Published Jul 17, 2014
mlou90
1 Post
Hello,
Maybe someone can offer some insight. I have a BS in Nutrition and have been considering getting an accelerated bachelor's in Nursing for a career switch. However, this will cost upwards of about 50k for a 1.5 year program and while I have all of the per-requisite courses through nutrition, I'd have to retake one of them for a better grade. With that in mind, it would take a lot more time and not to mention more student loan debt to get the second degree.
I was wondering if it would be worth the $1500 to become an LNA, start working as an LNA to not only get some experience working with people but to also decide if nursing might be a good fit for me?
Thanks for any input.
loriangel14, RN
6,931 Posts
Your title says LPN. LPN and LNA are two different things.
kfynn589
34 Posts
As PP said the title and the question are different. I will answer both:
Yes it is most valuable to get you LNA before RN because you get experience, not being a nurse but in the field in general.
LPN there are mixed feelings. Yes because of nursing experience. No because it can still be expensive to get your LPN. Also, it will take you about 12 months. Also someone once told me that LPN to RNs have the lowest NCLEX-RN pass rate (I never looked into this just something I heard in passing so I can't say for sure).
CrazyGoonRN
426 Posts
I was an LPN before becoming an RN. It did help me a lot throughout the RN program. I also already had a Bachelors degree. I decided to go straight for my BSN but I didn't get into the program. That is why I chose the LPN route. After I became an LPN I just had to start applying to LPN-RN programs and find a job as an LPN. I got into a LPN-BSN program and was able to work PRN as an LPN throughout the entire program.
washington27
Which lpn to bsn program did u do?
WCSU1987
944 Posts
Curious to considering moving to NH or MA. My GPA is less than stellar even if I rocked my pre requisites doubt will get into an accelerated program. Was considering the LPN route curious if good investment or will I be a nurse without work, ha.