LPN vs RN

ericalynn, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2007

I think it depends on what state you are practicing in. There are also some places that will only hire RN's (at least at the hospital I work for)

kstec, LPN · Sep 12, 2007

I'm a LPN and the more I learn at my jobs, the more I've learned you need to become a RN. If you can do it, go right for your RN. Where I live places hire LPN's but you are soooooooooooo limited in what you get to do. If I had to do it allover again, I would of done the RN. But money's tight and extra time is non-existent, so I'll just try and do my best as a LPN and hope that I can stick it out unless my self-esteem goes down the tubes first. Good luck in whatever you choose.

JulieRN07 · Sep 13, 2007

Hi there. I just became an RN after being an LPN for 3 years. I was able to work in a hospital as an LPN, but it is very hard to get hired-it's like the luck of the draw in Ohio. I went back for my RN because I wanted to specialize and you are limited as an LPN.

I would recommend an LPN-RN fast track program. You can work as a nurse after the 14 months and if you like it, stop there. But you also have the option to continue on to become an RN only about 14 months later.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

DreamyEyes · Sep 13, 2007

It's true that a lot of hospitals don't hire LPN's now. But, there are tons of opportunities in home health, LTC, assisted living facilities, and clinics.

I'm going for my LPN first, because there is no wait list, and I can be out working as a nurse in a short period of time. Also, there is the LPN to RN fast track option, like another poster said, if you decide that you want to further your education and go for your RN. And, you can always get your RN on-line while working as an LPN. For me, I'm going for LPN first because I want to start working and get experience while making a decent wage. I haven't even completed any pre-reqs, so it would take me awhile just to even APPLY to RN schools. I plan on going on, though, because I want to eventually work in a pediatric hospital.

Good luck with whatever you decide! :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I think going for the RN via the LPN route is an excellent way.

Here in Florida it is as you say, hard to get a job in a hospital as a new grad LPN. But nursing home jobs are aplenty and the pay is in the mid to upper teens per hour. However, on average RNs will make 5 to 8 dollars per hour more.

The job description here in FL is blurry and the LPNs have tremendous responsibilities similar tot he RN, but don't get paid for it. Here LPNs are not in charge, and the description varies from place to place.

I definately recommend sticking with the program and getting your RN ASAP, but getting your LPN first sounds like a good idea in your situation.

allnurses Guide · Sep 13, 2007

If possible, if your goal is RN . . try to do the RN.

But as others have said, there are different ways to do that.

Best wishes!

steph

woody62, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I was an LPN for three years before graduating from my RN program. But I never attended a PN program. I was allowed to obtain my LPN based on my twenty-nine months of my diploma program. LPNs have always been limited, by state laws and their employers as to what they can and cannot do. Going for a PN first is not a bad idea. Just remember, all or most of all, your credits learned in your PN program will not be transferable to an RN program. You might be able to CLEP your fundamentals class but that is it.

Good luck

Woody:balloons:

JulieRN07 · Sep 13, 2007

It depends on the school. The LPN-RN program I went to was a 1+1. Every class from your PN counted towards the next year of school. Just make sure you find out about that up front so you are not surprised at the end.

ann945n, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I would apply to both LPN and RN programs and then make your decision based on where you get accepted. If you only get into LPN, take it. You can always do a 2-3 quater (depending on the school) bridge program and get your RN. Most times doing a bridge program is just as long or only a quater longer then if you did a straight RN program. I say this because you can spend years trying to get into a RN program but by that point could have been a LPN in a bridge program. I wouldn't worry too much about the route you take to become a RN. If you want RN or NP to be your final end game you will find a way to make it there. There are sooooo many educational routes to take. Good luck!

It's Alisa · Sep 13, 2007

Hello,

I am going via the LVN to RN route too...I did not have the time or money to wait through pre-reqs and a long waiting list for the RN. At least this way, I can work and get experiance in a hospital setting while waiting. I don't know about where you live, but in California, LVNs do almost everything RNs do, except piggy backs, starting a care plan, and being a charge nurse in an acute hospital (in LTC, most charges are LVNS). So good luck with the LVN, and we BOTH have to apply for the RN ASAP! :)