LVN's and/or RN's who were once LVN's. HELP!

tokebi · Aug 11, 2010

i completely understand what you're saying, but please look into it more and give it more thought.

I became LVN for similar reasons, and it worked out fine back then. There were plenty new-grad programs that welcomed inexperienced LVN's. Now? Almost non-existent.

Vocational nursing programs aren't cheap -- sorry I don't know how much exactly nowadays. I'm not sure if the shorter length of the program would make up for it, especially considering the limited job opportunities and limited scope of practice.

missdeevah, NP · Aug 11, 2010

i went through the lvn-rn route and it was the best decision i could have ever made. i went to a community college and the entire thing, including books and graduation cost me about $2000. most of the lvn coursework does not transfer to rn programs, at least as far as i know. the pre-requisites should though. for this reason, i would recommend at least taking the pre-reqs at a community college in order to be sure of the credits being accepted once you decide to bridge to an rn program. some of the reasons why lvn-rn bridge route worked out for me are:

1. it was a heck of a lot easier for me to get into the rn bridge program, than applying directly to an rn program to compete with hundreds of other applicants with grades just as good and even better than mine. my grades were pretty good too! i was accepted into the only lvn program and then the only rn program that i applied to...both times i applied on the deadline date (of the extension period). it might not have worked out this way, had i gone straight into an rn program

2. it allowed me to be able to work while going through the rn program. people say that it probably takes the same amount of time to go through the lvn-rn route, as going straight to rn. in my case, this is true, but i would not have been able to work (i was in it before) and maintain my school work requirements had i not been an lvn. it afforded me so much flexibility, plus i made more as an lvn than i do as an rn. i lived alone and paid all my bills the entire time and finished school debt free.

3. going through the lvn route made the rn bridge program so much easier for me. i already knew a lot of what was being taught, to a certain extent. it also made critical thinking come a lot easier for me at that point.

4. i'm starting my bsn program next week, and my employer will pay for almost all of the tuition. well..maybe this is a mute point as they probably would have paid anyway, had i gone straight into the adn program. i aim to complete my bsn then go for my msn and have them pay for that as well, and graduate debt free...sweet, huh?

this route may not be the best route for everyone, but it sure was for me. i would caution you though that the lvn program (at least mine) can be very rigorous, because everything is compacted into 1 year. it may be difficult to work and do this at the same time. if you do go this route, i would recommend (if at all possible) going to a community college...so much cheaper than private school. just do lots and lots of research on what colleges are out there within a certain acceptable radius from where you live...it might be a little far, but it can be done. then apply to all of them, don't put all your eggs in one basket. last but not least...you could work on the pre-reqs for the rn program while applying to both lvn and rn programs and see which one you get into the quickest. the lvn pre-reqs, like i mentioned earlier, will probably be some of the same pre-reqs for the rn program, so it would be a win-win situation. i wish you the best, whichever route you opt to take. just go for it, you can do it!

kcochrane · Aug 11, 2010

I always wanted to be a nurse, so when I was laid off at age 42 from Kodak, I decided it was time. I had to return to the workforce quickly and wait lists were long for the ADN programs, so I went for my LPN. It cost me $6500 at a local technical school and it took my 10 months going full time.

After that I worked in a LTC facility on a respiratory unit until I obtained my RN. It took me 5 years of working full time while going to school part time. Since I had my LPN, once I had my pre reqs, I slid right into the ADN program at the local CC.

I don't regret the path I took. My work experience as a LPN had enhanced my RN ability. I now work in a hospital on a stroke unit (with medical patients also). I am also working on my BSN.

dreamgirl333 · Aug 11, 2010

I Live in Southern CA, I wanted to go to RN program in community colleges, but I didn't get into the program (I have good grades too). I waited for a year, then I decided to take LVN program in private school. I had to move to San Francisco at that time, so I went to private LVN course there. The school requires prerequisites same as when you enroll into community colleges. The school also offer the prerequisites, but it's expensive. The program is a year, and a very intense program. There's quiz every day. The price is about $25.000 (including tuition and books). It's really expensive. The school itself is all right, not great. Now I moved back to Southern CA. I got my LVN license on July 2010, and now still looking for a job. It's really hard to find a job as a new grads. If you've been working at place as CNA/Medical Assistant before, you'll get a better chance of getting hired. If you decide to go into private school, make sure it's a good school, school that doesn't only take your money.

I'm planning on taking my RN, hopefully soon (through bridge program at community colleges). I suggest you take the prerequisites at community colleges (that's what I did), it's a lot cheaper and you can transfer too.

Hopefully this helps.

caliotter3 · Aug 11, 2010

I notice you said you are in CA. Unfortunately, there are very few jobs for LVNs in most areas. Get the LVN license as an assist into an RN program, but do not rely upon it for a living.

TwilightRNurse · Aug 11, 2010

If there was any way possible I would get my RN straight away and bypass the LVN. I was an LVN and I found it hard to find a decent job. Nothing I took as an LVN transferred to my RN program. I feel like I wasted that first year of school.

PedsAtHeart, LPN · Aug 11, 2010

I agree with everything missdeevah said... My LPN program at Vo-tech was around 2000 for everything! I see other vo-techs that charge around 10,000 and I think thats ridiculous!!

The LPN route worked best for me (single mom, needed a decent income, quick) and I am now working on getting to LPN-RN bridge. I dont regret it at all because its what worked best for me.

Now, if I had not been a single mom and needing to get through school quickly, I would have gone straight to BSN. But I was not able to do that.

bree2496 · Aug 11, 2010

@missdeevah i totally agree with u! im also doing the lvn-rn bridge. Im hoping to start the lvn program in the spring or nxt. fall; i was hoping to go straight to rn but my grades aren't up too par to apply for that so my counselor suggested becoming an lvn first plus it's a lot faster in the long run. i definitely think going to a community college is the best choice also 'cause there's no point in spending a whole bunch of money at a private school. Although im going into my 3rd year of college n wish i'd known i want to be a nurse sooner i have no regrets 'cause i know many ppl. who've already graduated and have 2go back 2school after obtaining a masters in a diff. area, so luckily i have an earlier start.

Sophiamez · Aug 11, 2010

THanks guys so much for all the reply... all your advice helps a lot.

@missdeevah: thanks so much for the detailed explanation. I honestly now have a better idea of what to do. You're right... taking the pre reqs does help because either way it will transfer for my RN. i think it's a good idea to apply to accelerated BSN, ADN, and LVN programs and see which one i get accepted into. I can use this year and next spring to work on my pre reqs. thanks for the advice. I just don't want to kill time.

thanks guys about the advice about the economy and lack of lvn jobs. these days however, i need to make a move, so i'm just trying to figure that out. Thanks... keep it coming!

misschiatia · Aug 12, 2010

I live in the midwest, not california, so im not familiar with the market for nurses out there. I also got my LPN first and I strongly recommend that for anyone that has to work and go to school.

It only took me one year to get my LPN(licensed practical nurse), whereas for an RN, I would have spent 3-4 years in school. On a CNA salary? Knock yourself out! I have been criticized for saying it, but getting my LPN first was the best choice. I still remember the warm fuzzy feeling when I got my first check and realized how much I was being paid. Missdeevah is right, by the time I went back to school for RN, I was able to clock a couple of doubles a week to pay my bills and devote most of my time to school. While my classmates worked full time cna and patient care tech jobs and struggled to find time to study. Add to that, that at study group, I found a noticeable difference between how my classmates understood the material and how I understood it. 10 years of floor nursing experience certainly did not hurt my chances. I mean, Im sorry, but a nurse, even an LVN nurse, is going to have an easier time understanding the intricate pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms of this or that medical condition than the patient care tech, who has never had to talk intelligently to a doctor about a patients condition, never had to evaluate whether someone has deteriorated enough to be sent out to the hospital, never had to delegate care, etc....

Nevermind the naysayers who say you wont get a job, some hospitals are phasing out the use of LPN/LVN's but not all. And most long term care centers cant afford to hire all RNs so there are always jobs for LPNS as long as there are geritatric pts needing care(at least in my state). In general, I don't see how LPNs can be phased out because there simply are not enough nurses in many areas of the country and patients need care. Health care is cutting costs right and left. If you want to work as an LPN, I will never believe there is not a place for you. Follow your heart and good luck

Sophiamez · Aug 12, 2010

thank you so much for your reply. Yes, i do see it that way as well... i think that it will benefit me to work as an LVN first because i will get experience. I'm in no rush to become an RN. I don't mind working as an LVN for a while. People keep telling me that the job market is bad, but i think everyone in every career is feeling it. Thank you for the advice and for being truthful. oh, and one question... if you don't mind can you tell me what state you're in?

I live in the midwest, not california, so im not familiar with the market for nurses out there. I also got my LPN first and I strongly recommend that for anyone that has to work and go to school.
It only took me one year to get my LPN(licensed practical nurse), whereas for an RN, I would have spent 3-4 years in school. On a CNA salary? Knock yourself out! I have been criticized for saying it, but getting my LPN first was the best choice. I still remember the warm fuzzy feeling when I got my first check and realized how much I was being paid. Missdeevah is right, by the time I went back to school for RN, I was able to clock a couple of doubles a week to pay my bills and devote most of my time to school. While my classmates worked full time cna and patient care tech jobs and struggled to find time to study. Add to that, that at study group, I found a noticeable difference between how my classmates understood the material and how I understood it. 10 years of floor nursing experience certainly did not hurt my chances. I mean, Im sorry, but a nurse, even an LVN nurse, is going to have an easier time understanding the intricate pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms of this or that medical condition than the patient care tech, who has never had to talk intelligently to a doctor about a patients condition, never had to evaluate whether someone has deteriorated enough to be sent out to the hospital, never had to delegate care, etc....
Nevermind the naysayers who say you wont get a job, some hospitals are phasing out the use of LPN/LVN's but not all. And most long term care centers cant afford to hire all RNs so there are always jobs for LPNS as long as there are geritatric pts needing care(at least in my state). In general, I don't see how LPNs can be phased out because there simply are not enough nurses in many areas of the country and patients need care. Health care is cutting costs right and left. If you want to work as an LPN, I will never believe there is not a place for you. Follow your heart and good luck