poll for all nurses/students?

Hi Cheryl,

I'm 37 and starting with my pre req's this Fall. I am going straight for my RN. The difference for RN at my college is a little bit different classes and a semester.

Jen

I think given the amount of time, tuition, and effort, the RN is the better choice if you want to make more money. At my hospital we have very experienced LPN's who top out at $18-$22 for working just as hard, while the RN that works with them gets $25-$44.

I have to go with Anjann on this one...but the choice is up to you. LVN gets you out into the workforce quicker but making less, while RN takes a little longer but the payoffs are immediate when it comes to higher wages and better earning potential. RN.

vamedic4;)

definitely RN

I vote for RN. The LPN programs around here are three semesters long, and it takes another four semesters to bridge to the RN. You could have a BSN in that time and for less cost! I'd go straight for the RN unless you absolutely need to get into the workforce ASAP.

Well, I am 40 and chose the LPN route because I need the work/educational experience before I tackle the R.N. phase of nursing. I have stayed home, caring for my family so it has been a long time! I have some pre-reqs done but chose this route anyway because I know that the things I am learning as an LPN will go a long ways in R.N. school and if I need to work during I will be able to do that. It is sorta the same for me when I decided to take the CNA class before attempting the LPN class...it gave me the basics to understand the profession and to determine if I really wanted to go into the profession at all. While the rest of the students in the LPN classes are learning the CNA part of the job, I will be able to get a slight breather and be able to jump ahead on the LPN part. Yes, it is extra schooling but there is nothing wrong with refreshers to help you really get the info down. I also chose the LPN class first because it is easier on my pocket book and I am hoping that I can get some financial assistant from where I work towards getting my R.N.

RNs around here generally start out at $5 to $7 more per hour than new grad LPNs. LPNs have limited opportunities in hospitals here but a wide variety of jobs in long term care.

Go for the RN if you can.

Well, I thought I would add my 2 cents here!

I am a new grad LPN who just passed NCLEX 2 weeks ago. I just was offered a job at a facility for MR/DD adults, The starting pay is 17.54 an hour. I plan on going back into a bridge program in the fall. The reason I did this is I really wanted to be able to make a bit more money while going on to the Bridge program. Plus, my new job has tution assistance which is an added bonus for me!'

So I personally went the LPN route first, you have to do what is right for you! either way Good Luck!

BTW I am 26 years old

Aim for the sky not the tree. If possible dont limit your chances RNs have more opportunities than LPNs.

Definately the RN. I went to a college that did the LPN to RN program, and graduated with my LPN but went straight back into school for only two more semesters and graduated with my RN, and I am so glad I did. Some of my classmates stopped after getting their LPN and started working, intending to take one year off and go back, but unfortunately none of them were able to get back into school this year...sometimes life gets in the way. I thought about taking a year off and starting work as an LPN, because I was so worn out from school and family responsibilites. I am so glad now that I didn't. I make $7 an hour more as a new-grad RN than my classmates (who work at the same hospital) as LPN's with one year experience. So if at all possible, I would recommend you go for the RN...more pay and more opportunities. Good luck!