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!
I was where you are. Here is what I did. LVN/LPN school was closer to my home and saved an hour commute each way. Money was a big factor I graduated in May 07 started working and doing Excelsior ADN program my hospital is reimbusing tuition if I agree to stay for 2 years after I get my RN. Cost of Excelsior for me was about 6000.00 for everything pay as you go. All of my "classwork" is complete now and I am on a waiting list to take the Clinical Final (the wait is about 6-9 months) I should be and RN by October of 08. Getting a paycheck ($17. pr hr plus differential) medical dental and pto time for the last 1yr and 4months helped me personally. DO consider job availibilty in your area my hospital would have hired an RN over me but none applied (small hospital). I am in Texas some hospitals are phasing out LVNs but there are plenty of jobs everyone in my class had a job shortly after gradutation. I had 3 to choose from. DO apply to both! Always keep your options open. Traci
I have always planned to be an RN, but I intentionally went for my LPN first. I'm very glad I did. My education has cost about half as much as if I had gone straight to BSN since it is from a community college, and I have gained real nursing experience while I am in school for RN. Even though I am not currently in a specialty where I hope to make a career, I really appreciate the experience I am getting now and I believe the skills I have already acquired will help me later as a new RN.
As it turned out, unforeseen personal events forced me out of school as I started for my RN. I will go back to school in the fall to try again. Even so, I have a good job working as a nurse now. Had I aimed for BSN right away and then found myself unable to continue school after the first year, I would be back at square one, right where I started. Going for LPN allows a back-up plan in case something gets in the way of a continual 4-year education.
TraciRN
159 Posts
I was where you are. Here is what I did. LVN/LPN school was closer to my home and saved an hour commute each way. Money was a big factor I graduated in May 07 started working and doing Excelsior ADN program my hospital is reimbusing tuition if I agree to stay for 2 years after I get my RN. Cost of Excelsior for me was about 6000.00 for everything pay as you go. All of my "classwork" is complete now and I am on a waiting list to take the Clinical Final (the wait is about 6-9 months) I should be and RN by October of 08. Getting a paycheck ($17. pr hr plus differential) medical dental and pto time for the last 1yr and 4months helped me personally. DO consider job availibilty in your area my hospital would have hired an RN over me but none applied (small hospital). I am in Texas some hospitals are phasing out LVNs but there are plenty of jobs everyone in my class had a job shortly after gradutation. I had 3 to choose from. DO apply to both! Always keep your options open. Traci