So, I'm currently a CNA.. extremely excited about going into nursing but not sure what to choose. RN or LPN? Let's just say I were to become an RN would I still be able to work as an LPN?
How hard is the LPN test?
I'd like to know in detail from all you LPN's or RN's who used to be LPN's..
How was the testing, are you satisfied as an LPN, do you make decent money, and what types of places can you work as an LPN such as Dr's office, ER, Hospital?
CharlieT - you are not exactly right. EC LPN-ASN program does not have "clinicals" in traditional way. At the end of study I will have to pass CPNE - Clinical performance test. It is difficult, passing rate is about 60%, but doable :)
As far as how long does it take to finish the program - I'm planning to finish it within 1 year, it is also doable.
You can just pick up a class or two at a time working on gen ed stuff. That way you can get a feel for college and how many classes you can handle at a time. That's what most do until they get a seat in the program. At my school, most of the students have almost all of the gen ed classes finished when they start nursing classes. Good luck.
OK, I guess there are other programs out there that I have not looked into, I have worked with three different schools and only know about the programs that exist at those three. That's the cool thing about this forum, we can all share our knowledge.
CharlieT - you are not exactly right. EC LPN-ASN program does not have "clinicals" in traditional way. At the end of study I will have to pass CPNE - Clinical performance test. It is difficult, passing rate is about 60%, but doable :)
As far as how long does it take to finish the program - I'm planning to finish it within 1 year, it is also doable.
I'm a little confused right now.
So, If I decided later on I wanted to go for my RN would I have to start from scratch? Do they actually have classes that I could do the transition easily, instead of doing it on-line?
They have this "new" thing at my local community college that whoever scores the highest on the TEAS test will get a spot in the RN class.. I'm really nervous that I'm just not going to pass thats why I'm leaning more towards the LPN now then the RN later..
The program I'm in right now - Excelsior College LPN to RN is basically "teach yourself". Everything is online, there is no traditional classes.
Which is working great for me, but may not work for someone else. I just mentioned it as an option :) Charlie T is right - start getting your pre-recs classes out of the way, see how you do. If there was no waiting period and I had all my pre-recs done I would probably go to RN program. I did LPN just to save time, but I want to be RN, there is no doubt about that.
Some schools use the TEAS, my school uses a point system. You gain points by taking gen. ed. classes towards the nursing program. You may want to look at other CCs near by, the requirments may differ at other schools. Go talk to them and find out what you need to do. I did not do the LPN because LTC is not for me. My ADN clinicals are in the hospital. As far as being nervous, my whole class is nervous! To answer your question, if you have the LPN, you do not have to start from scratch to get the RN.
I am also a mother of 3, and it actually takes about 3 yrs to complete an ADN program. They require completion of a certian number of core classes before they will allow you to begin the actual nursing courses. I graduate this semester and I couldn't be happier that I chose the RN route. My kids (2,5,10) couldn't be happier either. Let the intimidation of the program drive you to do better. Good luck.
The program I'm in right now - Excelsior College LPN to RN is basically "teach yourself". Everything is online, there is no traditional classes.
Which is working great for me, but may not work for someone else. I just mentioned it as an option :) Charlie T is right - start getting your pre-recs classes out of the way, see how you do. If there was no waiting period and I had all my pre-recs done I would probably go to RN program. I did LPN just to save time, but I want to be RN, there is no doubt about that.
Good luck!
One of the LPN's I work with right now is going through Excelsior. While it is great in that it is self paced, it is very expensive. She pays, I think, $200 for each test, then at the end of the program is a $2000 clinical weekend which she is saving up for right now.
How do you like that program? I considered doing that myself but was nervous about doing it online and ive never heard of this college. Did you go through Rue Education? I would appreciate some more information from you if you don't mind. Thanks alot, Katie
I was a CNA first, currently am working as a LPN, and will graduate with my RN in December. I personally think this is the way to go.
I learned a lot being a CNA, and even more as a LPN. As far as most of the RN's I have met (not all, by far...), they could have benefited with a greater knowledge base that can only be earned by working from one level to another.
Just my humble opinion.....
I have heard this time and time again and I have to say it must be true. All of the people in my LPNprogram, who took a CNA course or WERE CNAs, seemed to have a quicker grasp of things and ease right into the classes. I wish I would have had the ability to be a CNA beforehand. I think it would have helped a lot..but for now..I just have to take it as it comes and be thankful that I am in a nursing program. It is sooooo competitive right now! :).
I am glad that my 11 month program will allow me to get out there and work in no time. If you do not have to work and/or live at home with your parents, I don't see why it would be so bad to go straight for the RN. You will eventually get the hang of everything.
One of the LPN's I work with right now is going through Excelsior. While it is great in that it is self paced, it is very expensive. She pays, I think, $200 for each test, then at the end of the program is a $2000 clinical weekend which she is saving up for right now.
Well, they have (still, but not for a long - they will discontinue this option October 2, if I remember right) Package pricing option - it is $1550 for all nursing classes, enrollment and graduation fee, plus $2000 for the CPNE. The only one catch - you have to complete the program within a year. So, $3550 - I don't think it is terribly expensive. I paid about $4500 for my LPN.
kkluczynski - I did not go trough RUE or other middle-companies that I have to pay extra money to. I went straight to EC. Look trough Distance learning forum - there is a tons of info about EC. And yes, I love the program :)
happydrunkcat
169 Posts
CharlieT - you are not exactly right. EC LPN-ASN program does not have "clinicals" in traditional way. At the end of study I will have to pass CPNE - Clinical performance test. It is difficult, passing rate is about 60%, but doable :)
As far as how long does it take to finish the program - I'm planning to finish it within 1 year, it is also doable.