Lvn or Rn any suggetions?

tainted1972, ASN, RN · Mar 6, 2011

No matter what you do first you will have a hard time finding a job when you graduate. I decided to become an LPN first and I am currently making a good salary while I am working towards my RN.

I was hired by a previous employer. (boy im glad I didnt burn that bridge)

My suggestion is to become a CNA or an STNA first.

In my city it is much easier to find a nurses aid position, it seems like they are constantly hiring. You dont even have to work full time, so you can have time to go to school.

I understand your financial situation so I agree that it would make good sense to get you LVN as soon as possible. If you get your CNA first and start working then you will have your foot in the door, which will give you a good chance of getting hired as a nurse when you graduate.

A lot of people think that getting work as a nurse is easy.. it isnt, and to be honest its not "what" you know. It is "who" you know. So the sooner you get yourself out there, the more people you will get to know.

Keep in mind, while you are working as a nursing assistant.. you are not only working, you are auditioning for a nurses position.

Ev1987 · Mar 6, 2011

Normally LTC's, ALF's and Home healthcare agencies are more flexible hiring LPN's than hospitals are nowadays. I think that any healthcare experience looks good on your resume than none at all. Try to get certified as a nursing assistant, and get your foot in the door working for a nursing home or home health. Later, when you become a nurse, you look more marketable to employers. A lot of LTC's and ALF's hire up their cna's that become new grads.

Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 6, 2011

If money is an issue become a LPN, work some and save up money to become a RN or work part time while in RN school. Just a suggestion....

Flo., BSN, RN · Mar 6, 2011

Look around and really compare the cost of programs. It might be more expensive to get the LVN first and then go on. Look at community colleges and see what they cost for an RN.

I agree about taking a job as a CNA. It will give you a good idea if you would even like nursing before you invest all the time and money.

Chin up · Mar 6, 2011

I disagree about becoming a CNA, if you are doing it for experience and ability to make money while becoming an RN. LPN will give you a good salary as well as nursing experience. Also you can bridge from LPN, you can't from CNA. Also, a CNA's role in is no barometer on whether nursing is for you or not, in fact it may turn you off all together. They are two totally different jobs. LPN's are licensed nurses, CNA is not. The job responsibilities and pay, bear that out. Good luck! Peace!

billyboblewis · Mar 6, 2011

Study the classifieds in your area. In South Louisiana Lpns are in great demand. It is suspect that the demand for RN's will become strong in 2014 so you may be just as well off going for LPN. Look for a short program. Some of the LPN programs are just as long as associate degree programs. I am assuming you cant get financial aid because you think you are not eligible. You may want to check with the financial aid office of local nursing schools

jeffsher · Mar 6, 2011

It all depends on the job market in your area. If there are more RN positions, I say go for an ADN right off the bat, with plans of right away going for a BSN. Working as a CNA will give you basic experience, and if the facility you work for has tuition reimbursement, all the better.

Long term, it is my opinion that in the future, LVNs will be the equivalent of today's CNAs, ADNs the equivalent of LVNs, and BSNs be those in the driver's seat. For what it's worth....

Weebee, LVN · Mar 6, 2011

I to was going to do the LVN to RN.... that was 6 years ago... im still no closer to an RN than when I left LVN school...

Weebee, LVN · Mar 6, 2011

Look around and really compare the cost of programs. It might be more expensive to get the LVN first and then go on. Look at community colleges and see what they cost for an RN.
I agree about taking a job as a CNA. It will give you a good idea if you would even like nursing before you invest all the time and money.

I took a job as a CNA before going to LVN school.... To me ... that was a waste of 6 months to do the CNA.

chulada77, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Mar 6, 2011

I move from state to state rather often and have noticed that LVN vs RN preference depends upon the area. The last state that I lived in definitely preferred RNs whereas my current city seems to be LVN friendly. The positive to being a LVN first is that you'll have an easier time in the job market as an RN since you'll have work experience. Another thing you should think about, many hospitals and facilities have education benefits thus you'd be able to work as a LVN, get paid and the hospital/facility would be paying for any RN classes you take while employed. You'd be able to avoid any loans or financial strain then:yeah:

ladybuglouRN · Mar 7, 2011

I would go straight for your RN. I am in New York and hospitals here do not hire LPN's. I would eventually like to go on for my BSN but first I am starting a new hospital job on Tuesday and want to make it through my first year! Good luck to you!