LPN Vs. RN...What to do? Advice Please :/

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I am currently taking my pre-reqs at a local community college. I want to become an RN. The problem is that they only accept 25 students in to the program so there is a wait. I was considering Trying to get into the LPN in august "09" and then when i am done with that then bridge over. If I take all my classes andtry and get in the RN program that wont be till jan "10" when i would be able to get in, if i was accepted. I want to see what other options i have. If anyone has any advice i would reall appreciate it.

Thanks! :confused:

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.

So, if you apply for the LPN program for summer of '09 & go full time you'll graduate the summer of '10. Usually mid 1st semester of the LPN courses you can also apply for the RN program. Then you can go for your RN in the winter of '10 and work as an LPN during that time gaining valuable experience. :-) Good luck with whatever you do!

I am currently taking my pre-reqs at a local community college. I want to become an RN. The problem is that they only accept 25 students in to the program so there is a wait. I was considering Trying to get into the LPN in august "09" and then when i am done with that then bridge over. If I take all my classes andtry and get in the RN program that wont be till jan "10" when i would be able to get in, if i was accepted. I want to see what other options i have. If anyone has any advice i would reall appreciate it.

Thanks! :confused:

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

I would try and get in where you can. That's what I did.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

Agree with this...

I started working as an LPN during my third semester RN program, the experience has been invaluable in terms of my comfort with pts, and keeping my skills current during the long summer break. I work in long term care, and it really reinforced my pharmacology.

So, if you apply for the LPN program for summer of '09 & go full time you'll graduate the summer of '10. Usually mid 1st semester of the LPN courses you can also apply for the RN program. Then you can go for your RN in the winter of '10 and work as an LPN during that time gaining valuable experience. :-) Good luck with whatever you do!
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Specializes in Geriatrics, med/surg, LTC surveyor.

I was an LPN before I was an RN. I am glad that I did that. If there is one thing that LPN's know very well it is medications. You will need that as a RN.

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Specializes in Tele.

If you are not working in the medical field now, I think that you have a great idea.

I was working as a CNA for almost 5 years then passed my nclex-- so to me, I did not want to spend the $$ for the LPN program for $3/hr more.

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I'm doing exact what you're talking about, and I'm SO glad I'm going with this option. I've heard from many nurses that went LPN to RN that the experience was so, so helpful to them. I also really like the fact that I'll be able to work/be paid as an LPN while in RN school (I'm a single mom so that's really important). Good luck!

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I am an LPN now and will be an RN in December and I know my time as an LPN has been invaluable to my nursing career. I have learned so much and have been introduced into the role of a nurse. I work in LTC and it is much different than the hospitals, but it has tuaght me how to deal with docs and about medications and how to juggle a gazillion things at once and how to stay cool under pressure. If it was me- I would apply for LPN, finish that and then start the RN program in '10. God bless on whatever decision you make.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

It may take the same amount of time to obtain the RN, anyhow, so, I see nothing wrong with this option. In addition, if you work as an LPN, you can see if nursing is for you at all before you invest further finances and time.

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