Should I go to school to become an RN or LPN?

[Kmarie4507]

here's my situation. i'm 19, not married, no kids and live with roommates, so not much holding me back. money for school isn't an issue. i've always known i wanted to be a nurse since i was young and now that i'm actually trying to pursue it i can't decide which route to take. (i already have some nursing exp. as a hha/cna)..lpn then go to rn, the tech school here has a bridge program, or just go straight for the rn?

i live in fl and know that lpns have some restrictions on their scope of practice here compared to rn. also, lpn takes a year full-time here (7am-2pm m-f) and rn i think is 3-4 years ft/pt (tu&th or mwf). i am just looking for some helpful insight from rn's, lpn's and nursing students to see what route you took and why you feel it worked great for you or not.

also, i was wondering how i would go about specializing in a particular type of nursing? does that just happen on the job as an rn with some extra formal training or would it be something i'd do in school? i want to specialize in maternity nursing. :)

either way i'm starting this fall but i'd like more insight from others to make a secure decision for myself..

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

First, have you taken any of the pre-requisite classes, A&P, Micro, psychology, math, writing? I wouldn't get my LPN unless it pays really well and will help you afford going through a bridge to RN program. If you truly want to be a maternity nurse, I would forget about the LPN program and go through a very thorough RN program. You may need to take more classes up front but you will be better prepared to make critical decisions.

[Kmarie4507]

I've taken about half the prerequisites already. A math, psych, and both enc courses..

[Tricia76]

Definitely go for your RN!

[sara566]

I would go for the RN since you have half your pre-reqs. The reason I chose to go straight for my bachelors is because I too am still young and I wanna finish with school and get a degree before getting married/etc. and having more responsibilities. Also, you become specialized while on the job.