To be a RN or a LPN???

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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? :confused: Just wanting some advice from people with life experience. Thank you.

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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)

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Specializes in Emergency, CCU, SNF.

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!:)

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
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!

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

RN. More opportunities.

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RN. More opportunities.

Ditto.

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Im a lpn get your rn. Lpn pay sucks.

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Specializes in Army Medic.

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.

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

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