LPN vs. RN

neonn965 · Oct 6, 2018

To me, and at my CC, it seemed like a total waste of time to go for LPN with a plan of then going back for RN. But to be fair, I always knew I wanted to immediately start in a high acuity inpatient setting and immediately make what I make as an RN. If you are okay with taking a long time to get to the job you want at the pay you want, then it might be a different story.

The bridge program at my community college was literally the entire RN program minus the first semester of clinicals (out of four). You had to have all of the same pre-reqs, there is no getting around that by becoming an LPN, and then you would be mixed in with the regular RN students for clinical semesters 2, 3, and 4. It seemed like a huge time suck to deliberately go the LPN route with the intention of turning around and doing the bridge program. The only additional requirement was semester 1 of clinicals in the RN program. The LPN program alone takes way too long to be worth it to drop only one semester later on. It's one thing if you go to LPN school and then later decide you want to become an RN, but to plan it out that way just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 6, 2018

If you want to be an RN go for the RN, if you want to be an LPN and stay an LPN go that route. This is all up to you, but I advice people not to waste time and money doing the LPN if their intention is to become an RN.

Annie

shiftingtides · Oct 7, 2018

I'd look at how your state/schools handle bridging. I was able to find a program in my state that bridges directly into year 2 of the ADN programs, so I won't be losing any time. But only some of the LPN programs in my state have that kind of matriculation agreement, so definitely check so you can make an educated decision.

Neo Soldier, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2018

Honestly it's a waste of time and money and because you have a bachelor's degree, your financial aid status is different from someone who is going to a CC without a prior degree. I would recommend taking your sciences.

In the school I went to, the bridge program was tricky. Some people could be placed in the second year while some people only bypassed the first semester.

It's not worth the effort to go through the LPN route only to bridge. Also consider this, you still have to take those prereqs even if you complete the LPN program. The prereqs don't go away once you have your LPN license.

MMenurse · Oct 7, 2018

You can take the pre-req science courses at a CC and transfer to a 3 year BSN program. If you do a straight LVN-RN program its 3 semesters of LVN PLUS a transition course plus 2 or 3 semesters of RN program anyway. So thats 3 years already. If you can afford to go to school full time, just do the 2 year ADN program or 3 year BSN program.

Glycerine82, LPN · Oct 7, 2018

How I made my choice was I applied to both programs and was accepted to LPN first. As an LPN you will be very limited as to where you can work, but there is plenty of work available. Nursing homes with sub acute rehab wings are always looking as are urgent cares, dr offices, VA, Prisions, etc. Most hospitals don't hire LPNs and if they do we are utilized in the same capacity as a tech. Most of my classmates all went on to get their RN right away without ever working as LPNS, but I went to work right away and love it. It depends on your personal situation and how you feel about very hard work with crappy staffing but the ability to make a huge difference on a daily basis.

Cococure · Oct 8, 2018

I agree with what most of the previous posters have said. RN all the way, you will have more options and a better pay. Also if you plan on working in hospitals you can't as a LPN and yes there are LPN's in hospitals but they have been grandfathered in and they have to get their RN degree. Look at your job market and see what the job requirements are because many places want RN with a bachelors but that's a whole other topic.

Just my 1 cents

shiftingtides · Oct 8, 2018

I'm curious. In my state's ADN programs, you can take your LPN exam after the first year, and in many cases you can work a little as an LPN the second year while you finish your RN. I think this is why it is generally a one-year bridge program for LPNs here.

Are programs in most states different? Do ADNs not generally lead to LPN licensing after year one and the RN after year two in your state?

Rainbow_RN, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2018

I'm curious. In my state's ADN programs, you can take your LPN exam after the first year, and in many cases you can work a little as an LPN the second year while you finish your RN. I think this is why it is generally a one-year bridge program for LPNs here.
Are programs in most states different? Do ADNs not generally lead to LPN licensing after year one and the RN after year two in your state?

In my state, you can become a CNA after year one of ADN school, not an LPN. Our bridge program from LPN to RN at the local CC is a little more than a year.

OP, my advice is to know what your eventual goals are. That doesn't mean your goals can't change, but have a general idea. If you want to work in a hospital, most only hire RNs these days unless you are in a more rural area.

I am a new grad RN working nights 7-7 on a busy med-surg ortho unit at a local hospital. My girlfriend is a new grad LPN working days 7-3 on an acute care hall of a skilled nursing facility. We are both extremely busy & happy where we are! Also, she is about to get a promotion and make more than a dayshift RN would at my facility. Different strokes for different folks. The pay can be competitive either way and you can find a fulfilling job either way. Just be aware that a long term care or home care type situation is more common for LPNs.

P.S. as a former math tutor, I want to advise you that there's no shame in getting help to pass your placement test. most of my clients were excellent students that just wanted to understand topics better or had an unconventional learning style. success at your local CC is probably not as far away as you might think it is.

Nera_Moo · Oct 9, 2018

Thank you everyone for your input. It helped tremendously. My final goal is to be a NICU Nurse. I completely quit everything. I work as a CNA (Rehabilitation) and stay home with my daughter during the week. I feel pressured because of my age 34. Including , I am trying to get done before my daughter starts kindergarten she is 2.

I was thinking work as a LPN, take the sciences I need and bridge over to RN. I want to make sure the whole "not enough experience" factor does not come into play with this second career journey I am taking. As that has hindered me from progressing with my MHA degree. Everyone says get my RN and I agree but my finances, impatience, and indecisive is driving me nuts :/.

Would working as a LPN while in school for my RN suffice for the 1 year experience the hospital requires as a new grad ? I just want to get out there, but smarter than what I did before with my Health Administration degrees.

P.S. in regards to my math skills I am going to tutor sessions which have helped tremendously with the testing skills and test content. No shame in asking for help over here .. I need all the help I can get :)

shiftingtides · Oct 9, 2018

I am in a somewhat similar situation. I am 37, two kiddos at home (teens). For me, the decision to get my LPN first made the most sense because I will have to take less time off work (very important for us), and because I will be able to work at a higher rate than anything else in the very rural town we now live in pays (LPN positions gravely need filled here and pay around $25/hr).

Working as an LPN in LTC or home health here will give me the money and flexibility I need to bridge to finish prerequisites and my RN. This will likely be through a program like Hutchinson's hybrid ADN, or via SDSU or ISU for a BSN as they can mostly be completed online while occasionally traveling for clinicals (much easier with a family who needs you there and needs your income to survive!). I think the BSN bridging is much easier when (like you or I) you already have that first bachelor's out of the way.

Only you can figure out the best path for yourself and your family. The "just wait and get your ADN" advice is great but does not fit all situations. Especially not when you might be able to double your income while finishing school (which is the case for going from a CNA to an LPN in my area).