RN or LPN?

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I know this question has probably been asked a thousand times but..

I am going to Ivy Tech right now but just taking pre reqs. I have been taking my pre reqs for the RN program but I still need my two ANP classes. My question is after I complete my two ANP classes I could try to get into the LPN program or the RN program (and I would have a few other pre reqs for the RN program still needed). At first I really wanted to just go all the way and do the RN program but now I am starting to think if I go into the LPN program I will be done sooner and be able to get a job sooner and maybe have a little money once in a while lol and I could always go back and do the LPN to RN program later... but my question is would it be a waste of time do you think? I mean to do the whole LPN program just to jump right back into it to do the LPN to RN?? I really want to be in a nursing home or home health care and I guess my question is do you think that it would be easy for me to get a job as an LPN in one of those settings and go back and get the RN later? Sorry if this sounds confusing I'm confused!!:sstrs:

Thanks so much for any advice!

Also does anyone go to Ivy Tech and know someone with dreadlocks in the nursing program? Just wondering I have been thinking about getting them but my mom told me they are VERY strict about hair and dress (which I understand.. I just didn't know if that counted as "bad")

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i played with that same question, but after hearing that bh is phasing out lpn's, i myself will be going for my rn. it's also been noted on another thread (can't remember which one) that most doctor offices are also phasing out on the lpn's.

after i thought about this, i decided that if i'm going to go to school why not just go for my rn and be done with it.

also, sorry to say i've not seen anyone at ivy tech with dreadlocks. you might call someone (like an advisor) and ask about what the nursing program will allow.

good luck!

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Not only are LPN's not being utilized as they once were in the past, the Bloomington Ivy Tech has been discussing dropping the LPN program due to decreased enrollment. Not sure of other IT's are the same, but I know for a fact that has been on the agenda at B-Town.

If you can do it, I would go for the RN.

And as the economic picture gets bleaker, you may want to look into getting your BSN/MSN. Nursing instructors at college/university level are going to be a hot commodity in the near future. As more and more people get laid off, factories closing, the more people will return to school and change to a more solid career.............and they won't be outsourcing nursing to Mexico anytime soon. :)

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

My opinion is go for the RN 1st. Even though a very dear friend of mine did the LPN 1st, then bridged to her RN/ASN-bridged to her MSN and is now 4months shy of getting her NP.

The entire time she worked and did most of the classes online...not to mention to this day she has yet to ever have to take a Chemistry class!!! I always tease her about that as I hated chem. LPNs didnt need to take it, and the transistion classes didnt require it either---but nooooo the "traditional RN's" had to have it!! LOL

If you can afford it, have the time to commit to it then go for your RN.!!! Best of luck on your exciting future!!!

PS there was a thread on here over the summer about dread locks---do a search and you should find it...

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Specializes in Med Surg, Geriatrics.

Hello! I am a graduate from the Ivy Tech LPN program in Indianapolis. I recomend the LPN program. Work Med Surg for one year to get your feet wet and then go back for your RN. Do not wait to long to go back bc you will then have to take the transition course to RN. I am currently taking classes in hopes of getting into the LPN to RN transition this summer. If you need clinical experience work at IU Hospital as a PCA. Once you finish your first semester in the LPN program you can work as a CNA. I was a CNA and then worked at IU Hospital for 5.5 years. It really gave me a leg up in clinicals. You will learn a lot...catheter,IV,oxygen set up, ekg's, not to metion the benefits. But I digress... Good luck!

David M. LPN

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Definately go for the RN. It is only one more semester than the LPN. If you transition to RN after getting the LPN, it is 3 semesters just to transition.

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