LPN VS. HIIM

[FutureNurseKali]

I seem to be having some issues deciding on the path I want to take in order to eventually get to where I want to be. I have an Associates degree in Allied Health Science and I know that I want to continue in the medical field. My ultimate goal is to obtain my BSN and work as a labor and delivery nurse, eventually I may even transition into a CRNA program. However, I've learned that everyone's nursing journey is not the same and does not happen the way we intend all the time. I considered going directly into a BSN program but right now I'm working full-time as a lab technician and I love my job and I have a family to help support. So the traditional day time full-time program may not work for me. I've gotten accepted into an LPN program that runs both days and evenings and I've also gotten accepted into a Health Information a Management program as well (Bachelor's ) both are good routes and can eventually put me in great positions to get to the nursing career I eventually want. I also am waiting for a decision from a BSN program that starts next year. I need advice or opinions on which path sounds more logical. My intentions are to continuously level up and put myself in a position to increase my salary until I get to my dream job. Also the HIIM program is hybrid and only meets one day a week, the rest is online. I would probably do LPN in the evening. 😳😳 help

[cocobrotha]

It's the small healthy steps that lead to a path of sustained greatness . . . Many people will say that becoming a practical nurse is a waste of time. Keep in mind that you must never bite off more than you can chew. Nursing is a very extensive profession due to the human body being a very complex structure. Taking your time to study and practice little by little is a sensible choice for anyone to make.

[FutureNurseKali]

That's true slot of people have said that LPN is a waste of time and that going directly into A BSN program is a better idea. Although I eventually do want the BSN I feel as though gaining a start with LPN is a smart choice. It will also not put an immense amount of pressure on me all at once, it may take a while longer but I am sure it will all be worth it in the end.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I was an LPN for 5 years before I went into a BSN program; I worked in an Acute Rehab hospital, private duty pediatric home care; home care with visits, LTC, Sub-Acute and a medical daycare; I also dabbled in Health Informatics as a chart reviewer for Medicare.

If you want to be in Maternity and eventually be a CRNA, you can start as a LPN.

What I would suggest for your to to is find out from area employers whether they hire graduates of your program; also you may have to work in out of hospital settings-LTC, corrections private duty home health (you an work in adult or Peds cases) Sub-Acute facilities, etc. before entering into a hospital as an RN.

You can also get your pre-req's during the evening at a community college and get your Associates and enter into the nursing courses at a BSN program as a transfer student-look into what required courses you need at the CC; they should have a transfer center or have agreements with area BSN programs.

You need to thoroughly research more in what would be your best path; don't waste time with a HIM program if you want to be a nurse.

Best wishes.

[FutureNurseKali]

I have an Associates in Allied Health already, which gives me the prerequisites I need in order to transfer into a BSN program. I've only applied to one though, and I won't know the decision until early November. After doing that though I ended up getting a pretty good job and seeing as though I need to work I started considering other options just to have a back up plan. Usually BSN programs are either accelerated or require full-time daytime schedules,which isn't really suitable for my lifestyle right now. LPN is a bit more flexible since I'm able to attend evening classes and finish in a year. It's just going to take much longer to get to that BSN status that I want.

[fivefeetNP]

I would say go with the LPN if it won't cost you $20,000. Think about student loans and the pay of a LPN. Also you can get a BSN from an in-state institution for that. Maybe you can find a cheaper LPN program? Also, if CRNA is your ultimate goal, you will need some sort of ICU experience. L&D wont fulfill those requirements. I would suggest doing a little more research and soul searching about your long term goals, but overall, I feel getting the LPN will be the best decision.

[FutureNurseKali]

I'm 100% certain that I want to do labor and delivery. That's what my passion is for. My administrator at my job is a former nurse and she advised me the same way. She recommended me working in the NICU and ICU. She says the more critical care and intense experience I have, the easier it will be too get into any job I want after that. I want to research more LPN schools, but community colleges are always harder options because of the long wait list.