Please Help! I Want To Be A Rn

[CNAKryss]

Hello to all nurses and the one becoming nurses. I desire to be a Labor and Delivery Nurse. I recently received my C.N.A. and I'm going back to school to become a LVN. A friend of mines tried to discourage me and told me I should go to a four-year college. I can't afford that and I already tried that. One I receive my LVN I was going to a two-year college where I can take the NCLEX-RN and then go to a college where I can receive my bachelors. I reside in Texas so I know some states things can be a little different. From the kindness of your hearts could you please give me information on what is best for me to do? The reason for me to get my LVN so I can support myself while I go back to school for my RN. Bless me with your thoughts, Thanks.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Going LVN to RN, then RN to BSN is a valid route for a lot of people. If that's what is available and affordable to you, then nothing wrong with that.

Of course the best route is to get it over with from the start, but if you can't do that, then sounds like you have a plan.

L&D nurses are almost always RNs, so good luck with that.

[CNAKryss]

Thank You! Yea, I kind of figure L&D nurses are not in high demand like others. I not for sure thats what I want to do but I'm sure once I get in the door I will find the perfect nurse to be. Thanks again

[Bird2]

I know many RN's that were LPN's first, including me. It was the right choice at the time for my family and our finances. I never regretted the decision.

[Karen]

Everyone has to start somewhere. Try to gain as much experience along the way as you can. I have a friend who started as an LPN and worked in a OB/GYN office and became a lamaze instructor, then got her RN, then BSN, worked in labor and delivery, got her master's and is now a Nurse Midwife. Sure it takes awhile but you are getting older everyday anyway!

[KannRN]

Are there RN programs in your area that are associate degree/or diploma programs? These are ususally a 2 year programs, which are just a little longer than a LVN/LPN programs and in the end, you'll be an RN with a much greater career opportunities. As far as money, if you find a RN program available, you should ask about financial aid. There are tons of programs and even hospital based programs that have tuition incentives that help you get the tuition paid. Its worth your time to investigate this a little. Your time is worth $$, and the money you can make as an RN vs a LPN is generally a big difference. Once you are an RN, you can make plans to complete your BSN, and again, there is a lot of financial help, tuition incentives and even employer paid tuition!

There is nothing wrong with your planned route, but for the time and money that you will invest in LVN training, you should investigate the alternatives before committing. Good Luck!