Should I go into the LVN program or the RN program?

OB_or_NICU_hopeful · Jan 20, 2006

In my area you can't get in L&D with an LPN. Bummer. It's mostly LTC around here for LPNs.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2006

Even though I am a newly-licensed LVN, I will be quite blunt with you by stating that the RN license will open up more career opportunities for you. With an LVN license, you'll find it nearly impossible to land a job in the ER or labor and delivery. Many hospitals are phasing out LVN positions; therefore, most LVNs are employed at nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

If you have your heart set on working in the ER or L&D, you will need to obtain your RN license. Many LVN students fail to do the proper research before enrolling, and expect to find jobs in the ER upon graduation (only to be disappointed greatly). This is the harsh reality.

When I was a student in California, I saw a couple of LVNs employed in postpartum, but they had many years of experience. Few new-hires end up in postpartum units. There are numerous LVN jobs, but they are mostly in nursing homes.

following_faith · Jan 20, 2006

It can be done. Tough, some crying and pulling of hair, wondering what the heck you were thinking...but it can be done. There are people on this board who have done the unbelievable when it comes to juggling life and nursing school! They are inspiring-I hope some of them post here for you!

Go for the RN.

I wish you the best of luck!

Jo Dirt · Jan 20, 2006

Mommy2boys, when I went to LPN school I had a one year old and a 2 yr. old. I would go to school, come home, go to bed with the babies at about 8pm, get up at about 2-3am and study until it was time to go to school (I don't feel like I have it in me to do it again). Now, I have just completed an RN program with three children, but thank goodness, it was a distance learning program which was harder in one aspect but easier because I did not have to be away from the children as much.

If you want theopportunities, go for the RN. However, there are jobs to be had as an LPN, mostly in nursing homes, private duty nursing or doctor's offices. I am making as much as an LPN right now as I would make as an RN and my job is very easy.

mismissy69 · Jan 20, 2006

When I was thinking about NS I asked myself this same question. I had never did any hands on patient care, just the paperwork. So with that I decided to go to LPN school that way if I didnt like it I didn't waste two years to find out. Yes it's true that you will have more opportunities as an RN and depending on where you work or who runs it you can work in ER or L&d, At least here in buffalo. The veterans hospital here lets LPN's work in the ER. I am trying to get a job there now. I here it's because they are a federal employer and basically a federally ran facility can do whatever the hell they want. They also let you do IV meds and start them. Bottom line only you can decide what you want and no you are not crazy to go back to school with two kids. Its never to late to jump start you career .Good luck :)

mom and nurse · Jan 20, 2006

Mommy2boys. Welcome to allnurses. There appears to be more opportunities with the RN than the LPN.....

It's possible. I graduated and passed the boards and became an RN at the age of 45. I did it with 5 teens and a husband who worked nights. I had a previous degree from 1981 in Communication Disorders (what some schools call speech pathology and audiology.....I never got the required Masters for that field and never practiced as a speech pathologist or an audiologist. Instead I was a full time homemaker for about 16 years). You pray and you study and somehow you survive....... :rolleyes:

whiskeygirl, LPN · Jan 20, 2006

Go for your RN. Just get it done with! You will be much happier with the RN. And if where you really want to be is in ER or L&D, the only way to go is RN.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 20, 2006

I agree with the "go for the RN" folks. It will give you many more opportunities. Many hospitals (at least in IL and IN) don't hire LPNs for ER.

mom23RN · Jan 20, 2006

In our state it's a "graduated" program at many schools. LPN/RN take the same prereqs. You become an LPN after your first year of clinicals and then it takes another 2 semesters to be an RN. Seems like an easy choice. The hospital I worked in I don't believe even hires LPNs anymore. And the entire time I worked in ER there was never an LPN down there.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2006

The hospital I worked in I don't believe even hires LPNs anymore. And the entire time I worked in ER there was never an LPN down there.

Precisely. LPNs/LVNs are being phased out of many great opportunities. This is why my advice to the original poster was to aspire for the RN license. She'll have quite a bit of difficulty ever landing a position in most ERs or L&D floors. Additionally, many hospitals are no longer hiring LPNs/LVNs.

If the original poster has any interest in geriatrics, hospice, rehab, home healthcare, or nursing homes, then an LPN/LVN license will be more than enough to land jobs in any one of these specialties. However, she'll likely need an RN license to be employable in the ER or L&D.

mandaleigh · Jan 20, 2006

You would definitely NOT be alone in school with being married with small kids. I am in class with lots of those! MANY of the RNs that I know got their LPN and worked while pursuing the RN. There are numerous universities that have many of the transitional classes online. Hospitals here have quite a few LPNs working in them. The school that I attend has so many applicants for RN, that it is VERY difficult to get a spot. The transitional program, from LPN to RN though, is MUCH easier to obtain that spot. Good luck with whatever you decide!!