LVN first or staight RN?

[roses909]

Hello everyone before I get started I know there is many discussions on this topic but everyone's situations are different. I'm not sure if I should get my LVN first or straight RN I'm currently attending Riverside City College and doing my pre-reqs for the RN program I'm about a year in a half away from being done. This program is very competitive to get into so that's why I'm thinking of doing LVN first then bridge over to RN. I'm also a little concerned of the time commitment of a full 2 years for the RN program. I have a 3.6 GPA in general classes so far. I'm also aiming for a 4.0 in science classes. Another reason I was thinking about LVN first is I can get experience while I'm waiting to be accepted into the RN program and I believe they LVN to RN bridge program accepts people faster than just straight RN. Also, BSN is out of the question ? due to finances. Thank you everyone.

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

Apply to both and take what you can get into first. Either way it sounds like either direction will get you to where you want to be in the end. And depending on your areas job market....having some healthcare experience as a new RN REALLY will help when looking for a job.

For what it's worth, some states will let you take a short extra class in between year 1 & 2 of your RN program where you can earn you LPN while still in RN school. Food for thought. Good luck.

[Maryrose, MSN, RN]

I agree, try both. You can gain nursing experience faster by becoming an LVN first.

I became an LVN first and worked on the rest of my prerequisites for the RN program as I still needed more sciences. This enabled me to become an LVN at 21. I applied for the 1st semester of the RN program and when I got in, realized I was wasting my time at 23. I then got right into the 3rd semester without a wait and finished my RN at 24.

In the mean time, I was working as an LVN in ICU. I learned a lot there. The hospital I worked at decided to restructure. That meant letting go all of the LVNs from ICU....except me since I was in school to become an RN.

I was very grateful I was allowed to stay in my unit. The nurses were all very supportive and several of them were nursing instructors.

i wish you the best of luck. Just keep going, you will get there.

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

I know I'm late replying but here's my take. First, the LVN-RN program doesn't accept people any faster. Second, your LVN experience may not count in some places because the LVN is seen as being entirely different from the RN. If you intend to become an RN ultimately, then aim for that. If you need something to do, you can get CNA certified and walk beside both RN and LVNs and get an idea of what you want. If you intend to get your CNA, consider a private school that takes less than 6 weeks (as opposed to 16 weeks at a CC). The good thing about getting certified as a nursing assistant is that it is needed as a prerequisite for many LVN programs. It also helps you with your RN application since a lot of CCs (including RCC) use the point system.

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

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