Why did you choose LPN instead of RN?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I'm just wondering why others chose to be LPN's and not RN's. I will be starting a technical school program in the fall. I chose LPN because it was faster, I can gain experience and then go on to RN later if I choose to. I also love the medical field. I feel as a secretary I am limited and I want to have more impact on the people I see. I look up to the nurses in my life.

One other reason, is because my other is older now and will need care someday. I would like to be able to give her the care she needs.:redpinkhe

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
That being said, I found out after I already was accepted that there isnt jack for LPN jobs.

I am very surprised to read this because in my area there are tons of decent paying LPN jobs available although as we all know, most are in LTC.

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.
I am very surprised to read this because in my area there are tons of decent paying LPN jobs available although as we all know, most are in LTC.

I am more than happy to let a LTC pay me wages while I transition to LVN especially since I found a university in my area that has a LVN-BSN thats on campus.

All in all paying my dues at an LTC is a lot better than paying your dues in the garment industry where you work for free or virtually free and your hard work may or may not pay off.

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i choose lpn because i'm married with children. if something should happen after a year of rn school and i need to exit....i would be a gloried cna at best. but! a year after lpn school...boom i'm graducated and i'm a nurse!!! i can always go on to rn as i work as an lpn. angie

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Specializes in LTC.

I think CP summed it up fairly well for the majority of LPN students (at least on this board.)

I will try to take CP's explanation a step further...

1. Access.

Today's educational environment plays an active role here. Several people touched on the huge waiting lists and convoluted and varied "acceptance" requirements of RN/BSN programs across the country.

2. Time.

Many people are older, or married with children, and feel pressed for time to "do SOMETHING now". LPN programs are quick, (accelerated programs are lightning quick), and able to get one into the workforce years before taking the RN/BSN route.

3. Money.

As I touched upon in the above paragraph, LPN programs allow one quick access to the nursing community. Bridge programs allow one to gain experience WHILE continuing to further their education (should they choose) while they are making a paycheck.

4. Moving Forward.

Nearly all of us have stated a desire to continue forward to RN (even BSN for some). LPN is a good starting place for us to do this. I, myself, have been taking the "stepping stone" path since I was a CNA -- then EMT -- then Paramedic -- now LPN.

I will continue to my BSN...in time.

5. Mistakes.

A small percentage, but out there nonetheless. Those who've spent four years of their lives getting their BSN degrees (more if you include prerequisites), only to leave the profession within 3-5 years, never to return.

Gaining an LPN license allows you to make the "final" decision of whether nursing is for you, or not what you initially thought, with relatively little time spent in pursuit.

Good luck, I wish you all well.

Michael :D

My answer is pretty much the same as everyone else's---easier to bridge to RN later on if I want to, less time, cheaper, can make a pretty good living if I want to remain an LPN
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For me, I waited for a year to get accepted into a program. Got the letter that I was accepted, and my husband hot promoted and we had to move. I was going to stay behind but the school where we were moving said "You are a sure IN" . A year later still not in, they said get your LPN and we can get you in faster. So, last May, I applied and found out in June that I was going to LPN school.

I'm glad I did this b/c after this is done, May 30th!!!!!, I am taking a break from school and working. After 5 years my brain needs to rest and work in the environment.

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I decided to go the LPN route for a couple of reasons

1. the RN school that I was accepted to was 60 miles away and with the cost of gas these days....yikes

2. The LPN program will allow me to get some experience while I finish up my RN degree

3. My hubby is in the military so there is always the possibility of orders, I am far less likely to move in the year it takes to start and finish the LPN program than it would be if I went the RN route from the get go!

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

I chose LPN school because I'd been waiting for years to get into the RN program. At least I was doing something besides just waiting.

What I got in return was a career I love, self-esteem, sharp skills, great coworkers (mostly), job security, decent pay, great benefits, being able to transition to RN instead of being a brand new RN who requires training, great experience for my resume, being able to ask for more money when I become an RN than a new grad RN w/no nursing experience...this just off the top of my head. :nurse:

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Specializes in Nursing home/home health/Rehab.

I chose the LPN program basically as a stepping stone also. I went to traditional college for my BSN but those programs are sooo competitive and hard to get into that I sort of chickened out, but when I eventually did apply I barely missed.:cry: My GPA was like lower than the avg. 3.5-3.6, mines 3.3. Needless to say I was highly upset and a little discouraged so I forced myself into another major, Biology.

Since I had taken all of those science classes for nursing, switching to another area out of that scope would have been like starting my whole college career over and I definitly was not going to do that. But I was not happy and all I could think about was nursing. I kept asking myself, "exactly what are you going to do with a Biology degree?" I could go to med school but that wasnt were my heart was. So I came across the LPN program at the local CC and decided to apply and I got in!! (Needless to say I wish I had known this 4 yrs ago, but I dont regret my college experience one bit!:redpinkhe)

My long term goal is to get a RN and work in Labor and Delivery, then I will be happy:D

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I'm in a program at the local community college and the program is blended. After 1 yr (if you go full time), you can exit with a PN or you can choose to remain in the program and 'progress' to the ADN. You can also go the PN exit route, take the LPN boards, and still continue on for the associate rn. I'm now 4th semester, part time, and have just decided I want to test for LPN. I have 1 year left and want to get some experience under my belt. I was afraid if I took the PN exit route as soon as I was able, that I wouldn't continue on. Now I'm sure I'll finish.

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The waitlist are a huge problem for RN programs. The LPN program that I chose has a first come first serve basis policy and I think they allow so many to test to minimize having a long list of applicants.

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I choose to become a LPN because its a shorter program and I have a son and in order to go forward I have to work to support my family. I am glad i chose this route and the RN programs in this area are competitive and waiting list are rediculous!!!

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I have been trying to get into ASN programs for years now. I thought I would go LPN in order to bridge to RN eventually. I once cornered an advisor and asked why I was having so much trouble getting into a community college RN program and he told me the school had 300 people who had taken all the pre-requisits and if they got a B+, they took the course again to get that A and they were all vying for 50 seats yearly. Very competitive!! That and I am 43 this year... gotta get the show on the road!!Just got accepted to Soldiers' Home in Chelsea. I cannot be happier.:nurse:I'm finally gonna do it!

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