RN or LPN?

CNC_1989 · Dec 8, 2015

It all depends on what you can afford. If you can do the RN program without putting yourself in a financial strain then go for that. I'm married with an 8 year old and LPN was the right choice for me because of finances. Just keep in mind that if you have to do LPN that you can always bridge over and make decent while you're doing it.

FL_Nurse92 · Dec 9, 2015

In my opinion school is an investement. I takes money to make money! (not that it's all about the money of course). I say go for your RN! In my hospital LPN's are nearly phased out, I think there may be 1 or 2 left. Not saying that is the case everywhere, but it is definitely something to think about!

KThurmond · Dec 9, 2015

In my opinion school is an investement. I takes money to make money! (not that it's all about the money of course). I say go for your RN! In my hospital LPN's are nearly phased out, I think there may be 1 or 2 left. Not saying that is the case everywhere, but it is definitely something to think about!

Exactly what I was going to say.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 9, 2015

In my opinion school is an investement. I takes money to make money! (not that it's all about the money of course). I say go for your RN! In my hospital LPN's are nearly phased out, I think there may be 1 or 2 left. Not saying that is the case everywhere, but it is definitely something to think about!

Not everyone wants to work in a hospital, just FYI.

NurseBetty_RN · Dec 9, 2015

If getting your RN is a matter of a 6 month difference than definitely go that route, it will pay for itself in the end

nutella, MSN, RN · Dec 9, 2015

It really depends on your goals and what you are able to achieve with 2 small children.

Perhaps make a list with all pro and cons. You can compare the amount you pay for education, the responsibilities, the settings available, and the job market in your area.

I know people who have opted to go LPN first because of the shorter program, less money to pay, and less intense in terms of learning. I know LPN who are very satisfied with what they are doing, in my area most jobs for LPN are in long term care, doctor's office and some in hospitals (often in clinic areas). I know LPN who regretted not to have gone for their RN and who went back to school.

I know RN who went into a lot of debt and regret that ...

In any way, you also need to think about how you will find time to learn and do school work with 2 small children. Perhaps family is available to help or they will go to preschool or other day care....

Good luck with whatever to decide to do!

FL_Nurse92 · Dec 9, 2015

Never said they did, nor did she specify :)

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 9, 2015

Never said they did, nor did she specify :)

It just makes it seem like LPNs are being phased out as a whole. Because I was under the same misconception.

FL_Nurse92 · Dec 9, 2015

It's just like hospitals that are aiming for magnet status are requiring employees to obtain their BSN if they have an associates degree. The same applies; they want RNs not LPNs. Now I can't speak for all hospitals, but where I am located (FL), that is what I am seeing.

Shemika12 · Dec 9, 2015

Like someone stated, out weigh your pros and cons. I too got accepted into two schools, but had to choose between the two. I chose lpn because one I'm a self paying student with a husband and five children, my three oldest are teenagers 17, 14, 15. AND my two youngest are 9 & 11. Second, I'm so ready for a career change. In my area depending on where you work some Lpn's make the same as others depending on the employment. I figure I can work in a nursing home for a year or two before going back to school for one more year to get my RN. What I did was got all my preq's out of the way for my RN when I go back. So, out weigh your pros and your cons.