LVN vs. RN?

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I am getting ready to apply for the nursing program but not sure which I should apply to. I need help deciding which program to choose. I work as a medical assistant at the moment and I am in a hurry to get in the nursing field. My logic is to do the LVN program and then transition into the RN program when I am ready. What would be m pros and cons to each?

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Do some searches, you will find a lot of answers. Here is a quick one

LVN:

Pro- its only 3 semesters and you are done with school

Con-pretty much expect to work in a nursing home (in CA at least)

not all LVN courses/pre-reqs are accepted by the RN programs, at least in CA, you can't just sign up for an RN program right after your LVN; you will have to go back and take more pre-reqs (unless you plan it right and take the more advanced pre-reqs)

RN-

Pro-more job options (although in this economy there are not a lot of jobs period)

Con-takes longer to complete than LVN

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I completed my AS degree and applied to both RN and LVN programs... Ultimately accepted into both, I went with the LVN program because it allows for much more clinical time than an RN program and that was important to me. I also used the rational that I could complete the LVN program in a year, begin working (choices for LVNs are doctor's offices, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehab facilities, medical clinic within a jail (prisons too, but that is scary to me...jails are high paying $18-$24/hr start in Texas and the inmates consider medical services a privledge), in-home or private duty nursing, etc. There are options for LVNs, just not in an acute care environment i.e. hospitals) and, while working as an LVN, I could earn my RN through an online program like Excelsior College. Now, for me, this did work out perfectly. I got my LVN, went to work PRN (as needed) for a private duty nursing company, then for a detention center (which I loved...I was shocked how much I liked the job which paid great, $24/hr and $36/hr OT), and acquired my ADN RN online. When hired by a hospital (which I gotta confess, it took me a while to find a place that I loved within the hospital setting) my employer assigned me to Med/Surg and offered to pay for me to get my BSN. Once I acquired my BSN I got my dream job of working in Trauma. It took me 3 years of schooling to go to work as an LVN (with my associated in science acquired...this is not needed for your LVN, but it keeps you from having to back pedal), another year of online schooling to acquire my RN while working (8 exams and a 2-1/2 day clinical check off), and 6 months more of schooling while working as a full-time employee with a hospital to acquire my BSN. I'm happy with all my choices! :0) I was more prepared to go to work immediately after getting my LVN license than most of my friends who acquired their RNs immediately simple because I had a LOT of clinical time in LVN school whereas RN programs do not require as much clinical time. Hope this helps. Best wishes!!! ;):heartbeat

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