Texas Nurses

[Jessjaz]

I currently live in the houston area. I am really trying to get my mindset before fall starts. I am wondering if it is better to take the lvn route before taking RN? My aunt that works in the Women's Hospital is encouraging me to go straight to RN and it is way better because they aren't hiring many lvns. Is that true? If i do Lvn first, i am afraid to not go back because i'm very devoted to my husband and my 1 year old daughter. Once i start working i don't think i will go back to school.

[SkyMeadow]

Hi,

I also debated on the LVN or RN route.The LVN school in Weatherford was shorter than RN that was also my idea to LVN ; work as LVN then bridge to RN .( I have heard that the bridge test is very hard!! )

Most of the research I found LVN's are being phased out, some CMA's are even doing LVN jobs b/c they can pay the CMA less. RN's of course get payed more and you have more options. I am doing my pre-req now for nursing school (RN) I would say in the long run it would be better to do the RN and get it done, b/c like you I also have children and with the hours of a LVN maybe harder to work and get back in school again and balance family. Just do some research on jobs available for LVN vs RN, pay scale for LVN vs RN ...ect... then make your choice.

good luck to you:)

[jabernathy]

I have several nurse friends and a couple of LVN friends--all in Houston. I am also in Houston and will start nursing school at Alvin next month. My LVN friends tell me it is hard to find a decent job since YES, they are being phased out to some degree. My two LVN friends make about $20,000 less than the RN friends (about same experience level). One LVN went that route because she was not sure if she would be cut out for the medical field--she loves it and wishes she had gone for her RN--and yes it's hard to go back once you are working but it can be done. I would suggest going RN if at all possible!