LVN or RN? Help!

lisaksemt, ADN, BSN · Feb 23, 2009

What about getting your LVN and then later picking up your RN? There are lots of LVN to RN programs available.

funkyooster · Feb 24, 2009

LVN, of course, is shorter and (manageably) easier. I do believe there are few pre-req's to get into the program, and an entrance exam. I went to a Vocational school for my LVN program and they asked for my high school diploma and college transcript (looking for english, math and basic science). They weren't very strict on the hard core classes like RN programs are. I belive the min. GPA was about 2.70, but I highly doubt they even cared. The entrance exam was hard though, especially the basic math. I've done my share of trig, calculus and algebra, but going back to basic math was tough! Felt like elementary school all over again.

Half of my classmates in the program were mothers and they managed to get through, but of course, it took everyone's sacrifice. LVN seems to work for them because it's somewhat of a "stable job", and most of the mothers in my class were willing to settle with LVN license. And the other half, including myself, opted for LVN because we were rejected from or wait-listed to an RN program and did not want to waste any more time.

However, when I was doing my clinicals at the hospitals, I would say about 80% of the LVNs I've encountered were hoping to advance further and obtaining an RN. So that's something to think about too.

And also, I've been hearing this a lot lately, that the bridge program has become more exclusive. This is an approximation, but if a community college was to pick 30 regular RN applicants, only 3 seats are offered for the bridge program. Again, that's just an approximation. And the exam for the "transition" is apparently ridiculously hard. I can't say harder than the NCLEX, but definitely hard.

Had I been offered the choice, I would have jumped right into the RN program. But that's just me, given the fact that I'm single, no attachment, no children. RN might be a bit demanding given your circumstances, but I would talk it through with your husband and child, and get their full cooperation.

I do recommend, however, that you get started on whatever requirements you can get your hands on, whether it be microbiology, anatomy, physiology, etc. while deciding between LVN or RN. I mentioned earlier that LVN is easier, but I said that in comparison to RN. LVN IS NOT AS EASY AS YOU THINK IT IS, especially if you have no concept of the basic sciences and critical thinking skills. As for me, it had been years since I took all the core science req's, plus did not know what to expect of LVN program, and boy, was it a SHOCKER!

So good luck on your decision. And whatever path you decide to take, family support is the most important of it all. :)

adriane827 · Feb 24, 2009

Thanks, that was a lot of great info. Yes I am scared about the sciences, it's been a while. I am scared I am going to make the wrong decision or get into the RN program and be like wow I can't handle this, I should have done the LVN program. How was a&p and mirco bio and chem? Were they doable?

Yeah if I was single too I would do RN, but w/family and my son and us wanting to have another child, prob the lVN would be best and maybe in 10 yrs I can move on up. Are you currently an LVN? If so are jobs limited to ltc or is hospitals an option or other places options?