Undecided LPN/RN?

[CASM]

I'm really torn on which path to take right now, LPN or RN? We had this discussion yesterday in our CNA class and a lot of us are undecided on which path to take. The RN program at our college has 4 pre-req classes as the LPN has no pre-req classes there is a waiting list for both programs. LPN is only 3 semesters as the RN is 6 semesters.

What advice would you give someone who is torn/undecided btwn the two?

How did you make the decisions btwn the two?

My big fear is if I do go ahead with the LPN program will I continue on to finish my RN year? At the college here they have a semester where you would spend taking a transition into the ADN program & of course you would have to take the pre-reqs for that also.

Thanks for any advice or thoughts given!

[CASM]

I did LPN and it took me 10 years to go back for my RN....go for the RN if you can!

I was discussing the two options with my husband and that's exactly what I said I was afraid of, if I go with the LPN program i'm afraid I won't go back and finish my RN.

[fionaFL]

I have been going thru this exact same issue, however I am not 24 years, old but 51, nearly 52 so this is a life changing career change for me. But to be honest as much as I would love to do the RN course, my first year would be all pre-reqs and no nursing and I just can't face that!!! In one year I can be an LPN and get a decent job (which I already have by the way, just desperate for a change).... and it's something I've always wanted to do! So I have decided to do LPN for various reasons, one being that fact that I may not choose to have the responsibility of being an RN at this point in my life... I may be happy being an LPN and letting someone else have all the responsibility, but then again maybe once I get there I won't in which case, at my point in life, with grown kids and grandkids, I probably won't have a problem if I want to do the bridge to RN program which my school DOES offer...

So that is my way of thinking, AND my decision which *i think* is right for me. However if I WAS 24, then I would definately go for the RN Program!!! Just my 2 cents worth.. and I hope I am making the right decision!!! Now if they will just recognize my Grades/credentials from England from 34 years ago I can start in January!!! I have been accepted and passed the tests etc, just waiting on them figuring that part out!

[Nomadnurse, L.P.N.]

Go with what is right for you. I had, at one time, thought about the reagents program. It is now Excelsior. If you need to take your own time to get it done, look here in allnurses, under the "Students" tab and find "distance learning for nurses". After your LPN,this will let you take your time without all the pressure. Good Luck and if I can help, let me know.

"You can't control the wind, but you can adjust the sails"

[wifeandmomoftwo]

I'm a new grad LPN. I just started to work last week at my first job which I love by the way :) I am registered to return to school after the first of the year to work towards becoming an RN. I made the decision to go to LPN school first so I could earn a decent living while continuing through school. Also, entry into the associate nursing programs are very competitive. If you have your LPN it's a little easier to get in.

The right decision isn't the same for everyone. I just know that for me if I had waited until I could become an RN to be a nurse I would probably never have made it.

Good luck to you!

[Nomadnurse, L.P.N.]

Do what is best for you. Keep your eye on the end goal. If you have ups and downs while you are continuing your career advancement, (and you will), do not stop........that was what I was saying. And stopping "for a while" was my mistake.

[mastover]

another thing is a lot of lpns get very frustrated. they do practly the same job as an RN but w/ 1/2 the pay. your young if you can do RN, but theres always the possibility you might not get in so dont be afraid to look at the lpn and then do a bridge program. theres also a program call Excelsior. My husband did this program (Paramedic to RN). you basically study on your own, take the tests, then when youve completed the number of test required you do your clinical check off.