Lpn

First of all, don't be down! A career is a process, and you'll bring to it who you are, no matter what you choose! It is a big decision, and can be pretty stressful.

LPNs aren't experiencing the best of days in many locations. For new grads, hospitals often aren't hiring (only RNs). A lot of people (including many RNs) don't understand the role of LPNs. In my state, we can start IVs, hang many meds, etc. The problem, we can't do push-meds, give blood prods, and some other limitations (each state is different). With hospitals trying to use staff to the fullest, why hire a LPN when you can have a RN to do all? So, I think this is the rationale for hospitals not hiring LPNs. Again, very regional. Point though, would seriously limit your travel options.

I recommend getting your nurse aide training, working a little as a nurse aide, and seeing a bit of what it's about. NA not really nursing, but at least you'll get a feel for whether you'll like the field, plus valuable basic training.

If you want nursing, go for your RN. For me, I plan to finish my LPN this Dec, and begin a regular RN program in Jan, before I even take my boards. Smart for me, because I want to gain experience and work with a reasonable income during school. If you can force yourself to continue on, do your LPN first. I'm learning the practical, hard-core skills kind-of nursing that I think is sometimes lacking in some RN (especially BSN) programs. I feel really fortunate.

Good luck to you.

I plan to do the same thing... I'm currently in the LPN program, and will be doing the LPN-RN BSN later on. This would give me the chance to make money while in school and gain lots of experience. I also have a few more prereqs to take before I can get into the RN program.