SHould I go straight fo the RN degree or go for LPN frst?

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I am 28 yrs old, married & no kids. My husband & I were trying to conceive for 1 1/2 yrs with no luck. We both have been to the doctor & found out Im the problem. The doc said my ovulatin glevels were low but could be fixed with meds. Recently we decided to hold off on a baby so I can go to school to get a medical degree. I had orginally thought to go straight for the RN assoicates degree wich would probaly take me about 3-4 years with all the prereqs. But if I go for LPN it would take me not even half the time. The reason I would go for LPN is because the amount of time it would take for RN. If I was younger & did not have fertilty issues it would be a no brainer but since I have this problem I thought maybe to go for LPN to get my feet wet in the industry to make sure its really for me which i think it is. Get a job as a LPn then try to get pregnant. After I get pregnant continue working as a LPN & then while doing that I can go back to school to become an RN. I am s o stressed about this becasue I want to make the right choice. What would be my best bet? I know that RNs make more than LPN but how much more do they make?

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They make *much more*... Also, I have heard from Nursing faculty at my school that LVN (aka LPN) positions will be phased out in the next few years.... since RN's can do their jobs. It makes sense since healthcare employers are trying to save money by hiring and RN and having her do both RN and LVN jobs... I have about 12 LVN's in my nursing cohort that are trying to get their RN BSN degrees because of this....

Also, keep in mind that going back to school later (when you are already employed AND have a child) is extremely difficult (but of course not impossible).... I have a full time job, and a 3 year old at home. I will be quitting my job to go to school full time starting April. I want to make sure I succeed. SO, in my opinion, it is better to go straight for the RN while you have less things to take care off. The clinicals you will have while going to school will help you determine if this is something you would like to do. Hope this helps and good luck! :)

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I don't know....but IMO I wouldn't waste the time going for LPN if RN is what you'd rather do. Good luck with whatever you decide!

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Specializes in Infusion.

Does your school offer a "bridge to RN" program. That is what mine offers. I am applying for both, as the LPN program has a 2 year waitlist, and the RN program is by selection. It will take a year for me to get the LPN pre-reqs, and then if I don't get in next Fall 2010.....I will continue on with the RN pre-reqs and apply to the RN school as well for Fall 2011 if I don't get called into LPN school before that. The RN pre-reqs are the same for both schools, even for the bridge program, the extra psychology, microbiology, chemistry.

Anyway....my LPN school does offer a bridge to RN program. So I will go that route if need be. I have done price comparisons of both programs, and they are the same, and ultimately the same time as well....so it really depends on how quickly you want to get out there and start working!!

Now, I actually kind of hope for the LPN school as they offer a part time study....which works out best for me having 2 young kids still.....and the bridge program is part time as well 2-3 days per week.

So check out what your school offers....and then it may be doable while having a baby....

Just try to meditate on what feels right for you, deep down you know....just try to quiet your mind...and the right answer for you will come forward.

Have a great sunday!

Natascha

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If they are going to "phase out" LPN's, what will happen to people who have that certification? Also,will RN's suddenly be required to do the work of LPN's . I do not understand how that will work? I would like to get an Associate's in Nursing,and pass the test to be an RN, but do not want to end up doing the work of an LPN.

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In my state - they utilize LPN's quite a bit. I am 46 and have no college behind me. Since it would take me 4 years full time at college to become an RN I decided to go LPN, work and the hospitals in my area offer tuition reimbursement for those who will go on to RN. I plan to do that. It's an individual decision - yes RN's make more money. Good luck with whatever you decide :-)

Kim in PA

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If I were in your shoes I think I would start a family asap and work on my pre-reqs at the same time and at my own pace. That way, by the time you start the program you will already have a routine and will be able to find daycare or hubby can watch the child while you begin the ADN program. I hope everything works out for you. Remember, it's better to regret putting a career on hold than it is to put a family on hold, IMHO of course. Hope this helps...

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Well, I'm almost 50 and have wanted to be a nurse for awhile now. I have a BS I got when I was 22 in a completely different field.

Because of working FT and four kids, I never had the time or money to go for an RN, Plus I would have to go for at least 2 years FT.

But, I have been unable to get a FT job in my current field after 7 years.

I decided to apply to an LPN program in my town because: 1) it's affordable and (I think) easier to get in, 2) I can complete the program in 10 months, 3) I can still work 15-20 hours a week during school, 4) I can get a job, and 5) I could then see if I want to go on for my RN and it would be easier having an LPN PLUS some hospitals in this area are paying for LPNs to get their RNs.

I don't see that LPNs are going to be phased out anytime soon, at least not where I am--if anything it seems they will want to hire LPNs instead of RNs if they can save money.

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