Should single Mom get LPN first or RN?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Congrats on your decision to become a nurse! You will always have job security and be able to provide for your child.

The beauty of pursuing a nursing degree is that there is a pathway for everyone , and one that is right for you and your family. You can do this even though you are the head of your family and it's just you.

The key is to simply start, and then keep going until you have your RN license and your BSN (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing).

LPN First 

Pros:

• Shorter training time. LPN programs typically take about 12-18 months, so it's a quicker route to entering the workforce and earning a steady income while you figure out your next steps.
• Work sooner. As an LPN, you'll be able to start working sooner, which may be important for you.
• Bridge to RN. After getting your LPN, you can work while pursuing your RN through an LPN-to-RN bridge program, which allows you to gain experience in the field. You could potentially apply for financial aid or even assistance from your employer as you continue your education.

Cons:

• Lower pay and scope of practice. LPNs generally make less money than RNs, and the scope of practice is more limited.
• Less room for career growth. While LPNs have many opportunities in various settings, career advancement can be slower without an RN, especially if you want to move into leadership or specialized roles.
• Time spent going back to school for RN. Even though LPN programs are shorter, you'll still have to go back to school for your RN if you want to take your career to the next level. This could feel like you're doing the work twice.
• Overall longer path. If you get your LPN first and then bridge to RN, it's a less direct and longer path. The tradeoff is that you'll be working and bringing in an income sooner.
• Another concern is that life could get in the way, you remain an LPN and you don't pursue your RN.

Straight to RN

Pros:

• More direct. If RN is your end goal, this is a direct path to your goal.
• Higher pay and career opportunities. RNs make more money and have more job opportunities. 
• More flexibility in career advancement. As an RN, you have greater autonomy, and there are more options for career growth.
• Better long-term stability. An RN role provides a better salary in the long term, which  helps you plan for your child's future.

Cons:

• Longer education commitment. RN programs typically take 2 to 4 years (depending on whether you're going for an ADN or BSN). This is a longer time commitment, and it can be more difficult to balance with childcare, especially without a built-in support system.
• Potentially more stressful. Both LPN and RN programs require a lot of time and studying, but the pre-reqs for RN are more difficult, such as Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology. 

You will need childcare no matter which option you choose. If you attend community college, they may have a daycare program.

If you're leaning towards LPN first, you can still make progress in your nursing career and keep your options open for later transitioning to an RN. Work experience as an LPN can make you a stronger candidate when you do pursue your RN, and the shorter commitment allows you to start earning sooner.

In Conclusion

If immediate flexibility and earning potential are crucial for your situation, starting with your LPN might be a smart choice. You can always build on that and transition to an RN later.

However, if you're a good student and you're able to keep working as a CNA throughout school, it might make sense to go for your RN. You could always get your ADN (associate degree in nursing), start working as an RN, and then get your BSN.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

 

[Bektur Asanbekov]

Hello, I'm sorry I have no answer, but question. I want to study for CNA, where did you study, and how muh you can earn an hour now?