Please, someone give me some clarity..The BSN route is looking a lot more fulfilling

steffimiesha, ADN, RN · Aug 16, 2015

I think if you have the time go the Bsn route!

Beautiful_Soul · Aug 16, 2015

And what makes you say that?

Collor · Aug 16, 2015

If you know you want a BSN, then just do it! It is not like you need to be an LPN before becoming an RN, so it seems to me you could be wasting time and money when you already know what you want.

mrsboots87 · Aug 16, 2015

You have stated multiple times that you could just be getting your BSN. So then why don't you? It sounds like you already made up your mind but are looking for validation. You don't need it. If you ultimately want to be a BSN RN then go for it.

But two things stuck out to me. Just because the classes you have in the LPN course are named similar to the BSN core program, doesnt meant you are taking the same class. Since RN has a different scope, the theory of the class will be different. Also, in the BSN course, you will get a lot more theory, but you have more time to complete it so there is less class time. And no I am not saying LPN gets less theory or less education because they definitely get a lot crammed into the program. But it will be a but different.

Second, if you stick out the LPN program and become and LPN, why take out more loans? Just pay for the classes out of pocket. Most school have a payment plan they allow. Or look into grants and then cover the rest with your paycheck. But ultimately if you need loans then there is no shame is taking them as long as you are responisble and not going to some $50000 a year school on loans.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Aug 16, 2015

I agree with the PP. Yes, some of the classes are the same, but not all. There is a reason the RN program is a year longer than a LPN program. Scopes of practice are different. I'm not understanding what flexibility you are thinking you will get in a BSN program. You will have 2 years of prereqs before getting accepted into a program.

Are you taking out Federal Student loans or personal? What kind of school are you currently going to? It kind of sounds like a commercial school. At my community college, the LPN program does not go 5 days a week. If this is a for profit commercial school, your credits will not transfer and you will have to start from scratch.

Beautiful_Soul · Aug 16, 2015

I agree with the PP. Yes, some of the classes are the same, but not all. There is a reason the RN program is a year longer than a LPN program. Scopes of practice are different. I'm not understanding what flexibility you are thinking you will get in a BSN program. You will have 2 years of prereqs before getting accepted into a program.
Are you taking out Federal Student loans or personal? What kind of school are you currently going to? It kind of sounds like a commercial school. At my community college, the LPN program does not go 5 days a week. If this is a for profit commercial school, your credits will not transfer and you will have to start from scratch.

Yes I mean flexibility as far as for my personal life and allow me to have time to actually LEARN the material instead of teaching it one day and having an exam on it 3 days later. Also I called my local University and some of the credits from my LPN school will transfer there.

DafluckRN · Aug 16, 2015

I'll say what others have said - it sounds like you ultimately really want to be an RN, and you want your BSN. So do it! But you will have to improve on your writing and grammar skills, as BSN programs involve a lot of writing.

margin261 · Aug 16, 2015

A few more things to take into consideration when making your decision- you haven't said how long your LPN program is, but I'm going to guess it's a lot shorter than the BSN program. You could finish it & work as a nurse, making decent money & getting invaluable experience while getting your BSN.

Another thing- you may never feel like you are really "learning" the material... I was an LPN for 14 years & did a LPN to RN (ASN) program. While you're in school- either program- it's coming at you fast & furious and you feel like you're not retaining anything! But you do, and you get through it by studying ALL THE TIME!! I would imagine a BSN program isn't much different after listening to co-workers talk about it. There isn't much time for a social life or family time.

Just wanted to give you a few more things to consider...

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2015

Ultimately you will need to decide what you want to do (short-term and long-term goals) and do it.

Some thoughts to consider, though, in making that decision: The courses you will take in the BSN program are not the same courses as you would take in the LPN program. May have similar names....but are not the same courses, I assure you.

At the end of your LPN program, you will not have a college degree, Associates or Bachelors. You will need to take a considerable number of additional courses (general education courses required of anyone in a degree-seeking program) prior to graduation from the BSN program. You might need a good number of courses prior to being admitted to the BSN program as well....perhaps you have some of them done? Undoubtedly, there will be quite a lot more (the courses that give a Bachelor degree that designation, and are not in any LPN program).

Decide how much time you wish to be in school, where you wish to work, how much time you can devote NOT just to the nursing coursework but to the history, English, etc coursework that you will be obligated to complete in a BSN program. Once you have a good grip on what it is you NEED and WANT, you will will then know what you need to do :)

Good luck to you.