LVN/RN dilemma

hypnotic_nurse · Jan 14, 2005

I don't think the transition course is a waste of time -- the LPNs joined my nursing class in the second year and worked just as hard as any of us.

The advantage I see for you having an LVN/LPN would be that you could work weekends or evenings while transitioning and maybe not have to take out so many (or any) student loans. Depending on where you are, you may not be paid much more as an LPN/LVN than you got as a secretary...but you could work while you finished an RN.

Nursebaby23 · Jan 14, 2005

I became an LPN first to "get my feet wet" and it only took a year. I went to a good program and got a little experience in the process. I work the weekends while in school and make a pretty good living. I do feel like I have an advantage over the "generic" (now that's what the instructors call them) students in my class. 1 year is not a long time.

bmw804 · Jan 14, 2005

I was planning that route myself, but if you do the RN after you complete your first clinicals or first semester you could work as a nurse tech. I don't know how much they get paid, but I decided I would work on that b/c the time frame may be a little sooner working as a nurse tech and the hours maybe more flexible.

kristylee · Jan 14, 2005

I think in your situation that it would be a good idea for you to go to school for the LVN and then transition to RN when your hubby gets back.

I have a friend who has been an LVN for about 1 year and is making $24/hr..I wouldn't consider that 'crap' money, not too shabby if you ask me

closatssl1 · Jan 17, 2005

I think in your situation that it would be a good idea for you to go to school for the LVN and then transition to RN when your hubby gets back.
I have a friend who has been an LVN for about 1 year and is making $24/hr..I wouldn't consider that 'crap' money, not too shabby if you ask me

What state is this friend of yours working in?

closatssl1 · Jan 17, 2005

ok here's the thing. My hubby is deployed to iraq and i am in school full time with 2 kids in daycare and 1 in kindergarten. The only way we are affording for me to go to school is because hubby is making extra money while deployed..so i'm not having to work. when he returns i will HAVE to go to work. SOOOOO my goal is to become an RN but i am thinking i should do the one year LPN/LVN program and get a job as that when he gets home and go part time for my RN while working. I think its the best route to go because if i stick with straight RN then i will still have about 3 semesters left when he gets home...how do i finish that way if i have to work full time and as a secretary at that making 10 an hour?? well the reason i'm unsure is because my mother (a RN) tells me that LVN's get paid crap for what they do and that the transition course to RN is a waste of time. PLEASE HELP>>>>what should i do???

Dzook, I strongly encourage you like some of the others have to go ahead and get your LPN license, and when your hubby gets back then work on your

RN. I think it makes all the sense in the world, and yes you could work as an LPN on the weekends and still earn a very modest living. You would also have a head start when you start your RN program, for you will have clinical experience from working at a hospital. Here in Calif. there are numerous hopsitals that will help pay for your schooling to get your RN license and are very understanding and helpful with your hours. Plus they will promote you to RN once you finish your program and pass the N-Clex. THIS IS THE BEST ROUTE TO GO IN YOUR SITUATION. GOOD LUCK.

Todd SPN · Feb 4, 2005

I don't know how it works in your state, but where I live you can be enrolled in an RN program and take the LPN nclex after the first year of nursing classes. You can then work as an LPN while persuing your RN.