LPN or RN What should I choose?

Tattooedtonya24 · Sep 17, 2009

I think you're great! and I appreciate all the advice you've given me. Thank You. :heartbeat

I will read more threads on BSN and ASN.

AND THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN ADVICE IN HELPING ME MAKE MY DECISION.

:loveya:

jschut, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

:) Good luck to you and keep us posted!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

I completed an LVN/LPN program in 2005, and I am presently attending an RN program with a graduation date of March 2010.

This might burst a few bubbles, but in my opinion, the nursing classes in my RN program have been quite a bit easier than the ones taken in my LPN program. Yes, my LVN program was harder than the RN program. Of course, this is just my subjective opinion.

The RN licensure will result in more money and a wider array of job opportunities in the long run.

Be_Moore · Sep 17, 2009

This might burst a few bubbles, but in my opinion, the nursing classes in my RN program have been quite a bit easier than the ones taken in my LPN program. Yes, my LVN program was harder than the RN program. Of course, this is just my subjective opinion.

Do you think that this is due to you already have a base knowledge now versus before when you had none? The part about nursing school that seemed to be the most difficult was not so much the coursework, but getting used to the structure of the courses and the expectations of the program. If you were already experienced in the way nursing school operates then you have an advantage.

Markis · Sep 17, 2009

I wanted to be a registered nurse, but I opted to go to a career based school, get my LPN and then work as a nurse till I got my RN. Instead of sweating in retail for 40 hours a week, I was able to work as an LPN on the weekends and put myself through school.

This route isn't for everyone, but looking back I think it was the best for me. I didn't have to wait 4 years to start nursing, only one. If I wanted to stop and work as an LPN for a year and see if it was right, I could have, but now I am working towards a BSN. It still will take me 4 years but my experience is vastly different than if I would have gone to a four year school.

Good luck! :up:

happydrunkcat · Sep 17, 2009

I got my LPN first- it was only 11 month program, no waiting list. Now I can work and get my RN (I'm doing LPN to ASN online program trough Excelsior College).

I didn't want to wait 2 years just to be accepted into my local college and then another 2 years of school before I can work in a hospital.

Good luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

Do you think that this is due to you already have a base knowledge now versus before when you had none? The part about nursing school that seemed to be the most difficult was not so much the coursework, but getting used to the structure of the courses and the expectations of the program. If you were already experienced in the way nursing school operates then you have an advantage.

Yes, I think I have an advantage because I am accustomed to the politics and structure of a nursing program already. I already had a knowledge base that had been accrued while in an LVN program, so I am already acclimated to the thinking processes that prevail in schools of nursing.

skad33 · Sep 17, 2009

Hi. Thanks for posting your experiences, but I just wanted to ask what the "nursing school curriculum/system" is. I've heard a few discuss getting used to it & being familiar w/ it. I did pretty well in A&P I&II, but is that anything like they style I need to get the hang of? Is it the fast pace or the massive amount of information? Other than reading the books & learning the math to get a head start.. how else can I prepare for LPN or RN school?

CharlieT · Sep 17, 2009

TatTonya,

I applied to both an LPN program and a RN(ADN) program at the same time, and was offered a seat in both. I had to choose and went with the ADN program. I see that you have 3yrs. exp as a CNA. This will be much more than most of your classmates, trust me. You are making the better choice going with the ADN program, the only disadvantage is that it will take a little longer to finish.

Scad33,

If going into the RN program, I recommend that you learn some dosage calculations, IV drip rate calculations, and conversions between the metric system and english system, ie: pounds to kilograms to grams, pints to oz to liters to mL, inches to cm to mm, etc. This will put you way ahead. The classes are tougher because you can't just memorize the material, you need to be able to do critical thinking, that is, taking what you know and applying it. Memory alone will not cut it on nursing tests.

Charlie

Tattooedtonya24 · Sep 17, 2009

I got my LPN first- it was only 11 month program, no waiting list. Now I can work and get my RN (I'm doing LPN to ASN online program trough Excelsior College).
I didn't want to wait 2 years just to be accepted into my local college and then another 2 years of school before I can work in a hospital.
Good luck!

How long does it take to go from a LPN to an ASN online? would it be another 18-24 months? or could you just make up the extra 6 months in 1 year?

Tattooedtonya24 · Sep 17, 2009

TatTonya,
I applied to both an LPN program and a RN(ADN) program at the same time, and was offered a seat in both. I had to choose and went with the ADN program. I see that you have 3yrs. exp as a CNA. This will be much more than most of your classmates, trust me. You are making the better choice going with the ADN program, the only disadvantage is that it will take a little longer to finish.
Scad33,
If going into the RN program, I recommend that you learn some dosage calculations, IV drip rate calculations, and conversions between the metric system and english system, ie: pounds to kilograms to grams, pints to oz to liters to mL, inches to cm to mm, etc. This will put you way ahead. The classes are tougher because you can't just memorize the material, you need to be able to do critical thinking, that is, taking what you know and applying it. Memory alone will not cut it on nursing tests.
Charlie

I'm not too worried about the time its going to take i'm more worried about "getting the hang of things" and taking the extra classes (Bio, Chem, algebra. Because I didnt graduate high school, and they don't offer those 3 studies in GED program) and passing the RN classes. . I like that I decided to go in for CNA before doing the RN class. When i'm working as an RN I can see the CNA's point of view on things... its an extremely hard job.

CharlieT · Sep 17, 2009

LPN to RN is not done just online, you still need lots of clinical time. You will learn things like how to give meds, injections, IV starts, IV flow rates, IV piggybacking, leadership skills, not the kind of stuff that you can do online.

LPN to RN transition programs are normally a little more than one year.