To be a RN or a LPN???

[Chanelle]

Am re-looking into nursing schools ( just moved ) and find that a lot of them are pushing LPN. At first I was wanting to get my LPN so I could start working in the field and then go for a RN. But after talking and looking around it seems that it is hard for a LPN to find work (at least right out of school). So I was wanting to know if it would be best to just go for the RN and not bother with the LPN schooling? Just wanting some advice from people with life experience. Thank you.

[ItsTheDude]

it depends on several things.

if you want to work in a hosptial = rn (newbie rn's are having a difficult time finding jobs too)

some hospitals just don't hire many lpn's

lpn more likely to work in ltc or hh

you can always bridge to a rn after being a lpn

1 yr of nursing school versus 2 yr

generally more requirements to get into a rn program vs a lpn program

i don't think you can go wrong with either, it just depends on a lot of factors (state/area you live in, your goals, what's going on in your life now, etc)

[kathy313]

I really think it depends on your state. I had no problem in Ohio as an LPN finding a job. Here in California, different story. Still looking after almost six months, I have some decent experience (E.D, CCU...), pretty hard standing out among all the other well-qualified nurses. Imagine 23 jobs and 500 applicants.

I would suggest LPN to RN, you can gain some great hands-on experience. But if you can do it financially, just do the RN program right off the bat, it does offer more opportunities.

Good Luck!:)

[brown eyed girl]

I really think it depends on your state. I had no problem in Ohio as an LPN finding a job. Here in California, different story. Still looking after almost six months, I have some decent experience (E.D, CCU...), pretty hard standing out among all the other well-qualified nurses. Imagine 23 jobs and 500 applicants.

I would suggest LPN to RN, you can gain some great hands-on experience. But if you can do it financially, just do the RN program right off the bat, it does offer more opportunities.

Good Luck!:)

AMEN TO THAT!

[Argo]

RN. More opportunities.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

RN. More opportunities.

Ditto.

[drewzx3]

Im a lpn get your rn. Lpn pay sucks.

[DirtyBlackSocks]

Overall you're looking at a lot more effort if you go from LPN to RN - if your ultimate goal is to become an RN, shoot straight for that.

One extra year of school in exchange for more diverse job opportunity and better wage.

[lotstolearn]

i too was debating... then i decided to go straight for my RN. Graduated in May with a BSN and have no regrets!