please help

sheri_u2 · Mar 31, 2005

I'm starting school this summer and I'm tring to make up my mind on if I just want to go to be a LPN or go for 2 years and be a RN. I know this might sound silly but can someone please tell me the difference in a LPN and a RN? Is there a big pay difference? I have two small children and would like to get through school as fast as I can but I want to make the right choice and do something that I will enjoy.

I also stressed over this situation and was taking pre reqs for both up until I made my decision to go for RN. From what I understand from working with them and talking to them, there is little difference in the job, however the pay for RN is $20-40 dollars an hour vs. $14-17 dollars an hour (please correct me if I'm wrong anyone out there!) LPN can be done in a year and you can actually go to work right away and bridge to RN later if you want. RN is a lot more time because it's a year of pre-reqs and then and additional 2 years, even for an ADN. Both programs are competitive to get in. The feedback from Nurses is 50-50. I met one who went 4 years to Emory and was so overwhelmed that looking back on it she wished she'd started with the LPN and moved along one degree at a time. Other nurses will say "don't waste your time with LPN, they're being phased out anyway." Just keep asking and eventually you'll figure out the better investment for you. I'm still not sure I made the right decision :stone

jamy · Mar 31, 2005

If you can afford the extra time go for your RN. I have worked with many LPN's who are wonderful and very knowledge in the field, however, your practice will be somewhat limited. You can only practice under an RN. You cannot chart any physical assessmentst and in some states you cannot start IV's. With an RN you have many more options for advancement and specialty fields. Maybe some LPN's could give you better advice. Good luck with your decision.

I'm starting school this summer and I'm tring to make up my mind on if I just want to go to be a LPN or go for 2 years and be a RN. I know this might sound silly but can someone please tell me the difference in a LPN and a RN? Is there a big pay difference? I have two small children and would like to get through school as fast as I can but I want to make the right choice and do something that I will enjoy.