RN Non NLN Accredited or LPN NLN Accredited

libran84 · Jan 9, 2012

I've been thinking about this for a long time. Thought I'd get some input from you all. I'm in an ADN RN program that is not accredited by the NLN. I know all the issues that come along with this and I'm ok with it. I do know of a couple schools that are CCNE accredited that I can transfer most of my ADN classes to if I wanted to earn my BSN later. I'm not even half way through my ADN program yet. I'm working as an ER Tech now and I'm getting great experience and learning a lot from it.
Can I get some advice on whether I should stay in my program or switch to the LPN program that is NLN accredited?
I'm thinking about this way too much and getting myself confused.
:/ Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I'm an LPN in Indiana. I graduated from an NLN accredited college in 2010. I carefully planned out my path for acute care in a hospital by neglecting and boldly refusing the LTC / ECF facilities. My first job was in a prison. They were desperate and yes, hired anyone. It proved to be excellent Emergent/Urgent nursing - but provided training only through trial by fire in rather unsafe environments. It was the only non-ECF/non-LTC job I could find without experience as a new LPN. Pay was about $14.69 for a 0.9 FTE with benefits, or $18.50 for PRN without benefits (which worked out to be a 0.9 FTE anyways b/c they were always short staffed and needed reliable ppl). I did this and after several breakdowns and much harassment found a hospital position to interview me.

I am now working as an LPN in a non-trauma ER after 11 months of applying to various hospitals in the Indianapolis area. I start IVs and even give various medications IVP like dilaudid, morphine, benadryl, Toradol, etc. I hang blood and administer all IV abx. I even act as the Primary Nurse for my own patients after an RN assessment. I am limited to only carrying out the nursing process and can not perform a legally binding assessment nor can I discharge patients from the ER. I make $14.40 / hr as a 0.9 FTE but my shift differentials average my pay to $16.20/hr. This hospital will not hire non-NLN RN's.

Several RNs I worked with at the prison were from non-NLN institutes. They made 21.70 / hr as a 0.9 FTE or $26 / hr as a PRN. They worked at the prison, b/c like myself as an RN without experience they were very limited only the bottom of the barrel (ECF/LTC and correctional facilities). Few and far between places took new non-accredited RNs in Indiana without experience. Other RN students from non-accredited institutes I have known say that it is only Indiana that is so anal about the NLN thing and they told me that after graduation they were wanting to transfer their RN license outside of Indiana to allow for better job opportunities.

Just another thing to mention.... The PRN RNs... otherwise known as our Resource Team in the hospital... they make $46 / hr.

If its a decision between an RN license or a an LPN license, I would still take the non-accredited RN license. It will just take longer to find that dream job.

Msre23 · Jan 13, 2012

Hi Libran84 I'm from Illinois but I am considering Indianapolis for Kaplan College Lpn program! Any advice do you know anything about the classes? Where did you receive your LPN from?