Questions, questions ..

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Okay. I seriously looked around for an answer to this on the boards BEFORE I decided to make a thread, haha! That way, there would be no caused aggrivation, heh. I might just flare a fire I don't want to .. heh.

Two questions: What does all this abbreviation mean when y'all refer to ADN, LVN .. things like that. I have several, several bookmarks to pages that deal with abbreviations but, they don't state abbreviations for JOB titles, heh. I know what a CNA, LPN and RN is. Haha! But that's it. Somebody help me. Anyone have a link to a site that'll explain this for me? Or can someone jot down their knowledge of the matter and gimme the extended meanings of these positions so I know what they mean/are. :)

Secondly, I just read on some thread that the average age of the RN if 46 (I think that's what it said). Uh .. I'm so only 20. :o When I finish school and graduate with my RN probably within the next four years .. will uhm, I not be able to be an RN until I'm 40-something? Or does the RN position become available to you as you gain the experience. I would hope to God it doesn't take me 20 years to acquire the RN title. =/

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Specializes in Neuro Critical Care.

ADN=Associate Degree Nurse

LVN= Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN=Licensed Practical Nurse)

You can work as a nurse as soon as you have a license. That report may have been referring to the aging population of current owkring nurses, that is why there is concern for a growing nursing shortage. These 46+ aged nurses will be looking to retire which will leave a lot of vacancies.

Go forth and nurse!

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Yeah, the only thing that means is that there are a lot of older nurses compared to younger ones...

Amanda :)

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You can find out what acronyms stand for by clicking on the 'glossary' button at the top right of your screen.

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ADN is Associate Degree in Nursing (as opposed to a diploma in nursing or a BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

All of the above = RN

LVN is Licensed Vocational nurse = same thing as LPN

2nd - There is no age requirement in nursing. I have been an RN since I was 20. The average age of RNs is up there because:

1 - more people opting for nursing as a 2nd career

2 - not many younger people choosing nursing as a career

3 - population of experienced nurses is aging

You become an RN by gaining the proper education (ADN, diploma, or BSN) and by passing the national licensure exam for registered nurses - the NCLEX-RN.

Hope that clears it up for you.

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Dang I love you people! :p Thanks for the input and setting me straight.

Only other thing .. if I'm signing up on the waiting list for my school "Nursing Program" as they call it .. that'll give me what? All I know is they told me that once I finish with the program, I will be eligible to take the test to be an LPN or an RN .. so no matter how you get it .. if you're an RN .. you're an RN, right?

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Specializes in Neuro Critical Care.

In order to be an RN you need to pass the NCLEX exam. The LVN test is different (not sure of the name). You can pass the NCLEX with either an associate or bachelors degree. You cannot become a RN by taking the LVN exam (obviously). :)

Find out if your nursing program is an ADN program (RN) or LVN program.

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The LPN/LVN exam for graduates of a non-degreed accredited vocational/practical nursing program is called the NCLEX-PN.

In many ADN/BSN programs, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN and obtain licensure as an LPN/LVN after successfully completing only a portion of their degree, such as completing one year of a two year or four year RN program.

According to my state's BON, an LPN/LVN is considered a technical nurse. An RN (diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN) is considered a professional nurse. Nurse practitoners and nurse anesthetists are advanced practice nurses, but they are still RNs.

I believe you must be at least 18 years of age, be a graduate of an accredited/approved nursing program, and pass the criminal background check to be eligible to sit for nursing lecensure boards, be it LPN/LVN or RN.

Good luck to you, coffeejavule. I'm enjoying your posts.

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Specializes in OB.

Only other thing .. if I'm signing up on the waiting list for my school "Nursing Program" as they call it .. that'll give me what? All I know is they told me that once I finish with the program, I will be eligible to take the test to be an LPN or an RN .. so no matter how you get it .. if you're an RN .. you're an RN, right?

I am in an ADN program that allows you to take your LPN exam (if you choose too) after completion of your 3rd semester and take the NCLEX after completion of your 4th semester. This may be what they are talking about, but I would contact the school so you know for sure.

Good Luck!

Molly

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Good deal! I went to my school and talked with them today and they laid it all out for me, heh. Their Nursing Program is an ADN. After I complete this I can sign up to take the NCLEX-RN. Or, if I wanted to get my LPN first and work as an LPN (don't see why I'd do that .. might as well go all the way, right?) .. I could stop at a certain point and take the NCLEX-PN and become an LPN. I have 5 divisions to go through (or terms). Once I complete the 1st and 2nd divisions (terms) I am allowed to test for the LPN .. if I complete terms 3, 4 and 5 .. I can test for the RN.

Hellllllo Nurse, I am glad you are enjoying my posts. :) I feel many others are too, ha! Though tonight I'm a bit fiesty. We're surrounded by idgets and I dunno what we can do! :chuckle

Thanks to everyone for their input and advice. Love y'all ..

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