Opinions Needed: Straight to RN or LPN first?

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Im currently taking my Pre-Reqs to become an RN, and question has recently come up. I have two options of how to approach this:

Option A: By the time im done with my Pre-Reqs I will have 1.5 years remaining in the Air Force. So, if a waitlist is 2 years long, there are really only a few months to wait with no job (I could find something part time), and no school. Then i'll go back to school from 2 years to get my RN. Essentially ill be out of work for about 2 to 2.5 years.

Or...

Option B: Right when I get out, I start a LPN program (12 months). After becoming an LPN (earning money at this point), complete an LPN-RN online or at a local college. This way I would have my RN in about 3 years, but ill be making at least some money after my LPN.

Money is somewhat of a factor for me, so from that aspect its an easy choice.

My main concerns are 1) are LPN jobs as abundant as RN jobs? And 2) has anyone taken this route and what is your opinion of it?

Thanks in advance for any responses. And if I need to clarify anything let me know. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

Personally, I would go for the RN right away. You will have more options in the long run and you are already in school mode. Good luck!

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Specializes in CCU,MICU,SICU,CTICU,Renal, Recovery.

DO the RN. Your hands are tied anymore as an LPN along with pay. Our facility is trying to phase out LPNs in the acute setting.. The push for all these magnet status hospitals is to be 100% BSN!!! I feel bad for some the LPNs that have 20years exp and are getting pushed around.. Plus if you do the LPN, then you have the option of slowing down and looking for excuses not to go back to school.. GOOD LUCK either way!!!

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Specializes in ER/SICU/Med-Surg/Ortho/Trauma/Flight.

I was an LPN first, before I became an RN, and there are jobs out there for LPN's, the thing is its what you want to focus on, RN school is more about theory and bookwork, and LPN school is more about patient care and contact, and I personally when Im looking to hire someone on my unit, If I had someone who is ADN who was an LPN or CNA first, and a new BSN I will most likely hire the ADN, sometimes I even hire LPN's in my units, its because generally they will do all the patient care work I ask of them, start an IV, pass a bedpan, theyll do it, I have gotten to many times from BSN's that there not here to pass a bedpan, or there better then that, but theyll write you a whole book of theory on the patient and there problem, well what I need is for the patient to be taken care of, not a book or paper about them.

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Specializes in LTC.

Our community college is set up where you have to be a CNA before you start LPN program and you have to be an LPN (boards passed) before you can enter RN program. I like this about our program but I don't necessarily think it is the best way to do it if you have the option to go straight for RN.

I know that some of the RN students work part time as LPNs while going to school but I don't know if they are working in their preferred field or if they are stuck somewhere that hires LPNs.

Good luck. I don't think I was much help but I hope it helps.

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

I would find out about how competitive the school is. In my area, taking the pre-requisites does not automatically guarentee a seat in the RN programs, the student has to also have a high GPA (at least 3.8 and above). Those that got C's did not get in. Our schools have about 40 seats and while they may say that an applicant must have at least a 2.5 GPA to apply, the real deal is that they take the first 40 HIGHEST GPAs. And, if they got a C, they were not allowed to repeat the course because they already passed...just not high enough to make it in the program. Sometimes, the curves went lower...once they had a person enter the RN program with a 3.4 GPA, but, that was because of the curve. Had she been in another semester where the curves were usually higher, she would not have gotten in. And, around here, a person may only apply for the RN program at that particular school twice. After that, if they were not accepted, they had to go and apply at another school.

Some schools go by lotteries, and other inventive things, at least from what I have been reading here. I just think I would investigate that first, before I put all of my eggs in one basket. What some people are now doing is getting their LPN, then, taking the pre-requisites for their RN, and then, applying for Excelsior's LPN to RN bridge program. This way, as long as they just PASS, even with a C, because they are LPNs, they can apply to Excelsior without dealing with the competitive GPAs.

Of course, if you are interested in becoming an RN, and have the ability to get into a program early in the game, then, go for it. You have to be happy with whatever decision you want. Just investigate your schools so that you are prepared to deal with whatever their requirements are to be in a good position.

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Where are you located? That would be my first question as some areas are phasing out the LPN jobs in hospitals and work is only found in LTC. Then it comes down to what you are interested in.

While you are in an RN program, you can still work at a hospital at least part-time and if you can get into a nurs extern program after you complete the first year with almost the same pay as you would get with going to school for the LPN.

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Specializes in Nursing Ed, Ob/GYN, AD, LTC, Rehab.

Apply to both regardless. You can always say no if you get into both at the same time. better to start as a LPN then waiting 2-3 years to get into RN school, or the RN school deciding not to take wait list students and bumping you, always have a back up plan and since doing a LPN to RN bridge might be faster then waiting for the straight RN. As well you will have NO problem finding employment as either.

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Specializes in OB, lactation.

Get as much education as you can.

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I dont think that motivation is really going to be my problem. I eventually want to possibly pursue a CRNA, so I would have to get the RN/BSN anyways.

I am currently in WA, and would most likely do my LPN (if I do it) here, and then im not sure when I want to end up. Most likely CA or CO, maybe NY or TN, or just stay in WA. Im very open right now ;)

Thanks for all the replies, although im still 100% confused on what to do :)

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Specializes in MPCU.

I did the lvn to bsn route. In retrospect I feel it was a mistake. Except for excelsior, most programs give little recognition for having a license. My BSN program had a bridge semester then moved you up two semesters, basically 3 semesters lvn school counted as one semester less in the BSN program. Another thought is that the first year after graduation in acute care is very challenging (and fun), you may end up wanting to focus more on improving your patient care skills than on academics. Doesn't the Air force have an excellent program for RN's?

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Doesn't the Air force have an excellent program for RN's?

True, and they are somewhat desperate right now. However its just not something that I want to pursue right now. When my time is up it will have been 6 years and I feel like I want to move on and do something else completely.

Coming back to the airforce is definitely an option though, but I want a little civilian time first.

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