LVN or RN?

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Hi everyone,

I was wondering what your opinion is on whether or not it is worth it to become an LVN in Texas or go straight for the RN. I applied to both programs and have not heard back yet (Should hear something in 2-6 weeks). My husband wants me to do the LVN route but I am thinking that if the oppertunity is available that the RN rote would be better. What do you think?

Thank you for any opinions :)

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I would do RN, especially if you plan on getting it anyways. Most RN programs are only 1 extra year of school.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hmm - that's difficult to answer since we have not idea about your personal circumstances. I would imagine that your hubs is a bit nervous about investing so much time and $ into the 'process' before you can actually start working as a nurse due to all the unknowns ... what if you don't like nursing after all? what if you don't make it all the way and only end up with student loans and no degree? .. I can understand those uncertainties and reluctance. A lot of us began our nursing careers as LVNs (myself included) as sort of a 'try before you buy' method - to make sure that it was something we really wanted to do before jumping in with both feet.

If that is similar to your own situation, starting as an LVN may be a great way to begin. As the PP mentioned, there are many LVN to RN bridge programs available to further you education.

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Hmm - that's difficult to answer since we have not idea about your personal circumstances. I would imagine that your hubs is a bit nervous about investing so much time and $ into the 'process' before you can actually start working as a nurse due to all the unknowns ... what if you don't like nursing after all? what if you don't make it all the way and only end up with student loans and no degree? .. I can understand those uncertainties and reluctance. A lot of us began our nursing careers as LVNs (myself included) as sort of a 'try before you buy' method - to make sure that it was something we really wanted to do before jumping in with both feet.

If that is similar to your own situation, starting as an LVN may be a great way to begin. As the PP mentioned, there are many LVN to RN bridge programs available to further you education.

He is nervous because we have 2 small boys and thinks it would be easier to break it up into short term goals..... lvn first, then go back and get RN. I understand his fears but it will take much longer that way.

Thanks for the replies :)

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

depends on personal preference as to future jobs. I work in a hospital and we no longer hire LVN's.

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I would go straight for your RN, I wish I would have. I'm having a really hard time finding an LVN job that will allow me to get my foot in the door somewhere to get an RN job and I'm not sure where you live but I'm in Sothern CA and it's really hard to get an RN job without already working in a hospital or having connections.

Either way you are going to have to go to school for 2 years and most likely more if you do LVN to RN because the bridge program at schools around here have an extra bridge class to take. And its hard to get into bridge programs, some have a waiting list and lots of requirements! Just something to think about!

If you aren't sure that nursing is for you then you might want to try LVN like the previous poster said but if you are 100% sure like I was then I would go straight for RN.

Nevermind i see you said you live in Texas, maybe job opportunities are better out there!

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Specializes in Developmentally delayed.

I would also go straight to rn as well... I'm in CA and lvns are no longer hired for hospitals, it almost seems like they are being phased out entirely. Better long term, if it's getting a job that is a concern can you work as a pca or cna in Texas after a semester of rn school? Less money and it isn't easy to work during nursing school but it can be done.

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You have to do what's best for you and your family.

I chose to do the LPN, RN, BSN,NP, DNP route.

Yes it's time consuming, but I am happy Im doing it this way.

Got my LPN 2009

Did prerecs while working

Doing my RN now

Good luck

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