LVN(LPN) or RN

afox · Apr 8, 2009

I'm not a nurse LPN or Rn, just a student but.....

I personally wouldn't do the LPN. I have nothing against LPN's because because I think that they work their butts off, just as 99% of nurses do. Its just that in my area LPN's really only get hired in nursing homes. And it seems to me they do just about everythig an RN can except pass meds and a few other things, and their pay is significantly less.

mydee · Apr 8, 2009

I would disagree because it would take a whole year to start an RN program. You might as well get your LPN if this is a 12 month program you will be finished March or April 2010. While the other program would just be starting in Aug or Sep 2010. You'll be done before they even start the RN program. Then that summer you could be taking the rest of your prereq for the RN program. Then in the fall of 2010 you would only have a year left. While if you sat around for the RN program you would be only in your first year of RN school So you would all ready have the first year down. In the interest of saving time this could be helpful. Then you could get help from your employer to do a bridge program.

NC Girl BSN · Apr 8, 2009

If the competition is fierce in getting into the RN program, I would definetly apply to the LPN program. You can later bridge into a LPN-RN program and get it eventually. If you are young and have no problems with waiting for the Fall 2010 RN program then wait but there is no guarantee that you will get in. In NC the competition to get into a RN program is rediculous. I did not get in after waiting a year and applied to the LPN program and got in. I graduated and immediately applied to the Excelsior College program and got my RN through them in less than 12 months. I got tired of getting the run around from advisors giving me false hope information. I had a 3.7 GPA and it didn't even matter. So in total it took 2.5 years to get my RN from scratch by doing it in an unconventional way. Good Luck to you.

teacher08 · Apr 9, 2009

mydee and NC Girl RN,

VERY WELL STATED!!! I agree wholeheartedly with you both.

With the waitlist and fierce competition...WHY WAIT??? Getting the LPN and bridging over to the RN program will give an individual experience, knowledge and confidence to complete the program without reservations (well some individuals). Most importantly, ONE YEAR COMPLETED.

I know a few people completing LPN licensure at private institutions with tuition ranging from 17K - 32K. Others may disagree however at least they will be employed, enrolled in an RN/BSN program with their employer paying a portion of their tuition and the government assisting with loan repayment. It truly beats the odds of those who sit around contemplating and believing an LPN is not the way to go. NO offense to anyone who believes differently. Best wishes to everyone.

FYI...My sister just told me her friend's aunt graduated from the cc (Dec- 2008) LPN program and landed a position within a week as an LPN at $25.00 an hour. Go figure.....she decided to go the LPN route while her peers are continuing to sit pretty and hope to enroll in the RN program. (Location and employment facility does play a major role in salary.)

NC Girl BSN · Apr 9, 2009

I also wanted to add that I worked in a LTC facility as a LPN while doing the Excelsior Program. By the time I completed the program and took the NCLEX RN,I had 18 months of expereince as a LPN. When I applied to 3 hospitals in my area, I got job offers from all of them. All the managers said I looked better than the average new grad because I had beside experience but not in acute care. They all knew that I had a good foundation and could multitask. My starting pay was also $2 more than the RN new grad pay and I didn't even ask for it.

I say this to tell you that if your destiny is to ultimately become an RN, set my mind to it and do whatever it taked to reach your goal. I could have given up when I didn't get into a RN program but I pressed on, did my homework and figured out a way to make it work. There were plenty of people that said why not wait and do the RN but my heart was telling me to get my foot in the door and thats exactly what I did. Yeah, some turned their nose up at me when I got my LPN because they felt the degree was not good enough but I pressed on and reached my goal. Those same people are still CNA and trying to get into a RN program or still taking prerequisites. Now I am going from a $19 an hr job to a $28 an hr. Not bad for a girl that got turned down from 3 RN nursing programs due to steep competition.

lllchillylll · Apr 9, 2009

Well I think if you only have three more classes until you finish your pre-reqs for the ADN program, you should just wait until the program opens up. I don't really think you would be saving any time if you went ahead and got your LPN. By the time you get licensed, you wont have much time to work when youre back in school for your RN. Like one of the users said, as an LPN you'll work your butt off, you can do most of what RNs do, but you'll be making far less money and will have a hard time finding a job outside a nursing home. Yeah you'll be more prepared for RN nursing school and there are bridge programs out there, but when you take everything into account, you'll practically be wasting youre time by going for your LPN.

I hate it, being an LPN. I want to start my RNs already. I'm incredibly bored with my job and I miss being in an acute setting. (when I was in LPN school we did ALL our clinicals at big, fast paced hospital with all sorts of patients with so many different issues.)

teacher08 · Apr 9, 2009

anita07,

at the end of the discussion, dislikes for lpn or rn programs everything will be based on your current situation, economic advantages/disadvantages, time constraints, family support, etc. the ultimate decision is yours.

weigh all your options (not our opinions or personal experiences because as individuals we tend to subconsciously look at our own personal likes and dislike and based our advice/suggests/opinions as it relates to the questions we comment on.) it's not about us.

i stepped out of the box and tried to focus on the question you asked without imposing my personal experiences, beliefs, and current situation when answering your question. once again, no offense to anyone! without knowing you and your personal situation, it can be difficult to make a suggestion however i wanted to wish you (and everyone) the best on their future endeavors in nursing / health care field. have a wonderful day everyone. :)

nc girl rn......you are truly a trooper! i commend you on your perseverance, dedication and commitment to seeking an unconventional way to complete your rn licensure and not listening to others. you followed your heart and look at you now! keep moving forward little lady. :bow: