LPN?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello all!

Just wondering if it would be a good idea for me to go to an LPN program before going into a nursing program. Will this help me in nursing school? Will it give me a leg up on applicants who aren't an LPN? Will it just be a waste of time and money?

Thanks so much!

I don't think LPN is a waste of time. I think is great for those who want to "test drive" the nursing field.

I am currently a CNA at a skilled nursing facility. I am going to school next year to get started on my general classes for my LPN. I plan becoming a LPN at the facility that I work at. I am taking the extra steps to make sure that nursing is for me. I don't want to waste time and money on a degree that I won't use. I am not ready to take the responsibilities of a RN.

This is exactly how I feel. Although I already have a bachelors degree (non-healthcare), I am applying to an LPN program this fall. My reasons: 1) My husband is active duty Army and we are moving in a year and a half, so I can complete it before we leave. 2) I want to ease into healthcare, see what I like/dislike, and not overwhelm myself with an ABSN program (I also have a child to care for). 3) I'm not ready for all of the responsibilities that comes along with being an RN. Maybe someday I will be, but I feel more confident starting this journey as an LPN and seeing where I want to go. I don't feel limited because I can always to a bridge program and know that I already have all of my gen eds complete. 4) If for some reason I couldn't get into an RN program, or couldn't get through it, I can always continue to work as an LPN. We are fortunate that my income isn't necessary, so I can accept a lower salary as a jumping off point. I have more confidence starting out this way, so for me it is absolutely not a waste of time or money (local CC has a good program and very cost effective).

I can only tell you my experience. For me my LVN did not help me get my first job. I did an LVN to BSN program so I would say it helped a bit to get into an RN program. It was not helpful with traditional programs. As for school it was a wash. In some ways it help but I also had to actively change my thinking from lvn to rn. Especially for the nclex.

I would not advocate this path.

This very much depends on your program (as far as whether it will help with your acceptance...) at the school I was accepted to....being a CNA/Tech/whatever has no effect on your acceptance.....

If you were a licensed LVN you would apply for the LVN-RN bridge not the traditional ADN program.....

I do believe it would give you a benefit in the actual clinical part of the program...but to me that is a waste of money because why pay for one program to learn something.....then pay to learn it again....of course I am all about the least expensive way to get from point A to Point b because I am not eligible for any financial aid and all of my cost is out of pocket... soo for me that would be an insane waste of money.....I suppose it would depend on your situation

Specializes in ICU.

I do not think you are understanding the difference in the programs so here are your paths to becoming a nurse and these are all different programs. First off, please understand a LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. So they are a nurse. You, would not be in the same program as a LPN. Are you sure you are not thinking of a CNA?

LPN- this is mostly a diploma program going anywhere from 12-18 months until you graduate. You would have a diploma or technical certificate. You would sit for the NCLEX-PN after graduation for your license. A LPN has a different scope of practice than a RN.

LPN to RN- This is a transition program for those who hold their LPN license. These programs are usually 6-12 months depending on the program. Most programs will not allow you in this program unless you hold an unencumbered LPN license and usually some type of job experience. When completed, you can sit for the NCLEX-RN test. This would also give you an associates degree. You would have some additional prereqs and coreqs to complete this program.

RN-diploma- These programs are far and few between. They usually are at hospitals. You would have a diploma at the end and able to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

ASN- This is for the traditional student. You have prereqs to complete, then a 2 year program. You can sit for NCLEX-RN at the end and have an associate's degree. This is usually done at a community college or a private for profit college.

BSN- This is also for a traditional student. You do 2 years of prereqs, then a 2 year program. You can sit for the NCLEX-RN after graduation. You would have a bachelor's degree upon graduation.

LPN to BSN- This is for those who are already a LPN. You would then bridge to a bachelor's program. Not sure on how long this takes. At the end upon graduation you would be able to sit for the NCLEX-RN test and have a bachelor's degree.

RN to BSN- This is also where you bridge to a BSN from an ASN program. In the end you will hold a bachelor's instead of an associate's degree.

These are all different programs. You as a traditional student would not be in the same cohort as a LPN that is bridging to get their RN. At my school right now traditional LPN and RN students are taking the same theory classes but we will be starting to branch out next semester as we do not have the same classes. So there is no choice between you and a LPN. You would be in a different program as they would have already taken and passed fundamentals, med/surg, classes like that. Does that make it clear for you?

LPN's are nurses, therefore you will be in nursing school.

LPNS are extremely valuable on the floor I work on however; I do think it is a waste of time. They make less than I do (as a nurse tech, I haven't even finished nursing school). In my opinion it is worth the 15 dollars more an hour that you will make to just go to school for another year.

Specializes in Rehab.

I'm a lpn in a nursing home the rns at my job who went to school for that extra year makes 3 bucks more than me per hr. In Pennsylvania rns with asn r having hard times finding jobs. Most nursing homes in philly specifically have lpns on all units because it is cheaper. And the hospitals won't hire them without a bsn so all the asn rns are running to nursing homes. The scope of practice for a lpn in pa is relatively close. I say do ur research and only do what's best for you. I went to school for 1 year and make almost 30 bucks a he. I have friends who have bachelor's degrees in other areas barely making 14 bucks a hrs struggling.I chose this route to b able to take care of my daughter and live comfortably while I continue to further my education on my own schedule. I am happy and content with the decision I made but I still laugh at people who I know are not nurses lpn or end who r so quick to say y didn't u get ur rn. Lol I say y didn't you.

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