Should I be a LPN before RN?

Scottishtape · May 25, 2017

I did the LPN to RN route.

It served me well in that I was able to make a decent amount of money prior to bridging, and it helped me immensely with my skills prior to bridging.

The only downside for me was that because I had so much experience as an LPN, it was hard to switch back to NCLEX world of taking tests. I kept answering questions on what actually happens, as opposed to what NCLEX wanted.

Once I fixed that issue, I had no problems.

If I could do it again, I would've gone straight for my RN though. Going through nursing school is hard. Taking the NCLEX is hard. Doing it twice sucks.

Lbloodworth6 · May 25, 2017

I highly recommend taking the LPN to RN route. For someone who has a family to support, you will complete school sooner than you would going straight into the RN program. Plus, you won't be able to work if you go straight into the RN program unless you work night shift. Some of the best RN students don't even work part time. I know a student who is very successful and can only work three times a month...at night. I'm 19 years old, mother of a one year old, full-time college student, and work part time. I've been in college since my son has been born and have had to change plans just because I know, personally, going straight into RN will not work for me. LPN to RN is what I'm going to do. Granted, there will be more work involved, BUT it all depends on the type of person you are. Procastinators will not be able to take this route, maybe haha. My dream is to become a Physician Assistant. Once I complete the RN bridge program, I will begin an online course for PA. Hopefully, I'll be a PA by the time I'm 24 or 25. Dream big, work hard, and DO NOT give up. DO what works for YOU.

CNAbutLPN2be2017 · Jun 3, 2017

I did Lpn first because I have two kids. I just got my first job in an LTC/rehabilitation facility making 19.00$ an hour. I plan on finishing my prerequisites in august do I can apply to the bridge program. I wish I could have went straight to RN but I had to think about my kids and being a CNA for the next two years wasn't going to do it for me. Some people are able to go straight through and some aren't. You have to do what's best for your situation!

caliotter3 · Jun 3, 2017

Look closely at any LPN to RN programs you are considering. With the increase in their popularity, some have cropped up that have less favorable standards.

Cesynaty · Jun 13, 2017

Just graduated in dec. Last year and i started the lpn to rn bridge in may. I am not even working as an lpn yet , but i think the lpn program put me in a mind set that i can conquer anything. And i have a family and work 4 days a week

Cesynaty · Jun 13, 2017

Very true , everyone's journey is different, but the end result the same

SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN · Jun 23, 2017

I completed my LPN at 21 and just passed my NCLEX RN at 29. Was it worth it to do it this way for me? Yes, without a doubt. I had my first child at 21 and being an LPN provided me a good income for 12 months of school. It also made my bridge program easier because I was already competent in basic nursing skills.

But it did take me much, much more longer than if I had gone straight through to RN. I went to a trade school for LPN so I had to do all the pre-reqs for my bridge. I worked full time the first 2.5 years then gave birth to my 3rd kiddo, then went PRN for the actual core nursing program.

All in all 1 year for LPN then the 4 years for my RN (I attended part time) so = 5 years total and I still have a year left online for BSN. So make that 6 years lol. It cost me more time and money to do it this way. But I don't regret it at all because the connections I had from being an lpn landed me my first RN job before I even graduated.