Please i need some advice. Should i become an LPNor Go straight thru RN

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Nov 3, 2013

Either route that you take is good and they both have their pros and cons.

The pros about doing lpn first is... you are able to work, make decent money (depending where you live), not too competitive to get into, not too many waiting lists, gain experience, you could do lpn-rn online (depending where you live) and ive heard many people say that rn school was much easier going this route. The con is that it will be extra money if you go back for your rn.

The pros about going straight for rn is saving time and money and boom, you dont have to go back to school if you get your bsn. The cons are the entrance tests requirements to get in, waiting lists to get in, more competitive to get into, AND the process could take awhile because you will need prereqs.

Out weigh your pros and cons for either route, do what is best for you and dont let anyone tell you otherwise and good luck.

Oh and btw, I would check the job market for lpns in your area because they are different in every state.

carinac89 · Nov 3, 2013

Thank You for taking you time and answering my question. I greatly appreciate this. I have done soo much research. I will do my best i am not getting any younger.

God bless

mluvsgnc · Nov 3, 2013

I would encourage going straight to BSN, especially if you want to work in a hospital. I'm in WA state, and most hospitals here want to have the majority of nurses be BSN by 2020. It is rare to get hired by a hospital as an LPN. I am an LPN, working in home health (or PDN- private duty nursing- as some people refer to it) and completing my RN in spring 2014. I'm worried that "just being an RN" isn't going to be enough, but don't necessarily want to go back to school (I'm 44). Most of my cohort are going on to BSN. You will get better pay with the more education you have. You are still young, despite how you feel, so research the job market where you live, be aware of the pros and cons, and make the bet decision you can.

carinac89 · Nov 4, 2013

O my thank you thank you soo much for everyones answers. I greatly appreciate this. I wish you the best of luck in school and in your future. I will keep everyones advice. Im afraid i might just not be smart enough i am hoping for the best. I know theres alot of waiting lists and thats something i dont want, to be in a waititng list. How does that actually work if i may ask.

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Nov 4, 2013

O my thank you thank you soo much for everyones answers. I greatly appreciate this. I wish you the best of luck in school and in your future. I will keep everyones advice. Im afraid i might just not be smart enough i am hoping for the best. I know theres alot of waiting lists and thats something i dont want to be in a waititng list. How does that actually work if i may ask.[/quote']
As far as waiting lists? It all depends because some schools could have a 2 yr waiting list, 5 yr waiting list, etc. Just check with the programs that you are interested in.

jayni87 · Nov 4, 2013

Every situation is different, but speaking as an LPN, I wish I had been able to go straight through to BSN and get it over with. My husband was military though, so I only had time to do an accelerated LPN program. I'm looking to go back to get my BSN now that he's out of the military and we're settled.

But as I said, every situation is different. There are definite pros and cons to each. If you want to work at a hospital as an LPN before continuing on though, remember that most hospitals (esp in big cities), do not hire LPN's any more. Your job while getting your BSN would be limited to home health, LTC, or rehabilitation. :) Just a few things to keep in mind while making your decision.

Good luck to you!

carinac89 · Nov 7, 2013

Thank You for the response

I was thinking if i finish LPN maybe i can start working at a Nursing home and not be put on a waiting list then continue for my Bachelors and save money.

Tgank you again