TORN

Where do you live? There are many areas of the country that people are having difficulty getting jobs as LPNs, and some that are having trouble getting jobs as a new grad RN.

Personally, I'm going straight to the RN route and bypassing the LPN route because many hospitals don't even hire (here) LPNs, they only hire RNs.

I live in Little Rock, AR. I really do think it will be best If I just go straight through the RN program & get it over with. Have you started school yet? If so, hope you're doing AWESOME!

Although I am merely a student, I recommend doing the RN track. It doesn't seem like there is a reason why you CAN'T do it. I mean, if you do the LPN track you may have to be that for a certain period time before bridging to RN (in my area it's 6 months) and then there's no telling what may change as far as the pre-reqs and the amount of time it takes to be an RN may still be the same. I hope that makes sense.

although i am merely a student, i recommend doing the rn track. it doesn't seem like there is a reason why you can't do it. i mean, if you do the lpn track you may have to be that for a certain period time before bridging to rn (in my area it's 6 months) and then there's no telling what may change as far as the pre-reqs and the amount of time it takes to be an rn may still be the same. i hope that makes sense.

yes, that totally makes sense, & i agree with you.

thanks for replying!

I also think that you should go straight to RN. If you do LPN and get a good job, you may get comfortable with it and because things happen in life, you may not go back to finish RN. Living with your parents takes a lot of stress of your shoulders so makes the most of it. Also, if you're parents are willing to pay for the RN program, make the most of it! Who knows...if you were to do the LPN program and make a decent amount of money, you're parents may decide that you can afford the rest of your schooling.... maybe, maybe not, but something to think about!!!

i work in souhern caif ICU and i can tell you out here first off.. they are OUTSOURCING... RN's getting them from the phillipines.. even in washington... i have a cousin whos a rn Med surg unit over there.. i see what all postions do every day... Registered nurses.. LVN CNA Resp Therapist.. cat scan techs..xray techs... phsyical therapists..etc..

that being said..

we have two LVN;s...

they dont really hire LVN's out here... the lvns we do have have been there for so long they know more than most rn's infact rn's ask them for dosage information.. wether to use NEPRO or osmalite.. tube feeding. basically what im saying RN's are havin a hard time finding jobs... if you were to get rid of ppl or HIRE PPL... would u radther get of the LVN with Lower scope of practice.. or hire a RN with a HIGHER scope of practice.. LVN's cant take Telephone order meds if im not mistaken... lvns in my hospital do what RNs do.. but just dont get the same amount of pay.. or maybe they do now.. with 13 years exp as lvn..

y i wouldnt become LVN is also cuz your competing with more Private schools.. whom pump out LVNS and RESP therapists... like quartely.. so the demand for them is very little compared to RN.. and there is a site which proves RN;s shortage has greatly decreased... ppl are getting layed off at kasier.. i have freinds whom are there..

im soo passionate about this.. cuz i was thinkng of doing respiratory therapist..i thank god i got into ICU... u see how nurses and RTs are treated its different.. i see RT students.. from where CONCORDE! every month.. and im glad i didnt choose that.. u want to go in a position whith HIGHER DEMAND... n MORE SECURITY... then RN is the way. and for RN to have a longer waiting list than LVN is obsurd! LVN in my schools dont require anything but a H.S DIPLOMA! hence a 3 yr waiting list.. RN is a 1 year waiting list.. cuz of the pre req requirement ... i hope this helps...

im a Paramedic.. was a hopeful FIREFIGHTER THEN REALIZED SECURITY BETTER THAN DREAMS.. so i went from RT to RN.. and glad with the choice.

im 24 years of age.. incase time is an issue.. and you want pay but in medical feild you can always look at yahoo.com they show 31$ job that dont require bs degrees just certs.. and i saw that MRI tech was making 60k and demand will be high.. again dont take my word for it just google it.. Hope this helps =)

wow.. i have 2 little one's and live with my parents while i go to school... so we're kinda in the same situation.... and i thought about getting my LPN then my RN but that would just delay me becoming an RN, and i would have to pay that much more in student loans... so i going for an RN.

good luck!!

Go straight for RN, there is no need for you to do LPN first since you've already got a position with a hospital. Congrats!!

WOW!!! All of you have been so helpful, & I really appreciate it! I hope everyone has a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

wow.. i have 2 little one's and live with my parents while i go to school... so we're kinda in the same situation.... and i thought about getting my lpn then my rn but that would just delay me becoming an rn, and i would have to pay that much more in student loans... so i going for an rn.

good luck!!

i just wanted to say goodluck to you! i know it's going to be a long hard road for both of us, but it will be so worth it in the end!