Need some help deciding on which route to take...

Mami.RN, MSN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

Hi, first of all, 28 is not old. I started working on my pre-reqs for 29 years old. I am now 30 about to apply for the nursing program. I also been a stay at home mom for 9 years years and I looked into finally getting my degree. I looked into LPN and I why go through a whole year if ultimately what I wanted to do was get my RN license.

The way I look at it is, instead of 4 years of RN, which it isnt anyways to start more like 4 1/2 to 5 but now you have to add a whole year of LPN. What did I do it for? Plus, kids and school is a hard enough combination and add work as an LPN to gain experience during school then I am pretty much sure it will be hell. Bless all women who do that. I have no idea how they can. I have my hands full already with my pre-reqs going to school full time and with my kids.

Ultimately it depends on you, if you need to work as an LPN then go for it. However, if you can continue being a stay at home and a full time student then go directly for your RN. Good luck in whatever decision you make.

jmlinou · Mar 24, 2015

I did the LPN so I could find a better job while attending tge RN Program. Because I did not want to spend one more year working at a fast food restaurant.

If you will have a good financial support for the 4 years you'll be attending RN school, I suggest you go straight for it. You will then waste less time, get straight to where you want to be. If that's not the case, then you should consider LPN first. You can work part time while continuing college, yet make decent money. Besides, RN school will be a little easier since you will already have some nursing knowledge and experience.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Mar 24, 2015

I got my LVN first because I wasn't sure if nursing was for me. Five years later I am. I'm glad I because an LVN first & not an RN. I was still very much immature & didn't keep a job for long. But now I can't wait to become an RN.

Red Kryptonite · Mar 24, 2015

I am going back to school after being a stay at home mom for the last 5 years. At 28 years old I'm feeling very OLD, I know Im not but I just can't believe its taken me till the age of 28 to pursue my dream! :)

After 14 years as a SAHM, I became a CNA, and am now in my 4th year of working. I'm currently in a similar LPN program to the one you describe, should finish in December. I decided to go this route because the only prereq for the program is being a CNA. I have a previous bachelor's degree, but no prereqs for the RN program completed. This way I can get started working as a nurse and earning more than an aide while I work on moving up.

I turn 40 next month.

You're not old.

Red Kryptonite · Mar 24, 2015

Duplicate thread

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

Duplicate thread

Thank you for pointing this out :)

The two duplicate threads have been merged into one single thread per our site's terms of service.

TXNursingStudnt · Mar 24, 2015

Go for your RN! It'll be worth it in the long run.

msbossb · Mar 24, 2015

I chose to take the LPN route first so I can work as a nurse and earn good money while going back for my bsn! I'll have some experience as a nurse so hopefully that will help me through the rn program. I'm 28 as well and life has got in the way of doing things fresh out of high school but I'm more mature now and can make better decisions. We are far from old. Good luck on whatever u decide, either way the end result is worth it! Keep us updated!

Sdongoske · Mar 24, 2015

Thank you for all your responses! :) Being an RN is my ultimate goal but I really think that I may go the LPN route first. Financially it would be a smarter choice... Living as a one income family is getting more difficult esp since we just became a family of four!

Cynders · Mar 24, 2015

I say go for your LPN since you already have met the pre-reqs & can use the extra income. However you get to your RN doesn't matter. As long as you get there.

Good luck on this new journey!

Angeljho, MSN, NP · Mar 24, 2015

Two semesters will breeze by fast. If you absolutely must become a nurse now because of life reasons then go for your LPN. But, if you are capable of going through the RN route, then just do it.