LPN vs. NP vs. BSN vs. NP

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2003

Hi and welcome to the board! The alphabet soup can be really confusing. LPN/LVN= licensed practical nurse, and LPN programs usually take a little over a year to complete. Their scope of practice varies by hospital and the state that they are practicing in. To be an RN, one can either complete a bachelor's degree (4 years), a diploma program (usually 3 years and hospital based), or an associate's program (2 years). No matter what path you chose to get your RN, all take the same boards to become registered (the NCLEX). Generally you don't need a bachelor's degree to be a bedside nurse, but to become an advanced practice nurse or go into management you will. Advanced practice nurses have master's degrees and include Nurse Practioners (who can diagnose and treat illnesses), Nurse Midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and Nurse Anesthetists. There are about a zillion different things you can do with nursing, if you are willing to get a little extra education and use your imagination! There are 2 nurses in my area that own a Botox clinic!

wenzday01 · Dec 12, 2003

Thanks for your reply!

My situation right now is that I'm doing a BA in psychology, currently in my third year. I'm pre-med, but I'm also considering other options, like nursing and physician assistant. I was going to take my MCAT this coming April, but now I'm not sure. If I want to complete my BA degree in psychology, would I be recommended to go into RN/BSN as my option?

Also, would becoming an RN provide more of an insight on whether I want to become PA, MD or NP in the future (or just stay as an RN)?

Thanks.

CarVsTree · Dec 12, 2003

Also, would becoming an RN provide more of an insight on whether I want to become PA, MD or NP in the future (or just stay as an RN)?

If you're not sure what area of healthcare you want to work in, I suggest you "shadow" a nurse as well as shadow a PA, and an MD. This will give you greater insight as to what you would like to do.

To shadow a nurse, call the HR dept. at a local hospital and tell them you're interested in going into nursing and would like to shadow a nurse to learn more about a nurse's scope of practice.

As for shadowing a PA or MD, you could ask your doctor.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Regarding nursing degree, if you plan to complete your BA in Psych, you might want to consider an accelerated BSN.