Unsure if I should get LVN then RN

Jules A, MSN · Aug 3, 2008

Hi,

I did my LPN first and was very happy with my choice. I think ORs mostly like to hire actual Surg Techs which is also a year long program like the LPN although I do know of a L&D unit that used LPNs for their on site C-sections. Good luck! Jules

Fiona59 · Aug 4, 2008

When you say "surgical nurse" do you mean in the OR or on a surgical ward? It's two very different jobs. In the OR we are the instruments nurse, on the ward we provide post-op care.

You would really have to research your local labour market.

skittlebear · Aug 4, 2008

I am 32 have 2 kids. New to the site. I have most of my pre-reqs finished and found it hard to get into the community college RN programs. I have decided to try the universities. I was thinking about trying to get my LVN and then eventually doing a bridge to my RN. I really want to do Critical Care or surgical care. I have a daughter that will be going to college in 2 years and I'm afraid for both of us to be in school at the same time. I need to finish. I just want to be a NURSE. I have in the medical field since I was 19. Right out of highschool I got started at a nursing home and got my CNA, then my PCT, then my CMA and have been working in a doctors office for 8 years. My physician is great and caring and wants me to stay but I want my nursing license. I guess my questions is how many LVNs get their RN and can LVN be surgical nurses?

I know a lot of LPNs that have went back to school and obtained their RN license. It is doable. I also know a lot of LPNs that have stayed LPNs for various reasons...either because they are satisfied with being an LPN, lack of motivation for going back to school, or the inability to go back to school due to having a full work schedule, etc.

Me? I had every desire to get my RN after working as an LPN for a year. It has been several years since I graduated LPN school, and now do not wish to persue my RN (at least not yet...if ever). I am satisfied with what I'm doing at the moment, I don't wish for the EXTRA responsibility that having an RN entails, and I also have lack of motivation to go back to school. I just bought a house and am working fulltime as an LPN, and going back to school for my RN would be very difficult as well. But...I also know that several RNs at my job are doing the same exact thing I'm doing, but get paid a lot more per hour.

I never cared much for working at a hospital, but If I wanted to work at a hospital or acute care setting, I would definately have gotten my RN.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 4, 2008

Many times, people choose to obtain their LPN license first because of the long waiting lists for RN programs (most of them are VERY competitive). Depending on where you live, there are more bridge programs cropping up than ever before, then, there are the on line programs (if they are accepted by your State). I do know of LPNs that function as OR techs, they were trained on the equipment and procedures.

If you live in an area where there are many RN programs available, consider applying to those schools (most do aspire to go straight into RN programs). Many of them allow students to take NCLEX-PN after taking a certain amount of courses. Most I know have done this because they wanted to gain experience and make some decent money while completing their RN degree. Good luck!