LPN or RN. Which program is more difficult?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2015

Only a couple of the respondents have actually completed an LPN program before bridging to an ASN or BSN completion program. Unless you've done both, you're only guessing about the level of difficulty of each program.

xxdiscoxxheaven · Jun 21, 2015

Isn't that because it is faster? LPN programs are 18 months in my area so you have to cram in more information.

mrsboots87 · Jun 22, 2015

Ladyfree, I should have been more specific. We have education and check offs in for trach care and breathing treatments and all that too. What I was more referring to was that at the hospitals I've had clinicals at RTs drew and did their own ABG tests, managed vent settings and troubleshooting, and provided trach care and such when they could. RNs provided trach care and such when RT was busy it if it needed done immediately. Maybe this is different in other areas?

nina. · Jun 22, 2015

I am currently in my 3rd and last semester of the LVN program, I have to say that it is HARD! I guess it all depends on your school and the course outlines. We do regular classes and we also have outside assignments using ATI (it's like another class but you do assignments of every course and take quizzes and exams besides the one we take in class), which help prepare you for boards, ATI is ridiculously difficult for me. I recently spoke to some RN students (former LVNs) and they told me that it is easier for them than the LVN program. I think either the LVN or RN are hard, but you can do it. :)

Boozer4life · Jun 23, 2015

I would go LPN first. That will take less time and that benefits Your family.

Nursynursenurse, ADN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

I would go for the RN right away if thats an option. My school only had an RN program and the first year we were eligible to take the LPN exam. If students wanted to leave at that point, they could. Becoming an LPN was the hard part. It is everything you need to know to become a competent nurse. You learn the fundamentals and learn the function of a CNA. The second year (becoming an RN) was much easier in my opinion. It was fun because it was more specialized. You get your rotations in mental health, ICU, ER, OR etc. I dont understand why anyone would chose LPN if they have the option to go right for their RN. Those 2 years of nursing school flew by. Most LPNs I know want to eventually get their RN but are too stuck in their jobs/lives and dont see a way to finish school. If you can get through an LPN program, the RN portion will be a breeze.

bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

I'm a LVN. The RN program wait list was ridiculous. I'm now going back for my RN. My advice is to go for the RN and just get it over with. It's just two years for the rest of your life (work wise). I only did LVN as a back up plan.

SoonSurgery-RN-BSN, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2015

Hello Ashmckay, I actually did the LPN and then the RN-BSN route. Personally, after completing the LPN program, I had wished that I just did the RN route. I guess it really depends on the individual. In my case, I had done a private LPN school, so the positive there was that within 18 months I could get right into the field and start working. I was in my thirties, so I wanted to start right away and start a new career. However, when I decided to go back and do my RN, I had to go back and do two years of pre-reqs since I went to a private school and those credits wouldn't transfer to my BSN. Are you doing the LPN at a private institution or at a JC? Have you already done your pre-reqs (A&P, Micro, Chemistry, etc.)? It also depends on where you live and how compacted the schools are. Is one easier to get in versus the other in terms of LPN or RN? I know there was not too many programs that offered the LPN-RN or LPN-BSN where I reside, so keep that in mind.

Look at your options and see how long it would take to either do your LPN then RN or just straight RN. I know for me I wish I would have just went straight to the RN, but everybody has a different perspective. In terms of difficulty, I found the LPN-BSN more in depth and time consuming; however, not as difficult as the LPN program. Best of luck!

MFaf · Jun 24, 2015

There are xx reasons as to why the RN is the way to go over an LPN:

1. RNs are the critical thinkers and planners of the operation. The nursing process is the exclusive domain of the professional nurse.

2. The only thing limiting your plans and goals as an RN is the individual. The only career path for upward mobility is to be an RN.

3. There are fundamental role and professional practice differences between RNs and LPNs. That's one reason why RN programs are longer and contain more coursework.

That being said, your family goes to school with you. Your clinical instructors won't be understanding or sympathetic if you don't have a babysitter. It takes a lot of thought and planning to go to school and succeed with a family.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2015

Isn't that because it is faster? LPN programs are 18 months in my area so you have to cram in more information.

LPN programs in my area are 12 months long. If the LPN program from which I graduated had been 18 months long, I would have bypassed that route altogether.

ashmckay · Aug 2, 2015

I have heard that they do cram stuff faster! My friend who has been in both will be finishing her LPN in December and they only got 2 weeks for one area where the RNs got more. I'm assuming it isn't as in-depth with LPN as RN, though. And the LPN program here is 3 semesters (including summer)I believe, and RN is 5.

ashmckay · Aug 2, 2015

Thank you all for your opinions. I've really enjoyed reading the replies. I had a lot since I haven't checked back in a while :) I've decided to do RN, and get all of the prereqs out of the way, and then apply. By then my kids will be a little older, and both will be in school, so hopefully that will help in terms of study time! Also, they won't be SO dependent on me. Hopefully that will help, too.