Please help choose entry route LVN --> ADN or direct ADN.

[texancanadian]

Please help me make a decision here by weighing various factors. Also please let me know what you think. Im currently taking nursing pre-req's and I am doing reasonably well (GPA is currently 3.9 and so far have an A average in A&P 1). I am 26, married, no kids yet - currently work 2 days a week but dont need to, and have a hubby who is supportive and will help pay my way through nursing school without loans. Anyways, I have 2 choices.

1) Apply for direct entry ADN program in Fall 2006: The way the program is structured at the Community College here is that to have any chance of getting admitted you have to complete all the prereqs before applying since they grant you points on the prereqs you complete. So for fall admission the deadline is in March and classes you take in Spring 06 are not counted so all prereqs must be completed by Dec 05.

2) Apply for the LVN program in Spring 2006, Complete it by Dec 2006 pass the LVN boards in Spring 2007 and apply for the LVN---> RN transition program in Summer 2007.

Either way the earliest I will be able to complete my ADN would be at the end of Spring 2008 (April/May 2008). I have no interest in just getting an LVN, but it gives me a headstart and I hear its easier getting admission into an LVN --> RN transition than a direct entry ADN. Is a bird in hand better ? Will it make me look stupid completing all ADN prereqs and having a good GPA to apply for the LVN Program ? Do LVN's have a disadvantage over direct entry ADN's in the 2nd yr of ADN schools ? Any advice/Suggestions will be appreciated.

Please advise.

Thanks.

[stressgal, RN]

I am currently in an ADN program, with a friend who switched from the ADN to PN (practical nurse, as they are refered to in Ohio). I also have a husband who is able to support my "school habit", so I am not required to work. I will graduate June of 2006. My friend will graduate the end of Summer quarter (in 10 weeks). We started at the same time. She will find a job that will, more than likely, pay her way through the LPN-RN transition. The comunity college that I attend requires a certain number of hours worked as an LPN to apply to the transition program. I would check out the requirements at your school to assure you could go directly from one program to the other.

It is a hard decision to make, but you must decide what is best for you and the family. In this area there are more opportunities for RN's, but our state did recently pass an additional certification for LPN's to administer IV therapy. My friend will graduate with that certification so I imagine that will open up even more doors for her. And no, it will not make you look stupid for applying to the LVN course. And you will have a head start on the courses once you begin the transition, if that is how you decide to go.

Good luck!

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

Only you can make the decision as to what is the best route to take....I'm sure you know that.

As for myself, I am taking the ADN route

When I finish and start working as an RN, IF I can handle work and classes, I want it to be RN-BSN. :)

Good luck on your decision! :)