Not Sure If I should Go The LVN-BSN Route

prncaffinated · Jul 23, 2015

Sorry mods I'm new here and didn't realize that there is an LPN/LVN Student Corner!

derekgill18 · Jul 30, 2015

I went to LPN school in Southern WV. I don't know the exact cost, but I would estimate somewhere around the $4000 mark, especially when you put into account buying books, supplies (stethoscope, clinical uniforms, etc), and testing expenses (NCLEX review, Kaplan Nursing). I was actually in college before I went to LPN school, so all of my student loans are thrown together. Let's just say I am going to be repaying for a while :)

Not sure about credits transferring. I am looking into starting the LPN to RN program at the college I was attending before LPN school, mostly because I have taken the prerequisites required. However, even if I needed the prereqs, it would have been just an extra semester or two.

The school I am going to for my RN looks at GPA throughout LPN school. Not sure about the credits, but I meet with the administrator in a few weeks. Will find out more then hopefully.

PS: LPNs get a HUGE amount of experience working, whether in long-term care or in acute care. Also, LPN to RN schools are *generally* quicker to get accepted into than doing straight RN, which a huge amount of people do. It would certainly be worthwhile to do the LPN route, but that is my opinion.

Good luck!

-The Bookworm Nurse

CaffeinePOQ4HPRN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jul 30, 2015

Do the BSN! I am a registered practical nurse, I graduated from a 2-year college program and, in terms of career flexibility as a pratical nurse, well... there is NONE! It was a huge waste of time!!! You will spend your days weary of threats of physcial violence, rolling fatties, changing adult diapers and pushing pills.

The only facilities that will hire practical nurses, especially in this competitive/harsh economy, are LTC and nursing homes. If you decide to go the practical nurse route all I have to say is this: be damn sure you love geriatrics and "old people" are not cute and cuddly like nostalgic memories of nana. Keep in mind all geriatric patients will have some form of dementia which makes them verbally and physically abusive, require almost total physical care (bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing), and will be incontinent of feces and urine. The nurse-to-patient ratios in these facilities is always completely intolerable, unsafe and irrational. This will be your work experience as a licensed nurse and you will be limited to the gerontology arena only.

If you want options, get the BSN and be done with it. I say this because I want to save you from the same fate I am in. Also, most academic intuitions will not give you credit for your practical nursing education/courses; and thus, making your path to becoming and RN-BSN almost the same length as if you had just done the 4-year baccalaureate. Just do the degree and save yourself a world of headaches and avoid career limitations.

Strivin2BgreatNurse, BSN · Aug 23, 2015

Do the BSN! I am a registered practical nurse, I graduated from a 2-year college program and, in terms of career flexibility as a pratical nurse, well... there is NONE! It was a huge waste of time!!! You will spend your days weary of threats of physcial violence, rolling fatties, changing adult diapers and pushing pills.
The only facilities that will hire practical nurses, especially in this competitive/harsh economy, are LTC and nursing homes. If you decide to go the practical nurse route all I have to say is this: be damn sure you love geriatrics and "old people" are not cute and cuddly like nostalgic memories of nana. Keep in mind all geriatric patients will have some form of dementia which makes them verbally and physically abusive, require almost total physical care (bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing), and will be incontinent of feces and urine. The nurse-to-patient ratios in these facilities is always completely intolerable, unsafe and irrational. This will be your work experience as a licensed nurse and you will be limited to the gerontology arena only.
If you want options, get the BSN and be done with it. I say this because I want to save you from the same fate I am in. Also, most academic intuitions will not give you credit for your practical nursing education/courses; and thus, making your path to becoming and RN-BSN almost the same length as if you had just done the 4-year baccalaureate. Just do the degree and save yourself a world of headaches and avoid career limitations.

I have to disagree with this post. I think it's just something some LPN/LVNs go through. I've been working in acute care for 3 years right out of school, a very busy cardiac floor. I've gained a great insight to what deathly ill patients look like. I've never been a LTC person, because I don't like the treatment some of those residents receive(based on facility). I'm currently in my 3 semester of a BSN program and owe it to my work experience to why I'm doing so well in class(I still work full time). So I say if YOU want to get your LPN first, go for it! Depending on the state and area you live, you may be able to get some great experience working as an LPN. I know I'm happy I did the practical nursing program first, No Regrets!!