soladylike1

Will having LPN experience get you a higher pay rate when you become an RN or do you get treated like a new RN grad without any previous nursing experience?

I agree with Justiceforjoy try job shadowing each field first. I guess it also depends on you and the area you live in. I live in AL right on Ga state line. LPN programs are generally 12 mos long. The RN programs and Rad Tech programs are 22-24 mos long. There are no more accredited 1 yr Rad programs in our area they are all 2 years like Rn programs. In AL and GA Rad techs do not make more than Rns. Some Rad Tech make less than some LPNs working in LTC. I chose LPN first due to being wait listed for an RN program. My friend graduated last May 2008 in Radiologic Technology and has still not found employement in her field. Nurses especially RN's have more job oppurtunities period! Nurses are employed in hospitals, clinics, health departments, home health, nursing/rehab homes, dentist offices, schools etc. (you name it)! Rad techs dont have that versitility, the are employed mainly in hospitals and diagnostic centers and on rare occassions at a Dr.'s office. If you do receive additional (Rad) education in CT or MRI thats usually only when you'll see pay that is compatible to an RN's (atleast in my area). Contact your local hospital for shadowing opportunities to explore each career field. Both are rewarding in their own way. It will be your personal preference of course. Good luck!

Does anyone have any advice on websites or tips that I can use to be successful in pharmacology? Any information provided is greatly appreciated....Thanks!

I am not a nurse yet, so I inquired to my college's Exposure Control Officer. She advised me that you can not be discriminated against due to your conditions. However, you must be able to meet the acceptable performance standards and medical evidence that your condition is not at threat to yourself and others. Also depending on your state, you may be required to disclose your medical condition. In our state a person in health care must disclose a diagnoses of any communicable and or life threatening- illneses within 30 days. There are many healthcare workers who have tested positive for Hepatitis B and many whom have contracted it through the healthcare setting. Good luck to you!

Thank you all for your comments. I feel much more confident about my decision of pursing an LPN education first. I just had orientation and my first class starts this week. I know that I will be a much better RN when I later further my education. I wish I would have done this a few years ago!

Yes CVCC did lose their nursing accreditation from the NLNAC. Most students are going to complete the program. The school advised us that they have met and discussed this matter with local employers whom have confirmed that it will not be a problem. However, many other nurses on this site have stated that it can pose potential problems if you want to further you nursing education. Also some hospital groups may not hire you if you did not graduate from an accredited nursing program. Fortunately if and when CVCC regains there accreditation things will be fine again. The school has stated that it has corrected the issues that caused them to lose the accreditation and can not be re-evaluated for accreditation again for another 2 or more years.

I am so tired of people downing me for going the LPN route first instead of straight to RN. What is wrong with being an LPN first? What is the big deal? I had an old instructor say to me, "you're too smart for that; you should have just went straight through to be an RN, your wasting time". I can't take another negative comment!!! How can anyone say that Im wasting time when I'll be an LPN within the next year. I was wait listed for the RN program. I'd be wasting my time if I continue to WAIT on the list doing nothing. What's wrong with people's view of the LPN role!!!

Yes, Sweetgeorgianurse I am referring to CVCC.

The school will not have the opportunity to regain their accreditation for 2 or more years. The school stated that their LPN program has never been NLNAC accredited. They have had the LPN program for over 25 years. The faculty were upfront to say that this lost should only affect RN students if at all. I have just been very hesitant about proceeding with the program acceptance. I would think if a program was lacking in important standards that it would not be state approved or it would affect licensening. But they insists it has not affected those areas.

Thanks Commuter, I feel more comfortable with accepting the LPN slot at this school. I was so afraid of not being hired in the future on that basis alone. Do you think it may affect RN students more?

I have been accepted to a school that just recently lost it's NLNAC accreditation for it's Associate's Degree RN program. I was accepted into the school's LPN program. The school has explained that the this accreditation lost will not affect the LPN program because their LPN program has never been NLNAC accredited only state approved. I will be able to sit for boards. The schools insists to RN students that it really isn't as big of a deal as the media has suggested. However, I've been doing some research and I noticed that in many areas most RN positions require graduating from an accredited school. I have noticed a few LPN positons with that requirement also. Does that accreditation mean more than the college wants to admit to? What might this mean after I graduate even if I get licensed? I don't want to waste time working towards a LPN certification and it becomes useless. Does anyone have any input they can share please?

Sorry Ancy1 I should have mentioned I am not a nurse yet; so I dont have any special tips that might help you impress your DON. However, I know that you will be nervous but try to be confident! Make sure that you are very attentive (takes notes if possible) and show your willingness to learn. These characteristics helps with any job! Trust yourself, you got this. GOOD LUCK!

I can understand your frustration but try not to be discouraged. Go ahead and continue to look to for work as an LPN, don't give up! You did not go to college to become a LPN to not use the license . Theres nothing wrong with you going back for RN, but that does not mean you can't work as a LPN. The great thing about nursing is the opportunites for flexibility.So you can do both work and school. I have a cousin that lives in Albany, NY and it took her a while (4 months) to find work last year after she graduated for LPN. Stay encouraged!

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I was recently accepted to a Lpn program about 30 miles from where I live. I accepted this route only because I have been wait listed for a local Rn program and I'm tired of waiting. However, I have noticed that the job market for Rns & Lpns in my 50 mile radius has declined drastically. On the other hand, I have seen atleast 30-40 job openings for medical assistants in my local area alone. I know that a medical assistant is not a nurse, but it appears they're the ones getting jobs. In my area the pay difference between a medical assistant and a Lpn is only $2 on average. I'm really considering possibly becoming a medical assistant to have income while I play the wait game for the Rn program. Would that be a mistake? Should I just enroll in the Lpn program and hope for the best? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!