Straight to RN Program or LPN?

[CPaulino]

I'm pondering whether I should continue to search for an accelerate LPN program in NY/NJ or if I should go straight into an RN Program. I have a B.S. degree in an unrelated field. I want to make sure I receive the best out of my nursing education. I'm sure many you had/have this decision to make. Please let me know of your experiences and how you're reaching/reached your decision.

Thank you alll! Many blessing!

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

If you already have a B.S. degree, I would suggest going the RN route. My philosophy is to take whatever route gets you to your goal the fastest as long as it is compatible with your current life situation :nuke:

[Dara PreRN]

I went through the same ordeal and I chose to go for the RN, You won't make as much money as an LPN and with your bachelors degree on top of an Associates in Nursing you would easily move up the ranks and be the boss of a Nursing ward.. etc. I live in NJ and you should bypass any thinking about doing LPN when RN is an option. Good Luck!

-Dara NJ

[freesia29, ASN, RN]

I am planning to go the LPN route....but I still have young kids (7 and 3), and my local college offers the LPN program part time....so it will take me 6 quarters instead of 3, plus 1 year of pre-reqs.

They also offer a bridge to RN program once I have 1000 hours of LPN experience under my belt......which works for me. I can hopefully work at a doctors office while I get my hours.....and then I figure once I get thru the RN program...my oldest will be 12.....

I do not have a UNI degree....so this seems like the best route for me. I do regret never getting a uni degree now....I am 37.

Have a great day!

Natascha

[babyrn2]

I would go straight for the RN degree. More money and more jobs

[Nicki7701]

I would definitely go the RN route....I was going to start the LPN program in July until I found out that alot of hospitals (which is where I want to work) are phasing out LPN's....They are only going to hire RN's....I don't understand that because LPN's are just as important....

[HyperSaurus, RN, BSN]

I was faced with that decision too. I am a 3rd year and I spent alot of time putzing, and not getting the work done so it didn't look likely I would get the RN program, so my advisor suggested the LPN program which is faster. I ended up choosing to keep trying for the RN--and work harder..Even if I took the LPN route, I would eventually go for my RN, so I might as well do it now.

[Di Deanna]

You sort of have an advantage...so if you can afford to...definitey go straight for the RN :)

[coffeeaftermidnight]

Many schools offer an accelerated BS to BSN program. I would look at that rather than the LPN for many of the reasons listed above.

[caliotter3]

The decision really is easy to make. You should go with the program that accepts you first. With that in mind, you should attempt to get into a BSN program first. With a previous degree you are eligible for an accelerated BSN program. If you find yourself not getting into RN programs, then consider doing an LPN program while you wait. You will be adding the possibility of an LPN to RN bridge program as a means of gaining admittance to an RN program. Good luck.

[kristi1111]

I agree with the aforementioned post about going for the BSN but if not able to get in, then go the LPN route while you are waiting. This is my current plan and I also know others who are doing this also. Good luck :nuke:

[coppertopRN]

If you already have a BS, I assume that the time for RN vs LPN is about the same. This being the case...go for the RN without question. You'll tell yourself that you will go back but that may take a year or two. Just suck it up and do the RN now, even a BSN if you can. If you are under 50, you can never have too much education or too many credentials. Especially in an uber-competitive market like NY/NJ.