LVN or RN?

Mommy TeleRN, RN · May 15, 2007

Something I tell everyone considering these two routes:

Try and find out if nurse interning is available in your area. In my area a nurse intern can start working after the first clinical RN nursing course. And interns are paid better than a new LPN. Great experience and gets you working in the hospital while you finish nursing school.

Of course I do not know about waiting lists and such in your area..it's probably too late to even apply to a RN program for this fall. But if some offer spring entry you could apply for the spring, get some prereqs done this summer and fall, and be working possibly as an intern by next summer!

sarahlm · May 15, 2007

Thank you. How would you recommend I do this? Should I call hospitals to find out about nurse interns?

Mommy TeleRN, RN · May 15, 2007

Hi..sorry my PM box is full..that is on my RN paycheck wishlist..upgrading here! lol

If you know any nursing students they might know. Other than that I'd just call the HR and ask for a nurse recruiter. I would just say "I'm debating becoming an LPN or RN. Can you tell me if you hire students as interns and if so at what point?" They can also tell you about hospital opportunities for RNs vs LPNs. Pretty much everyone I called was willing to provide me with info and was very eager to help :) Of course students are VERY heavily recruited in my area. You could also check out hospital websites. Many I checked out had info about student opportunities right on their websites. Some just offer a summer extern program..it just depends on the facility.

msdobson · May 15, 2007

Hi, I am new to this forum and I have a dillema. I dont know where to post it so I hope this is the right spot. But my question is this: I have the opportunity to get my LVN now in a one year program. My parents are going to help with the costs, which is nice, since Im 33. But I am unsure if I should continue taking my prereqs for an RN program, which I wont graduate from until Im at least 36. I am waitressing now and I want out ASAP from the restaurant bus.(I have wanted to be a nurse forever, but had other issues to deal with.)
My thinking is that I can get my LVN and start working and then go into a LVN-RN program after I finish the pre reqs.
I just dont want to wait. I feel like Im not getting any younger, and my Dad said they may not be able to help me with costs if I dont do this now, which is okay, but does sort of puts the pressure on me to go to the LVN program.
Unfortunately I dont know of any schools in my area with an RN program with no waiting list or prereq req. so I cant do that either.
I am just confused. Is it worth it to get my LVN? Are those LVN-RN programs wait listing too? ( I live in southern CA) Is it better in the long run to just keep waitressing and get the better degree first?
I know this post is rambling but if anyone can help it would be so appreciated.
Mostly I want to know if its even worth it to get my LVN?

Hi Sarah! :welcome:

I am 44 years old, and face the same type of situation as you.

I decided to follow the LPN route, simply because of the availability and time issues in front of me. Money was not an issue.

I chose an 11-month LPN route. I believe this will put me on the floor in a little over a year (remember, still need to pass the NCLEX-PN) :nono:

Then, while working as a nurse, I can take a "bridge" program to RN.

All the RN/BSN programs at the local CC and Universities in my area are either filled, highly competitive (300 students for 30 slots) or have years long waiting lists.

The program I went for was expensive (but no more than if I decided I wanted to buy a new car) but, on the whole, I believe worth it in the long run.

Best of luck to you. If you can get an internship, snap it up!

If not, go for the NOW, not the maybe. If you can get financial help from the folks for the LPN program now, but not for the RN program later...

Remember, two ducks in hand beat eight in the bush!

chuck1234 · May 16, 2007

Your situation is very similar to mine.

I became an LPN in 1999, and I was working for an agency, the pay was good. I was supporting myself while I was going for the RN Program. I graduated in November 2003, and became an RN in 2004.

Sarah...if you want to become independent person, then I think it is your interest to become an LVN or LPN inasmuch as you will become an independent person in about a year. However, if you don't mine to stay with your parents and your parents are totally supporting you and they don't mine you are going to stay home until 36 y/o, then go for the RN then.

Good luck!

msdobson · May 16, 2007

Your situation is very similar to mine.
I became an LPN in 1999, and I was working for an agency, the pay was good. I was supporting myself while I was going for the RN Program. I graduated in November 2003, and became an RN in 2004.
Sarah...if you want to become independent person, then I think it is your interest to become an LVN or LPN inasmuch as you will become an independent person in about a year. However, if you don't mine to stay with your parents and your parents are totally supporting you and they don't mine you are going to stay home until 36 y/o, then go for the RN then.
Good luck!

How long was your bridge program? Have a hard time with the NCLEX?

MelodyRNurse · May 16, 2007

Is a nurse Tech the same as a nurse Intern???

chuck1234 · May 16, 2007

How long was your bridge program? Have a hard time with the NCLEX?

Full time is one year.

I was doing it part time. I took 3 years to finish.

I passed the NCLEX-RN without any problem, of course, I took the Kaplan review course.