What are some reasons why some go for their LPN before they go for their RN ?

kcochrane · Aug 24, 2010

I got my LPN first at 42 since I needed to get back to the workforce quickly - 10 month full time program. All the RN programs had long wait lists. Being out of work for 2 years plus maybe spending a year on a wait list was not feasible. Once I had my LPN, I got right into the RN program once I had all my prereqs. Took me five years of working full time and going to school taking 1-2 classes. I had to start from scratch with school.

kcochrane · Aug 24, 2010

Educate me. What is the role of an LPN?

Depends on the state. In NYS LPNs can do the same job as a RN, but they cannot do initial assessments, teach, do IV pushes, etc.

At this time with the economy as it is, not many LPNs are working in hospitals. I myself worked in long term care on a respiratory unit.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2010

Depends on the state. In NYS LPNs can do the same job as a RN, but they cannot do initial assessments, teach, do IV pushes, etc.
At this time with the economy as it is, not many LPNs are working in hospitals. I myself worked in long term care on a respiratory unit.

Around here they're mostly in doctor's offices, nursing homes, and in what I refer to as "the wards" of the hospital.

Selene006, BSN, LPN · Aug 24, 2010

I took the LPN route first because I wanted a career in healthcare but I didn't want to immediately commit to 4 years of schooling full-time at the university level. I wasn't even ready to commit to 2 years! I knew that I would continue my education post the LPN certificate, but I needed to be able to sufficiently support myself while furthering my education. After 9 months, I completed the curriculum, found a job, and was immediately accepted into a BSN program.

Baby steps into nursing has worked for me. I feel less overwhelmed as a nursing student (due to LPN experience), and it has made me excited to continue to navigate upwards through the educational ladder.

delilas · Aug 24, 2010

The amount of time it takes to become a LPN is the same time it takes to get a ADN

I'm not sure about schools in your area, but it was dead wrong for me. It took me 12 months to get my LPN, and another 18 afterwards to finish ADN.

I did it because I can work as an LPN while finishing my ADN. I get my foot in the door, get some experience that isn't EMT in my resume, and with my sketchy financial situation, I'm sometimes not sure if I'll have to take a break before I finish, so I have a nursing license already there for me to work with if that should happen.

It is easier to get LPN work with no experience than it is to get NG work as an RN, as well. Nursing homes and home health care aren't nearly as picky (in my experience) as hospitals. Getting experience is everything right now, to put you ahead of the rest of the new grad RNs.

Ruthiegal · Aug 24, 2010

I did LPN first it was an 11 month intense program, 5 days a week, so it was short, and I could begin working and then decide if this was the right field for me... that was back in 1979. but I wouldn't trade the LPN training for anything it taught me to be a good bedside nurse first!

vhern246 · Aug 25, 2010

At my college, the LVN (thats what its called in TX) is two years and the RN is three years. I am doing the LVN because I wanted more hands on experience. I fully intend to immediately apply to the LVN to RN program, but in case i'm wait listed, i'll have working opportunities.

I also intend to do the ADN to BSN program, I just need the money....

Orange Tree · Aug 25, 2010

I actually wanted to go through an LPN program, but there was a huge waiting list and the RN program I had looked at was competitive entry. And while LPNs can't do initial assessments or push some IV drugs, they basically do the same job otherwise on my unit. Patients are divided by location and you get what's in your location. LPNs take care of our high acuity, unstable patients just like RNs do....and they get paid less for it.

O'SheaRN · Aug 25, 2010

Most LPN programs are 12-18 mo. The ADN programs are at least 2 yrs, usually not including pre- reqs. It could be accessibility, affordability, length of program, location, etc. A lot of employers now require a BSN. I would go straight for my BSN. Since you have a degree in Liberal Arts, some of your credits will transfer.

peas&carrots · Aug 25, 2010

At the community college I go to you have a year of prereq's before you can enter the program. You have to complete your LPN before you can enter the RN program. There is no way around it and it takes 2 years to complete both. It is competitive to get into the 2nd year RN program because there are only 30 spots compared to the 60 spots in the LPN program. My goal is to be a RN but at least this way I can work as a LPN while I go to school. So to answer your question a lot of people become LPN's by default on their path to being a RN. :)

belgarion · Aug 25, 2010

I had about a year of training with unemployment available under the Workforce Investment Act. LVN school was 11 months, ASN was 2 years minimum. The only way to do the ASN was to bust into my 401k or sell off some other assets in a very weak economy at a very large loss.

prains · Aug 25, 2010

I was displaced from the IT industry after 10 years (due to outsourcing) at 45 years of age. Wanting to switch carrers, I applied for educational assistance. All of my LPN training was paid for by the Workforce Investment Act. I wanted training as soon as possible. I had never worked in a Health Care setting before. I did have experience in taking care of family members for many years. I know the LPN route is more affordable and and faster. I graduated in 11 months and set for the NCLEX-LPN yesterday. IF I passed (wish me luck) I plan on going on for my RN-AD degree online and work as an LPN..