not sure to go for lpn first or rn

nursenoelle · Sep 13, 2002

I have beeen an LPN for one year going throgh a fast trac program for my ADN now . I feel like it has helped being a CNA and working my way up, you can become IV certified, drop NG tubes etc depending on your facility and state. through each program, i feel that i have grown up in nursing. No regrets here about taking the long road :)

dstudent · Sep 29, 2002

Hey good luck in what ever you decide

caliotter3 · Sep 29, 2002

i got stuck at lvn when i didn't graduate from rn school. now it's almost impossible to get motivated. go for the rn and don't stop til you get it. i've remarked before that when i look at the want ads or the online listings from the empl dept, i've noticed that rn openings outnumber lvn listings by a four to one ratio. this will mean something when you are job hunting. good luck.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Sep 29, 2002

Alex...

by all means, go for your RN ! Sooner or later you will wish you had and then you will have to go through it all again! Especially if you are concerned about providing for your daughter, this would be the thing to do. You can go for the ADN so you can at least start working as an RN, then as time and finances allow, persue the BSN (if it's what you desire) at your leisure.

Let me give you some food for thought... here's what happened at my clinic last year... the "company" decided to cut costs by getting rid of our LPNs...these girls had been there 10+ years !!!

All of them were highly competent, skilled, and dedicated, and knew our patients inside and out.They were far more experienced and capable than several of our new RNs. They all had excellent records, zero sicktime or abcences, etc. They had been charge nurses at the clinic for YEARS.... now the "co" decides to replace them with PCTs (more cost effective, of course.. the big $$$$ issue again), and keep the 2 RNs. The LPNs were told they could keep their job only if they put their LPN tags in their pocket and forgot about their licence, and work as PCTs along with the cut in pay. :eek: :eek: :eek: The girls were devastated ! What a PUNCH in the face after so many years of honorable and dedicated service! Some of them were on the verge of retiring and had a lot to lose.

After a nationwide broohaha with this co., they finally backed down. However, the LPNs were told they could continue working in their capacity only if they agreed to sign up for RN school...as of now, it's all still in limbo.

Just thought I'd throw that in so you'd have something to chew on... :confused:

Wish you well, and hope you come to the right decision for YOU and your circumstances ! :kiss

globalRN · Sep 29, 2002

IMHO: get your RN and a BSN at that

caliotter3 · Sep 29, 2002

also consider this: right now you have your pre-reqs and they are current. if you stop or go for the intermediary LPN, then wait too long before continuing on for the RN you will have to repeat some of your classes. this takes up time and money. get it all done now and then you never have to go back for any of the pre-req classes. i mean, really now, does human anatomy change that you have to update yourself every five or seven years? just money making for the schools. get it all over with now. you'll be glad you did. i'm speaking from experience. cali

FranRN · Oct 28, 2002

Ultimately the choie is yours and you need to decide what is best for you. Eveyone's suggestions thus far are great.

I have been an Rn for three years. Prior to that I was a LPN for 3 years and a CNA for 2 years. I had to go this route due to money issues. It was easier for me to go through the RN program making what I made as an LPN versus going through it making what I made as a CNA.

The experience was great! I went through a mobility program for my RN. They took my first year as an LPN and my schooling and gave me credit for the first year of the ADN program after passing one refresher course.

I feel that working through each of these levels have gave me the compassion and the ability to work with each member of the healthcare team to allow us to give the best quality of care to our patients.

I wish you and all our FUTURE nurses the best. We sure do need you.

take care :)

Rock, LPN, RN · Jan 5, 2003

It seems that you have all general education requirements for

nurse, you just need the nursing courses.

If I were you, I would work at my present chosen field

to become familiar with a medical field.

If still interested, I would take a course for LPN in a school

that allows credit for previous study, and would require one

more additional year for RN.

Hospital or nursing home nursing is not like on TV. It can

be very rewarding, depressing at times, stressful, unappreciated

just to mention a few, but if you have a burning desire to

help your fellow man, Go For It !!

Rock

:kiss :roll :mad:

RNpupil · Jan 9, 2003

I also want to become an RN, but thes school that is near by has a waiting as long as the Nile River and I am reluctant to wait that long. My other alternative was to complete an LpN program and transit into the RN. The waiting list at the community college where I live is 1 1/2 year , if you do not have to wait that long go for it!

RNpupil · Jan 9, 2003

I heard that LpN nursing is a good start for becoming an RN. RN new grads come out of school not what to do. Plus LpN nursing I seen teaches good bedside mannor

Rock, LPN, RN · Jan 9, 2003

Hi Uncertain:

While waiting to become enrolled in a RN school,

you could be taking the general education courses,

which are usually as follows:

Two English courses

One psychology course

One sociology course

One ethics course

Two biology courses

One microbiology course

One elective, etc.

Usually adds up to 30 general education credits. This

will take up a year's time, then you'll be ready to enroll

in RN program.

Good luck !!

Rock

:eek: :chuckle :kiss

laurako · Jan 15, 2003

Was an LPN first-- to RN. Go the RN route, if nursing is what you choose. Many more opportunities and ALOT more money.