Should I pursue LVN or ADN?

[Daniellednm]

I'm having a hard time deciding which path to take. My mom was telling me that I should move back home and focus on getting my ADN at the local college. I'm struggling financially and I'm not even full time student. I'm trying to work enough to pay my bills and focus on school. My advisor mentioned something about getting my LVN, taking the rest of the science classes and then taking the HESI. I completed a lot of classes and still have a lot to do if I want to get my associates. I wanted to get my degree and then work somewhere where they'd help pay for my bachelors. I want to work as a NICU nurse.

Does the RN and LVN make the same and do the same? Would I be able to work in the NICU as a LVN?

[jym596]

Pay will depend on your region, as will employment prospects. I think it's pretty safe to say that RN will make more (how much more depends) because there is more education that comes along with it (more time in school generally = higher pay). I would recommend taking whatever path will allow you to get started and working quicker, then you can work your way through the ranks of further degrees and certs.