RN vs LPN/LVN

[httamli]

I had heard the differences before, made up my mind to go straight through the RN program, but now am wondering if I can remain unemployed that long. (No, holding down a job isn't an option for my family while I'm in school.) Now, I'm wondering what the difference in pay, schooling, and job responsibilities are. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks!

[metfan]

I don't know if it helps, but I will tell you what has worked for me. I got my LPN first. It was a 10 month program. I then found a job while taking classes for my RN. Getting my LPN first enabled me to earn a decent salary while taking college classes. I took only 2 classes at a time in college so it has been a slow process but I was not in a hurry. I graduate in May. I graduated LPN school in July 2007 so it hasn't been that long. This worked well for me. Besides, I got good experience working as an LPN. I went to per diem for my last semester because school is really intense right now. I was also able to 'test out' of Nursing 1 because I had my LPN. Hope this helps. Of course, everyone is different. What worked for me may not for you. Metfan