LVN first then RN or am i wasting my time

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to this websit, and so far it's awesome. I want to become an R.N, however, the waiting lists at community colleges are very long. I thought it would be a great idea to first become an LVN/LPN before becoming an RN, so i could gain experience. ROp in North Orange COunty has an LVN program has anyone attended their program, and if so how was your overall experience, and did you find employment after completing school. I would appreciate any advice, i just don't want to waste my time.Thank you all so much!

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Hi There! I just graduated from LPN school a year ago and have been a nurse for a year, too. just like you I want to become an RN but the waiting list in all of the schools here in my state is hella long. I decided to do my LPN first and then go do my RN. I can say that being an LPN is a good decision for me because first of all, I am gaining a lot of experience becoming a nurse which would help me later on in RN school. A lot of the RNs that I know who were LPNs first said that RN school is a lot easier if you become and LPN first. Then when you go back to RN school, you only have to do one year of nursing school to become an RN (LPN school is roughly 11 months). Nowadays, there are some universities who offer LPN to BSN for 2 years if you want to go that route. As far as finding a job, I never had a hard time finding one now that I am an LPN. I remembered after I passed my NCLEX, I applied for a job 4 jobs and all of them called me back right away for an interview. One actually called me 2 hours after I turned in my resume. The good thing about this is you get to choose which place you'll eventually like working and you can negotiate your salary. A lot of places are hurting for LPNs right now so you're on the right track if you want to become an RN. Good Luck!

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WOW thank you so much. YOur very knowledgeable. Thank you so much for inspiring me to enroll in the LVN program. and GOod LUck Future RN!!

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In general, I don't see getting one's LPNs first as a hindrance. It might be a great way to go for you especially with the long wait lists.

However, there are specifics that might making getting an LPN first a more or less appealing option depending upon your own situation, preferences, etc and depending upon the LPN job market and nursing school options in your area. Some questions to consider...

What is the job market like for LPNs in your area? What is a realistic wage to expect as an inexperienced new LPN grad (sometimes wage potential is overestimated)? How do you feel about the types of nursing jobs available to LPNs in your areas? (eg in some areas hospitals don't use LPNs and nursing homes are the primary employer of LPNs). Don't just look at wage averages & job descriptions listed on-line or in a school brochure. Look at local job listings and call and ask at health care facilities in your area.

What is a realistic time frame to earning one's RN if you start in the ROP LPN program? What local LPN-RN programs exist? How accessible/affordable are they? Can any of the coursework from the LPN program be credited towards another degree or would you have to start from scratch or re-take RN pre-reqs?

I hope you find a path that works for you!!!

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thank you so much for all your help.

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