23 mother of 2..don't know if should be RN or LPN?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

hi,

i recently got married and just had a new baby girl. we also have a 5 year old. i have always wanted to be a nurse but started a family right out of high school. i'm 23 years old and have decided that it's now or never. my husband has very good paying job and can afford to be the bread winner. he's stressing that i go ahead and go to college. i don't know if it's better for me to get into an lpn program or become an rn. can anyone help.

thanks

Is it faster to get into an LPN program than an RN program in your area? I haven't started checking into the LPN programs locally, but the two-year community colleges in my area have waiting times of about 3 years to start associate degree in nursing programs, and that's after they accept you. I'm debating getting an LPN and then going for a bridge to RN program because otherwise I will be waiting forever to start school.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

The only problem I see with LPNs in a RN program is that they may have all kinds of great experience, but they have to learn to do things like the RN program dictates. I've seen it with the CNAs in my program as well.

Some programs (mine included) certify you as a CNA after 2nd semester. Then you can work in that role if you want. It gets a little confusing, though, remembering what you're allowed to do as a CNA vs a RN student.

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When you say programs certifying you as a CNA after the second semester, do you mean RN programs? My problem is that the waiting list for RN programs is so incredibly long! If I could start RN school the second I finished my prerequisites, I would certainly do that.

The only problem I see with LPNs in a RN program is that they may have all kinds of great experience, but they have to learn to do things like the RN program dictates. I've seen it with the CNAs in my program as well.

Some programs (mine included) certify you as a CNA after 2nd semester. Then you can work in that role if you want. It gets a little confusing, though, remembering what you're allowed to do as a CNA vs a RN student.

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I am a LPN (now) inNJ (ink still wet on my licence) and I can tell you that OB doctors like LPNs but in the L&D dept RN only (most meds are IV push)

Check out the county v0-tecs as a way of education 1-2 yrs less than 3000 dollrs.

good luck

Mike LPN (it is so nice to sighn that way)

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Hey good for you...you can afford to go back to school! If you can, get your RN...it will be worth it.

However, many of us could not afford to go to college and had to to get that LPN first. Then in a year you can be working and contributing again, then you can work part time and work towards your RN on your own time. That's how I did it many years ago. :)

Do whats best for you and your family. I don't regret doing it the way I did, but I also like to advise potential nurses to get that RN now if you can swing it. Just because life has a way of throwing us curveballs on our future plans. ;)

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I am in the exact same boat you are. I cant decide if I want to go for the RN or LPN!!! If I do the LPN I will DEF go back and advance to RN in a few years. I need to work while I go to school and I dont think the RN program will be practical for me right now Good Luck to you!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

You know your situation, and what you can handle. Many people are discouraged from starting the RN programs because the waiting lists may be long. If you are patient, you can take your pre-requisites during this wait, one or two classes at a time. Also, most nursing programs, may it be LPN or RN are very competitive, and you really need a high GPA to enter...this is why I say that if you choose an RN program that has a waiting list, taking one or two classes may ensure that you have a high grade to compete with the other potential candidates. You may take the state boards for LPN while in the latter part of the RN program if you wish and work for the experience.

I am on the other end of the spectrum in that I do not want to become an RN, because while the money is great, so is the responsibility, and I wasn't interested. But, if your heart guides you towards the RN course, take a few pre-requisite courses while you wait, keeping in mind that the grade should not be less than AT LEAST a B (preferably a B+). If you are having a hard time with a particular class and getting at least a B+ seems impossible, consider dropping the class and repeating it later. I had a friend that had a 3.7 GPA and still did not gain a seat in the RN program. She reapplied and got a seat the second time, thank goodness. Also, if possible, consider a private school if you want to become an RN. They are more supportive, and the waiting lists may be shorter. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Peds, LDRP.
You know your situation, and what you can handle. Many people are discouraged from starting the RN programs because the waiting lists may be long. If you are patient, you can take your pre-requisites during this wait, one or two classes at a time. Also, most nursing programs, may it be LPN or RN are very competitive, and you really need a high GPA to enter...this is why I say that if you choose an RN program that has a waiting list, taking one or two classes may ensure that you have a high grade to compete with the other potential candidates. You may take the state boards for LPN while in the latter part of the RN program if you wish and work for the experience.

I am on the other end of the spectrum in that I do not want to become an RN, because while the money is great, so is the responsibility, and I wasn't interested. But, if your heart guides you towards the RN course, take a few pre-requisite courses while you wait, keeping in mind that the grade should not be less than AT LEAST a B (preferably a B+). If you are having a hard time with a particular class and getting at least a B+ seems impossible, consider dropping the class and repeating it later. I had a friend that had a 3.7 GPA and still did not gain a seat in the RN program. She reapplied and got a seat the second time, thank goodness. Also, if possible, consider a private school if you want to become an RN. They are more supportive, and the waiting lists may be shorter. Good luck!

I would also like to add, if anyone is a returning student and their GPA leaves something to be desired, I would say go for your LPN and then bridge over. Im my case, I slacked off when I went to college straight out of high school(I wasnt ready and couldnt focus)...so my GPA was really bad. When I finally got my act together a few years ago and decided to go back to school, it took me a long time just to get my gpa to the minimum 2.5. Well for the RN Generic program, no way would that cut it. When I tested for the NET (Nursing Entrance Test)...I scored in the 99th percentile. I didnt have a problem getting into LPN school bc it wasnt college credit, it was a certificate so they didnt look at my college gpa (it was a vocational/technical school). I hate that GPA weighs so heavily for the RN program bc many are returning students...I think they should use the gpa of pre reqs only. In the LPN program, I made staight A's and graduated top of my class...not bad for someone whose gpa was garbage (lol). When I applied to the LPN to RN bridge program, I got in the first time with a 2.5 gpa.....mainly bc I had a high NET score, all pre reqs done, and good grades in LPN school I think. I start the program in January and cant wait. To anyone trying to get into LPN and/or RN school, dont give up if u dont have perfect grades, there is more than one way to reach your ultimate goal.

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I was an LVN first for 12 years. I went back to school for my RN when my youngest was 4. I learned to study to beauty and the beast. Congrats on your new baby. I think you should go for your RN but take a program that allows you to take the LVN exam after you complete so much of the program. That way you can have you LVN just in case something happens and you can't finish...

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Specializes in ER, GI.

Girl, Go for ur RN! i just graduated LVN school and it is such a pain in the booty all the hoops u have to jump thru to get into the RN program, i wish i would've just done RN straight thru and i'd only have a year left.

i have 2 kids also and have stayed home for about 7 years now thanks to my husband making good money. However, (i don't know what ur hubby does) nursing is the most job security you will ever have. So i definetelly want my RN because if anything should ever happen to him, like an accident or lay-offs, as an RN i can support the family during that time!

So yes - get ur RN DEFINETELLY

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

Get your RN and don't think twice about it. You will have much more opportunity, job security. Just do it. Just my opinion.

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