Next Step After LPN Graduation

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Specializes in aspiring nurse anesthesia.

So, I'm in desperate need of some suggestions, advice, and opinions about where I should go with my next step in my nursing career. I'm 21 years old, lived in Virginia my whole life, and still live at home with my parents. I go to Germanna Community College and I'm in the LPN program; I graduate May 14, 2014. With graduation coming up soon, I'm really trying to figure out what I am going to do after I graduate. I originally wanted to go straight into the RN program at my school but, I didn't score high enough on the math section of the TEAS exam. So, now I have a few different options. My parents are fully supporting me financially with wherever I want to go to school. I don't want to just to go to work as an LPN and be stuck and not end up going back to school. So, I could either stay at my community college and do the LPN-to-RN bridge program, apply to universities to get a BSN, or something else I find out about I guess. My problem is that I'm not sure what universities would be best for nursing and I'm not sure what the best way financially and timely would be. Any suggestions? They would greatly be appreciated :)

- Brooke

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I would get a job for the experience. I've worked as a LPN for almost three years in a SNF, LTC, and providers offices. I just started a bridge program and can tell you that clinically I am leaps and bounds ahead of the traditional RN students, the book stuff I'm still trying to catch up and remember :). But nothing beats being able to hit the floor running during clinical. You will learn more because you have more time (assessments, skills you'll be quick with) and you will be able to possibly impress future employers.

This is the route I went and I would not change it for anything.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

I'm going to differ with the previous poster to some extent. I think your first priority should be to continue your education. You are very fortunate to have the financial support of your parents and not yet have family obligations of your own right now.

If you know you want a nursing career, being a bit more efficient in clinical tasks in the very beginning really can't compare with the advantages and number of options to work in the areas you are enthusiastic about, (aka your "dream job".) that an RN, preferably a BSN, will give you. That is the most practical approach, leaving aside the whole argument about other personal and professional qualities the BSN is said to impart.

Exactly which program is best for you I can't say because there are so many now! Your personality and learning style are suited to some types of education and not others. I would strongly recommmend reading on this site on our nursing student, LPN to BSN bridges, and many forums dedicated to specific schools as a launching point. Best wishes!

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

Former LPN here! Congrats on your upcoming graduation! Can you retake a math class to get your score up and retest before the start of the RN program?

You are still young! My advice? Get that RN! Keep going, don't stop! Work part time while you are in school and get some LPN experience. With your parents supporting you, I'd do as much as you can at a local community college before you go to the university. Work and fund your education, don't get stuck with 20K-30K loans! I made it through LPN school with no loans, but did get loans for my BSN. You can do that going to a community college, until you are ready to start a BSN program....and even then, if you take the majority of prereq's, or even clep out, you are on a good path for having little to no need to take out loans. Don't start your life in debt, unless you have to!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
First of all, congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

I'm going to differ with the previous poster to some extent. I think your first priority should be to continue your education. You are very fortunate to have the financial support of your parents and not yet have family obligations of your own right now.

If you know you want a nursing career, being a bit more efficient in clinical tasks in the very beginning really can't compare with the advantages and number of options to work in the areas you are enthusiastic about, (aka your "dream job".) that an RN, preferably a BSN, will give you. That is the most practical approach, leaving aside the whole argument about other personal and professional qualities the BSN is said to impart.

Exactly which program is best for you I can't say because there are so many now! Your personality and learning style are suited to some types of education and not others. I would strongly recommmend reading on this site on our nursing student, LPN to BSN bridges, and many forums dedicated to specific schools as a launching point. Best wishes!

To add|you can start your career as a LPN, and continue on for your BSN; do you plan to stay in the area? If so,

then research your area or any area you plan to work and study in; I'm more inclined to start with the brick and mortar schools; see if your state BON has information of pass/retention rates, find out which schools requirements are...and go from there.

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