LPN vs RN

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Hi! I currently am working as a nurse aide in long term care facility run by the state. It has great benefits and so far, I really like my job. I want to further my education. I was deciding to do ADN with a private school because of the evening classes. After doing a few classes, I realized that school wasn't for me (I didn't feel like I learned anything and I had decent grades). So, I have decided to go to the community college in the fall program but the RN program has a long wait. I know the LPN program doesn't have a big wait like this. I was thinking because of costs and what not, that LPN could be better for me at the moment. It'd be cheaper and quicker for me in the short term since my parents can't contribute financially for me for school (yet want me to get a degree/think that the government will give me all the money I need). I know the long term facility I am working at love to hire from within. I know I could get a LPN position there (starting at $15 an hour). After a few years, I can work towards my RN since I'd be making a bit more money to contribute to my education.

I remember reading years ago that going to LPN is a horrible waste in money since people aren't "hiring" for LPNs anymore. Is this a bad decision? I've talked to my fiance and mother (who is an RN) and they both understand/supportive over my decision.

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In my area they are still hiring LPNs - mostly for LTC. But the hospitals are still hiring them too in smaller numbers. Dialysis is hiring also.

I did my LPN first since I had to get back into the workplace faster. It took me 4 1/2 years to finally finish my RN - but that was part time while working full time. I'm glad the route I took. I learned a lot as a LPN and don't feel so stressed now that I'm on an acute floor as a RN orientee. As a LPN I did not have to wait to get into the RN program after I finished my prereqs.

If there is a long wait list for your CC and you need to work, I would go the LPN route. But that is my opinion.

Will your facility hire you on as a LPN once you get it?

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Will your facility hire you on as a LPN once you get it?

Yes, when I was hired, they even said to me, "we love to promote." I feel like I'm doing a really good job as a nurse aide that they would love to promote me. I've had numerous compliments on how hard I work.

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I say go the LPN route. I did.

Started as a CNA, went to LPN, and just recently, passed my boards for RN. There is so much to be learned by each of these steps....

Good luck on your decision!

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Yes, when I was hired, they even said to me, "we love to promote." I feel like I'm doing a really good job as a nurse aide that they would love to promote me. I've had numerous compliments on how hard I work.

Would have been helpful had I read your post better - you already stated they promote within. ;) Looks like that would be a good path for you. Being a CNA will help with your LPN schooling.

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It's okay. Although it is so frustrating because today I asked my mom if she'll help me pay for some college (what the FAFSA doesn't cover) and she just blew me off. "There are grants for that," she said. Grants don't cover everything, mom. And it's too late for grants with me unless I am already in school since most are when you are in high school or already in college.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ICU, home&pub health, pvt duty.

I don't know where you live, but I am in Los Angeles. Community colleges and adult schools offer LVN programs. The community college program is by far the cheapest ($26 a unit out here); the adult schools charge about $3,000. There are accredited private schools that offer LVN programs, but they are exhorbitant (some as high as $30,000).

If you have not done so, fill out the FASLA for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. It will give you your family contribution #. True there are grants but, if I remember correctly, they come after your family contribution. Fortunately, there are the higher education credits that enable you to take the cost of education off you taxes--but you have to be working and have an income to take advantage of this. Community colleges have subsidized and unsubsidized student loans should you decide to go this route. Sometimes you can mix the student loans with grants.

Talk to the financial aid department of the school you are deciding to attend. They are the experts and can guide you. But first, you need your FASLA infor to give them.

Either way :yeah:for deciding to continue your education. I remember a wise old man tell me that I could sit all day and do nothing or do something with my life...either way time will go by.

Best,

G

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My community college has LPN at $10,000 which is still very pricey.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
My community college has LPN at $10,000 which is still very pricey.
Are you not able to qualify for Stafford government student loans to cover the cost of your education? Some are subsidized, others are unsubsidized, and none are credit-based. Also, private student loans from providers such as Sallie Mae and Chase will finance the tuition.

I, too, have parents who were totally unwilling to contribute anything financially to my education, so I had to bite the bullet and obtain student loans. My LPN/LVN cost $20,000 at a private institution, and I financed that with a Sallie Mae student loan in 2004 (this has since been paid off). I took out $12,500 in government Stafford loans for the RN program that I currently attend.

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From what I can tell, I'm not eligible for most loans because my parents credit is horrendous. I'm hoping maybe if I fill out the FAFSA sooner, there will me more of an opportunity for government loans. When I last did my FAFSA, I pretty much got nothing but it was really late. I figure I'm just going to apply to my community college and talk to the financial aid rep if I get in.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
From what I can tell, I'm not eligible for most loans because my parents credit is horrendous.
Stafford govt. loans are not credit based.
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All federal student loans are based on your credit..not your parents. And you can have really bad credit and still get the federal loans.

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