Rn or LPN

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I'm scheduled to start the RN program in January but right now I am in a really uncomfortable situation so I'm thinking that I should just do the LPN program for now because I really need the money. I just want a professional opinion, Would this be a mistake?

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I'm scheduled to start the RN program in January but right now I am in a really uncomfortable situation so I'm thinking that I should just do the LPN program for now because I really need the money. I just want a professional opinion, Would this be a mistake?

I'm over half way through the ASN program at my school and I'm wishing I'd gone the LPN route. Not for a speedier entry back into the workforce, but for the extra education.

At my school the LPN's do 3 semesters and then come back and do a semester of transition before taking 2 RN semesters to finish.

When I finish, I'll have only done 4 semesters total. The LPN's I'm with now are learning exactly what I am but they have months and years of nursing experience that I don't have. I'm thinking I'd have learned a lot more if I'd done LPN and then came back to transition to RN. :(

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
I'm scheduled to start the RN program in January but right now I am in a really uncomfortable situation so I'm thinking that I should just do the LPN program for now because I really need the money. I just want a professional opinion, Would this be a mistake?

It would only be a mistake if you don't immediately quickly go for your RN. RNs enjoy much more job opportunities at a much higher rate of pay up to $8.00 hour more to start.

But if you need the money quick and need to get out of a bad situation, then no it is not a mistake because you have to prioritize things.

Take a look at the local market and see what the opportunities are for LPNs and go for it, the ultimate goal of getting your RN.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
I'm over half way through the ASN program at my school and I'm wishing I'd gone the LPN route. Not for a speedier entry back into the workforce, but for the extra education.

At my school the LPN's do 3 semesters and then come back and do a semester of transition before taking 2 RN semesters to finish.

When I finish, I'll have only done 4 semesters total. The LPN's I'm with now are learning exactly what I am but they have months and years of nursing experience that I don't have. I'm thinking I'd have learned a lot more if I'd done LPN and then came back to transition to RN. :(

No matter how long you go you're going to come out of school very green and feel ill prepared. One extra semester isn't going to do it. The transition is given to them probably for the LPNs who haven't been in school in many years.

Hundreds of thousands of us ADNs did it the way you did and we survived the real world and you can too. Don't be discouraged. We all have felt that way.

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No matter how long you go you're going to come out of school very green and feel ill prepared. One extra semester is going to do it. The transition is given to them probably for the LPNs who haven't been in school in many years.

Hundreds of thousands of us ADNs did it the way you did and we survived the real world and you can too. Don't be discouraged. We all have felt that way.

Thanks! Sometimes I feel like, "OMG, I've got one more semester and if they leave me on my own, people will DIE! I'm just counting on school having pounded the basics into my head and having a mentor at my first job who will really be there for me and all the questions I'll inevitibly ask.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.
Thanks! Sometimes I feel like, "OMG, I've got one more semester and if they leave me on my own, people will DIE!

Can I just say I feel the same way sometimes...lol...:p

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OP, find out if they could hold your spot for a year or two. Its worth a try to ask. I just would hate for you to do the LPN and not have the chance later if you want to do the RN. Can I have that seat? lol

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Get the RN while u can. It beats coming back for it later. I wish many a day that I had gotten mine 15 yrs ago.

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I definitely will go back and finish my RN especially because I already have all of my pre-reqs done. I do agree with you Jackson because when I was in A&P classes with LPNs they already knew most of what everyone else was learning so it felt like they had an advantage but like tweety said you will survive, I guess in the real world you get caught up with anything you misses and I've heard that when you start working thats when the real learning begins.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

At my job, there were LPNs who have worked there for 15-20 years and I went to work there as a new-grad RN making more than they do. They do the exact same work I do, with a very few exceptions. Most of them wish they had done RN (wont go back to school now because of stress of school), the rest are going back for RN. If I had a choice of LPN vs RN, I would fear that if I went for LPN, I would later procrastinate in going back for RN....maybe never having time to go back for it (working full time, schedules, etc). But at the same time, most hospitals pay for advancing education so once becoming LPN, you could go back to school on the hospital's scholarship (free education). Im glad I did RN for many reasons. I dont think I would have learned more by going for LPN first, because TRUE learning happens ON THE JOB. And once on the job, you are never alone and if unsure about something....ASK someone with experience. Coworkers are usually more than happy to help. If your goal is to be RN, then I would just do it now. If you want to be LPN, then go for it. Either one is rewarding (and stressful).

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I definitely will go back and finish my RN especially because I already have all of my pre-reqs done.
Although many LPNs swear they'll return to complete their RN, life often gets into the way. Marriage, children, bills, and other issues can prolong the dream and prevent it from becoming a reality.
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Specializes in SICU, Peds CVICU.

I don't know what your uncomfortable position is, and I don't want to step on your toes, but I worked through school, making $7.45/h (after I had been there for a year and got two "raises"). I lived with my fiance, but we split everything down the middle. I have loans to pay off now, and I didn't buy CDs or new clothes or go out drinking very often, but I made it. My parents, and my fiance are proud of me but I don't owe them anything except the emotional support I got through school. I really think (unless you have kids to support, I can't comment on that since I don't have any) anyone can make it through to a BSN. But it SUCKED to never have money or new things. :twocents:

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