LVN Certificate from excellent college or RN Degree from average, so-so College?

[Jimmydaves]

I have been accepted at two nursing programs. One is an LVN program from a college that has an excellent reputation and a 99% pass rate. The second school is an RN program from a college that has mixed reviews from former students and their pass rate over the past 4 years as ranged from 60% to 75%.

I know that most nurses would agree to go for the RN Program and I feel the same way. But if you feel that your training from an RN Program is not good and that you'd get great training at the LVN program, it makes you wonder at times.

I know the pass rate for these schools sometimes is more student-related than school-related and I know that I would eventually like to be an RN at some point, but it's so difficult to find a school that has an LVN to RN bridge program and there's always a waiting list and you have to make "A's" on all of the pre-requisites as well.

Just curious what others would think of this situation? Thanks!

[Coloradogrl]

I would go for the RN

[8jimi8ICURN]

Do you want to have to go back to school for another year after working and doing almost the exact same job, just with a tiny bit less scope of practice?

At the hospitals where I did my clinicals, I learned TONS from LVNs. They are NURSES. But, they get paid less and from what I have seen, get less respect because they didn't go to school as long as the RNs. I wholeheartedly appreciate LVNs.

Sounds like you would get better training at the LVN school, but if you are a good student, you could be one of the 60-75 percent to become and RN.

I personally feel the time crunch of my early 30's. My choice would be get the school over-with now and get to work before the economy tanks even further.

[kayakgirl58]

I would go with the RN. Your objective is the same. What you get is what you put into it. Perhaps you could start your training at the RN school, and if you are not happy, you could transfer in the second year. I have to do the LPN - RN thing in steps, but if I could I would have done my RN all at once! Best of luck with your decision.

[EmmyBee]

...What you get is what you put into it.

I agree with this statement. Even if you go to the better school, your goal is STILL to be within the group of students who make it. The LPN school might have a better passing rate, but the failure rate, though small, is still there. So it is up to you to push for what you want.

I say go for the RN. If you see that what you are being taught is not enough or explained to your liking, do more research on your own time, get in study groups, spend time talking with other nurses, etc. Even if the pass rate is only 65%, strive to be in that group of students who make it. And remember that students DO make it, so it is not impossible.

I am in my late thirties in an LPN-RN transition program. I try not to have regrets, but I wish that I would have knocked this out years ago. Before I started my current program, I said I would stop with the ASN. But based on what I want to do after graduation, it would benefit me to have my BSN. So I am going for it after I am done with this program. But if I had become an RN earlier, I could be shooting for my masters or a PhD by now.

As we all know, the more education we have, the more options we have, especially in a field like nursing. If you have the chance right now to get the higher degree, I say go for it....and keep going! Good luck to you.

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

RN all the way ....

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

MHO as long as they are approved by the state board of nursing , nlnac accredited, and you make the most of your studies go for the RN program. Its your education and you need to study as hard as you can and work hard to master your clinicals so that you can be the best nurse can be.

[oldladyRN]

Since you have your pick, do the RN.

I did not become a nurse at all until I was 35 years old. I went through the LVN program at my local community college because the wait for the "traditional track" RN program was 3-4 years after getting on the waiting list, and you couldn't even get on the list until your pre-reqs were completed. I was then an LVN x 4 yrs, returned and completed the "mobility track" (same community college). I finished it and took my RN boards in September 2004.

Although I don't regret my choices, I would have done the "traditional track" RN program originally if the wait had not been so long.

Seize this chance!!

oldladyRN

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

who is going to look at your diploma? Plenty will look at the license. Go for the RN

[Itzallgood]

who is going to look at your diploma? Plenty will look at the license. Go for the RN

Excellent Point

And To the Point

[caliotter3]

Being accepted at an LVN program and an RN program at the same time or any other combination still leads to the same decision. You should take the RN program now and maximize your opportunities at less cost and less waste of time and effort. Good luck with school.