LPN vs RN, anyone pursue a Bachelors in non related field and change their mind

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I'm trying to decide which route to go. I would hate to do the LPN program and when finished wish I would have just done RN. let me tell you a little bit about my situation. I am 25 years old and I was originally in school for psychology. I went to a University for 3 years until I decided I did not want to pursue that any longer and decided to go for nursing. I took about 6 months off from school and decided to move out on my own and work a little bit. I've taken out so much money in school loans so my only option for nursing school is a local community college (RACC) that I can afford. Well I've been on the waiting list for over a year and was just told I still may not be able to start yet this coming Fall of 2010. They only start the classes in the Fall time so at this point I may not be able to begin the RN program until Fall 2011. I feel I cannot wait that long. I've taken Micro and Anatomy I, and am set to start Anatomy II next week for this coming semester. I'm just frustrated at this age, making little money, have financial problems, and car problems and just want to have a job I know I will enjoy doing and still afford to make a decent living for myself. There is no waitlist for the LPN program which I would start January 2011 and is completed in December 2011. OR I can start the RN program Fall 2011 and be finished that Spring 2013. That seems so far off. If I was 18 and out of highschool I wouldn't mind waiting an extra year, but at this point in my life I'm ready to just begin. I've been going back and forth on this for the past few days. I just don't know what to do. Any advice???

I was wondering what salary differences are?

What are the responsibility differences?

Thanks!! I appreciate it.

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Dear Michelle:

I am not sure what area you are from, but in my area, I am told that beginning LPN's make about half of what beginning RN's earn. Of course, with experience, LPN's can earn more. Does your community college have a transitional LPN to RN program. Sometines, they require a lower GPA to enter. If not, then associate degrees in nursing sometimes grant credit for part of LPN studies.

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I'm sort of in the same situation, except I finished my degree in Biology. I've worked for a couple years and am now 24. I'm trying to get into an accelerated BSN program (so happy there is something like this). Anyway, I would definitely recommend getting an RN. You'll want to later and just getting it done now will save you the pain of doing a transitional program later. I've worked in a hospital and my MIL was an RN and SIL is an RN. They both say that the time/pain now is worth the reward later (more money, different responsibilities, etc).

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I would aim for the RN program if you can get in this fall. If you don't get in the RN program this time around, I think doing the LPN program would be a good alternative plan. Once you graduate with your LPN you can start working and do a RN bridge program if you like. At the community college near me, it only takes 4 semesters to complete the LPN-RN bridge, so it wouldn't take that much longer to become an RN than it would if you went directly into the program (depending on when the bridge program starts).

LPNs generally make less than RNs and have less responsibility. However, it would still give you valuable experience if you do decide to do the RN bridge program after you became an LPN. Considering that you'd be able to start working as an LPN a full year before you'd even graduate as a RN, the money you'd make in the meantime would just be icing on the cake.

Good luck!

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I was an LPN for 6 years before going back to get my RN. After graduating, I was humiliated by being offered LESS money than I was making as a LPN. My years of LPN experience "didn't count", so I had to start off as pretty much a "new nurse." If you really want the RN then I would wait. If you are satisfied being a LPN, then I would go for it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being an LPN, Actually, I wish I would have stayed one because I would be making more money now!

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

The same thing happened to me. I earned my bachelor's degree and am now applying in to entry-level MSN programs.

From what the nurses at the SNF I work at have told me, it really depends on where you would like to work. LPN/LVNs are in need mostly in long-term care settings or hospice. If you want to work in a hospital or more acute care setting, get the RN.

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I started going for a BS in healthcare Management I was within 3 credits of my degree when I swicthed to nursing. Great decision for me. Good Luck

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I was 46 when I went to nursing school. The community college had a two year ADN program (Associate Degree in Nursing). The program was 6 quarters and I graduated with my RN. Now I am taking classes online at the local university to complete my BSN.

In Washington State, my beginning wage for LPN was $19/hr, and as an RN $27/hr. LPNs are employed mostly in LTC around here, so it depends on what type of nursing you want to do. If you are concerned about time passing you by, then jump into the LPN program. You can work as an LPN while completing your RN program.

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Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

Whatever you do, don't just stagnate this year! Why not finish your psych degree - it complements nursing, and will make you stand out when you look for nursing jobs. Also, check the LPN-to-RN transition - many colleges (I know my CC is one of them) require you to take an extra semester "transition course," so you'd spend 12 months getting your LPN license, only to spend 18 more months to get your RN. PLUS, you have to sit for your boards twice. I'd recommend against it.

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Whatever it is you want to get, get moving with it. Time waits for no man.

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