I am heading back to school!

Zadia · Jan 17, 2012

Definitely go for you ADN first then you can do your RN to BSN online and hopefully while doing that you can get a job with your ADN. I regret going for my LPN first. Good luck

allnurses Guide · Jan 17, 2012

Everyone's experience is different so I like that you are getting a range of options here.

It depends a lot on your own life. Did you and your ex-husband have children together? Would it be feasible to move back in with your parents or other family members to help keep costs down?

Nursing was a second career move for me. There was no local BSN program so I went to a Community College and got my ADN. 10 years later I did an RN to BSN Accelerated Program at a Private University.

My mentor advised me not to take a CNA class and work as a CNA prior to school. The expense wasn't worth it as the first thing you learn in nursing school is the kind of patient care CNA's do. I didn't take the class and I'm glad. I was able to go to school without having to work much. I did work as an MA at a doctor's office very part-time.

If I were advising a young person, unencumbered with kids and a husband . . .I'd say go right for the BSN.

Regardless of your circumstances, I would not advise going for your LPN/LVN. RN's do make more money and there are a lot more options.

I wish you good luck!

stephenfnielsen · Jan 17, 2012

Depends on what you like. LPNs generally work in long term care and clinics. An LPN in a clinic can expect to make almost half of what an RN in acute care makes. Now, do you go for ADN or BSN? No ones knows what will happen 4 years from now, but generally speaking, very few ADN nurses are getting jobs in hospitals unless they have previous experience there.

Apply to a number of different schools, both BSN and ADN and do what ever you have to do to finish the degree.

One last thing, a lot of people will say "don't go into nursing for the money". Correct, don't go into nursing ONLY for the money, but don't think you have to be some Mother Teresa type. If you are a good, hard working person you'll do fine as a nurse.

Wabi Sabi, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2012

Are you kidding me? RNs (whether BSN or ADN) get paid substantially more than LVNs/LPNs, not to mention more opportunities in terms of specialization and administration. If you can afford it, go for the BSN. Don't waste your time with LVNs (as many people here already said it, it's hard to get a good job as a LVN.

AZMOMO2 · Jan 17, 2012

Are you kidding me? RNs (whether BSN or ADN) get paid substantially more than LVNs/LPNs

Not true and not everywhere. I personally started at a higher pay rate at an LTC as a New Grad LPN while a New Grad RN hired at the local hospital was getting paid less. Currently as an LPN I am making more than an RN counterpart is where they work. (Same field)

With that being said, even LTC is currently moving toward hiring RNs over LPNs, because the hospitals are not hiring new grads, and there are a glut of new grad RNs out there, the SNF/LTC are the only options available to some and are being happily scooped up by facilities. They are getting paid what the LPNs were getting paid and they can do more.

In the future however the earning potential and job opportunities are greatly improved by obtaining an RN... at this rate that RN is more likely to need to be a BSN though.

Wabi Sabi, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2012

Wow, really? I have honestly never heard such a story. In my area (So Cal), RNs make a LOT more than LVNs, including LTC (I have a RN friend who has worked there since he was a CNA). That must be terrible for RNs in your area to get paid the same as LVNs. More schooling and more skills, and yet the same pay? Wow, that sucks.

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Jan 17, 2012

If you have nothing tying you down, (husband, kids) then I would go right for the BSN and get it done. LPNs are great, however in my area they are limited to LTC and while some may make more than a RN, it is the LPN with years of experience vs a new grad RN.

If you want to be able to change specialties or get away from the bedside after 5-10 years then you need to have a BSN.

If you have kids and need to support them while going to school, a CNA is a good option.

I was a CNA in a hosptial making $17 working part-time through my ADN program, now I am a RN working part-time and am working on getting my BSN. If I could have done a faster route to my BSN I would have, but I had to work to support my kids.

merryeh · Jan 17, 2012

I recently relocated due to a nasty divorce, I have been trying to figure out which to do. LPN or BSN. I was waiting for the in-state tuition to kick in before I made a decision. (In Arkansas the wait is only 6 mo ) I really need the opinions of RN's and LPN's....which is better to have as far as pay and benefits? I have heard that Rns get paid almost the same as LPN's? I'm getting my CNA this summer so that I can get a job as well as go to school. I'm going crazy trying to figure out which road to go! Someone please give insight into each path. Do you regret the path you took? If so, why...I'm really interested.

I would get the BSN....LPN's do not make nearly as much money and in the long run your opportunities are much greater for a variety of positions. I didn't attend school until about age 27, but have never regretted being a nurse or going back for more education. I like learning, so it's not really difficult. byw, I worked while going to school too. I recently retired making over 6 figures, so it's definitely possible. I saved and have a nice retirement all mine. Lovely having security in these times. Good luck with your decision!