LPN School

Published

I am considering going to school for a 1 year LPN program. Where I can have a somewhat decent income while I pursue my goals of becoming a RN. There are many bridge programs in my area. How much do LPN make usually ad is this a good idea. The wait list are so long I have to work while taking pre-reqs because I have pre-reqs to the general pre-reqs so Im looking at a year or more before I can even apply to RN school. So I figure I can make a living for myself and my kids while working towards my goals. I cannot afford to work pt. or take time off. Some good advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank You!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand because I also found myself in the same situation. While there are many that would advise you to just pursue the RN right off the bat, I personally have chosen to go the LPN route and then bridge to an RN program later. In my situation I would not have been able to qualify for an RN program until January 2010 (if I even got in). I will complete my LPN at the end of this year and then transition in January as I originally intended to do. I do not regret this decision and have found that LPN school is giving me a great foundation and tons of clinical experience that can benefit me in the RN program. Plus I can work making a decent living while in the RN transition program. I also work full time right now during LPN school which is VERY challenging, but I know the end result will be worth it. Ultimately you have to do what is best for you. I have spoken to RNs who were first LPNs that said they found being an LPN first valuable and others found it to be a waste of time. On the other side I have friends who never were LPNs who wish they had done that first. So, who knows...I dont think there is a right answer. Just whatever feels right to you. Good Luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same here. I got my LPN first since I needed to get back into the job market quickly and couldn't afford to take 2 years off for school - plus be on the wait list for another 1-2 years. It has taken me just as long to get my RN as a LPN as it would have had I just gone to RN school. But I was able to work while I was going. I think having my LPN also helped with academics and clinical.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did EXACTLY what you are thinking about doing and it works. I am a divorced mom who needed a career. I went to LPN school for 15 months, graduated last June and already have almost a year of working in a sub-acute facility experience. I do the same work as the RN's in my place (except for a few minor things), but they get paid more. I am now working on my RN and plan on finishing in summer 2010. It is a great idea as a fast track to RN because of all the wait lists and pre-req's. Plus, it feels GREAT when a newly licensed RN comes on the job and I get to train her...hehehe!

BTW, between my FT job, OT, a few per-diem's, and HH, and flu shots, I will have made over $50k this past year!!!:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/Uro/Rehab CNA.

I would have to agree with the other posters. I myself am going up each step of the ladder. I'm a CNA now, I'll be starting the LPN program this August '09 to June 2010 and then bridging to the RN Jan through Dec of 2011.

I think that working in each role gives you deeper insight and respect to those you will be managing when you get your RN. You will know their job duties because you did them yourself, so you know exactly what to expect from them.

I have worked with nurses who went straight through BSN programs and they can be just brutal to the LPNs and CNAs because they just don't know how stressful it is. They think that (esp. for CNAs) that it's "just" grunt work, manual labor etc. Whereas the RNs that have been CNAs & LPNs try their best to help the CNAs clean, turn and transfer pts. I have heard from many a nurse that you can usually tell who has taken the time to "work the 'lesser' ranks".

Just something else to think about, good luck hun! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I applied to RN school and in the midst of my second semester I became the sole caretakeer of my widowed father and my husband who we found out had cancer. In addition to all of their affairs, I had two toddlers to take care of alone. I considered dropping out but tried to continue the semester. That turned out to be a bad idea. I did not pass my course that term and was out of the program. I applied to a local BSN program, and despite my GPA (formerly 4.0, and now about 3.5), I was turned down. They do not tell why they won't admit you, but I suspect it is because I did not finish the RN program, despite the GPA. When you apply to different programs, they will ask you if you've ever been in another one and why you didn't finish. I'm having a hard time getting accepted now. I don't know what to tell them other than what I was going through back then when asked. Obviously they want to hear something different. Any suggestions on what to do/say? I am willing to go LPN route if I can get accepted. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can anyone suggest good LPN schools in NY...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know at the hospital I work at salary ranges vary depending on nursing experience. a new grad RN with no experience is not going to get paid as high as a RN with lpn experience and a RN with LPN experience is not going to get paid as much as a RN with years worth of RN experience. Everything, salary wise at least where I work, depends on the experience. Education is the greatest equilizer in life, I personally feel that anything you can do to add to your nursing career is a great asset to you and something that you can always be proud of!!! Good Luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Can anyone suggest good LPN schools in NY...

BOCES, VEEB, LaGuardia Community College, Kingsboro Community College, Medgar Evers Community College, to name a few in the Metropolitan area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Upstate NY...BOCES (I went there), EOC (low income) and Isabella Graham Hart.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion