LVN to RN or Psych Tech to RN?

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Oct 22, 2015

Why do you think it's better to have experience? The only experience I can see benefiting you before finishing the nursing program is CNA experience. Whether it's in a nursing home, home health, or in a hospital. I say stay in the nursing program and try to get a CNA job. Is nurse aide training a part of your program?

jelly08 · Oct 22, 2015

Why do you think it's better to have experience? The only experience I can see benefiting you before finishing the nursing program is CNA experience. Whether it's in a nursing home, home health, or in a hospital. I say stay in the nursing program and try to get a CNA job. Is nurse aide training a part of your program?

Hi! Thank you for taking your time replying.

I think it's better to have experience because I'll know what I will be expecting in the Nursing program. I'll know some stuff. I think of it like getting ahead. Hopefully that make sense.

I don't actually know yet. I have an appointment with my councelor rhis upcoming week. I'll ask her by then.

Scottishtape · Oct 22, 2015

I'm confused. If you feel you aren't ready for a nursing program, why is an LVN program on your possible to do list as a replacement? That *is* nursing school. You have to do your pre-requs (in most cases), you have to apply and get accepted, you have to do all of the nursing courses and clinicals, and then when (if) you pass, you have to sit for NCLEX.

If you're wanting experience before attending a nursing program, then you should be looking at a CNA program like MOM said above.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2015

I speak as someone who competed an LVN program prior to becoming an RN.

For me, the LVN program was actually a little more difficult than the RN program. In addition, you indicated you are in California, which is a horrid location for any type of new nurse who seeks employment (LVN or RN).

Buyer beware. The nursing employment marketplace where you live has been glutted for a solid six or seven years with no foreseeable end in sight.

jelly08 · Oct 22, 2015

I'm confused. If you feel you aren't ready for a nursing program, why is an LVN program on your possible to do list as a replacement? That *is* nursing school. You have to do your pre-requs (in most cases), you have to apply and get accepted, you have to do all of the nursing courses and clinicals, and then when (if) you pass, you have to sit for NCLEX.
If you're wanting experience before attending a nursing program, then you should be looking at a CNA program like MOM said above.

Hi, yes you are right I feel like I'm not ready to be in the program even though I'm still taking my Gen. Ed, classes. I feel scared, because I only have on shot in the program if I do get in. If I messed up like fail one class, I'm out of the nursing program. Also, a relative of mine was talking to me about the LVN to RN things. They've told me it's easier to finish LVN first then go to RN. Because 1. I can get a job as an LvN then after a year go back to school then continue my education.

Thank you for replying and the advice.

jelly08 · Oct 22, 2015

I speak as someone who competed an LVN program prior to becoming an RN.
For me, the LVN program was actually a little more difficult than the RN program. In addition, you indicated you are in California, which is a horrid location for any type of new nurse who seeks employment (LVN or RN).
Buyer beware. The nursing employment marketplace where you live has been glutted for a solid six or seven years with no foreseeable end in sight.

Hi!

Really? I didn't know that. I was told becoming an LVN was a lot easier cuz I think it only takes about a year or two.

Scottishtape · Oct 22, 2015

It sounds like you need to do some research to really understand the differences between LPNs and RNs, as well as the rigor and requirements associated with each program. LPN programs are not a walk through the park that is easier because it's shorter. I can assure you nursing school is hard no matter if it's the LPN route or the RN route, which like I mentioned above, BOTH have to sit for NCLEX.

Saying that becoming an LPN is "a lot easier" is a fallacy that can be really detrimental to your path. First things first, educated yourself on both fully THEN make a decision.

Good luck.

jelly08 · Oct 23, 2015

It sounds like you need to do some research to really understand the differences between LPNs and RNs, as well as the rigor and requirements associated with each program. LPN programs are not a walk through the park that is easier because it's shorter. I can assure you nursing school is hard no matter if it's the LPN route or the RN route, which like I mentioned above, BOTH have to sit for NCLEX.
Saying that becoming an LPN is "a lot easier" is a fallacy that can be really detrimental to your path. First things first, educated yourself on both fully THEN make a decision.
Good luck.

Thank you! And I will.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2015

I was told becoming an LVN was a lot easier cuz I think it only takes about a year or two.

Nope. For me, the LVN program was 8 hours daily Monday through Friday. To prepare students for state boards, about two years of coursework is crammed into the supposedly 'yearlong' LVN program.

So even though the program is only 12 months, it is a vigorous year out of your life.

jelly08 · Oct 23, 2015

Nope. For me, the LVN program was 8 hours daily Monday through Friday. To prepare students for state boards, about two years of coursework is crammed into the supposedly 'yearlong' LVN program.
So even though the program is only 12 months, it is a vigorous year out of your life.

Thank you for telling me that. I'll stick with the RN program. So in a way LVN is an accelerated program?

jelly08 · Oct 23, 2015

Hi! Thank you for taking your time replying.
I think it's better to have experience because I'll know what I will be expecting in the Nursing program. I'll know some stuff. I think of it like getting ahead. Hopefully that make sense.
I don't actually know yet. I have an appointment with my councelor rhis upcoming week. I'll ask her by then.

Hi! I was told there is a CNA program at school. And they told me to volunteer in a hospital first then go to the program afterwards.