LPN vs RN

Do you mean that you've already graduated with a Bachelor's? If you're goal is to eventually become an RN, I would advise that you go ahead and do an RN program. You can look into an accelerated BSN program, if you have already obtained a Bachelor's in a different field. If cost is an issue, look into local programs at community colleges. There are many CCs offer ADN programs, depending on your location.

Sure. In my part of the country you can wait 3+ years on the local CC waiting list to get into the ADN program...or you can get your LPN in 12-18 months and get into that same ADN program without waiting. Alternatively you can get into an accelerated BSN program but they are very expensive.

I would go straight for your RN if possible. Especially if you already have a bachelor's. It is hard to get a job, let along make decent money, as an LPN.

I've personally have waited for 2+ years on an ADN list (one a community college/one for a tech school). I was just accepted to an LPN program and will be bridging through (LPN-RN, RN-BSN, etc...). It is the best way for me to follow my passion of becoming a nurse. Most people are sitting on waiting lists for more than 1 year for community college RN programs, so this was a great way for me to start my journey in my nursing education.

Thanks everyone... I have finish my degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and plan to become a Certified Addiction Register nurse. I guess I wanted to actually gain nursing experience and earn an income in the field ASAP. ...because RN school acceptance rate.are so very competitive. I don't know I guess I will weigh.my options. As for Accelerated programs ... I do better at when not rush.

I would go straight for your RN if possible. Especially if you already have a bachelor's. It is hard to get a job, let along make decent money, as an LPN.

This has not been my experience at all as a recent LPN graduate (December). I am making a very decent living and I found a job within weeks of passing NCLEX.

I'm not knocking anyone going for RN right away, if you can do it of course. I myself am planning to start RN courses within the next year. It just bugs me to see the LPN route given a bad rap. My LPN pay helps me pay the mortgage, feed my family, and save for retirement. It will also will help me pay for my RN and I will graduate debt free.

OP, only you know your circumstances and which of the two RN or LPN will work best for you. Good luck.

I agree I do know quite a few LPNs that are doing well for themselves and I never hear of one not finding a job....but it is a situation where one would have to weigh their options. Thanks

I have a bachelor's degree in political science that I earned 17 years ago, and am currently waiting for acceptance into a LPN program. I have a family and too much debt already, and am working as a CNA for a company that both offers tuition assistance and hires LPNs, so I feel comfortable taking my nursing education in small bites. I will most likely work as a LPN for a couple years while finishing up RN prereqs and then bridge. One cool thing a nurse I work with told me is that since I already have a bachelor's, I may be able to go directly from RN to MSN if I decide I want to go further. :)

SU2013 and SWM2009, do you ever get the feeling people who claim LPNs can't find jobs or make a decent living never were LPNs and don't know any? It's like this urban legend they just repeat.....

SU2013 and SWM2009, do you ever get the feeling people who claim LPNs can't find jobs or make a decent living never were LPNs and don't know any? It's like this urban legend they just repeat.....

All the time.....my own extended family did the same. "You'll never find a job, why not be a RN?" I was determined to get into the job market sooner. I too have a previous bachelors and could have gone the accelerated BSN route but I was not willing to take on any debt for school. Plus, as mentioned previously, my local CC has a 3+ year long waiting list. I have no regrets about starting with becoming a LPN.

Thanks everyone... I have finish my degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and plan to become a Certified Addiction Register nurse. I guess I wanted to actually gain nursing experience and earn an income in the field ASAP. ...because RN school acceptance rate.are so very competitive. I don't know I guess I will weigh.my options. As for Accelerated programs ... I do better at when not rush.

Just FYI, PN programs are a little over a year-18 months, which is very accelerated as well for the amount of content that one must learn to be an entry level LPN; however, it is a great foundation of education when you do go back for your ADN or BSN as well as a wonderful career.

I was a LPN for 5 years before I was accepted into a BSN program; during that time as a LPN, I finished up my Associates and all of my classes transferred into my BSN program.

I thoroughly enjoyed my years as an LPN, and worked in many specialties; the only caveat was I couldn't become certified in my specialties; that prompted me to go back to school and become an RN; I am happy to say I hope to become certified within a few years in the specialty of my choosing.

@duskyjewel, I have no idea what some people are talking about as I said before every LPN I know are employed. Especially if you want to work traditional hours most doctors office will not hire RNs. I think most people may not intend any harm but they just assume if you already have a BA then go straight for RN without considering your own personal situation that may prevent this.