Why did you decide to be an LPN vs an ADN?

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Specializes in LTC, ICU, ER, Anesthesia.

Is it because the program is shorter? Lack of class spots for ADN? easier?

it just seems like you'd really be selling yourself short with job flexibility, opportunities, etc

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Specializes in Rheumatology/Emergency Medicine.

Easy, no prerequisites, could cut off 1 year of "2 year" program and gives you more flexibility and pay while finishing the last year of school.

For example, I started LPN school in sept 08, had I want RN instead, I'd spent 2008/2009 working on prerequistes and then graduated in 2011. If I finish any extra classes I can start my Lpn-Rn bridge in 2009 and graduate in 2010, a year earlier than straight RN.

Plus I can work as an LPN the 2nd year, in addition, if I start working and suddenly decide nursing isn't for me, I've only invest 1 year vice 2/4 years.

LPN's are great, go for it, if you like nursing bridge over to RN or stay LPN.

Tony

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Easy, no prerequisites, could cut off 1 year of "2 year" program and gives you more flexibility and pay while finishing the last year of school.

For example, I started LPN school in sept 08, had I want RN instead, I'd spent 2008/2009 working on prerequistes and then graduated in 2011. If I finish any extra classes I can start my Lpn-Rn bridge in 2009 and graduate in 2010, a year earlier than straight RN.

Plus I can work as an LPN the 2nd year, in addition, if I start working and suddenly decide nursing isn't for me, I've only invest 1 year vice 2/4 years.

LPN's are great, go for it, if you like nursing bridge over to RN or stay LPN.

Tony

Ditto.

Quicker start, quicker finish. Example - I can start pn school as early as May (i.e. six weeks from now). Although I have my rn prereqs I didn't have them in time for this year's application season so I wouldn't be able to apply until the end of this year or early next year for rn programs that start in summer or fall of 2010 - by that time I will be finished pn school. I will be working on my bsn-rn as soon as I get my pn license and then I'll be in grad school for my msn and doctorate if I feel like it. So no I won't be selling myself short - I'll simply be working my way up in the field taking on new opportunities as I am ready for them. The other thing is that I'm not so keen on being a ft student any longer than I have to be so if I can get it over with now I'll be much happier doing the rest pt while I work as a nurse.

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Specializes in Rehabilitation; LTC; Med-Surg.
Is it because the program is shorter? Lack of class spots for ADN? easier?

it just seems like you'd really be selling yourself short with job flexibility, opportunities, etc

I'm 21 so I figured, "Why the heck not?" Plus, my teenage years were not remarkable in the sense that... I got myself into a lot of trouble. However, after one year in the AmeriCorps program, I put my mind to change my life, and I did! Now I have three months until I'm qualified to take the NCLEX-PN and couldn't be prouder. I will move on to the LVN-ADN transition program fall semester 2010. This route was more of a "one step at a time" situation. =)

Ok, off my soap box!

The route is in general quicker. I worked at Home Depot or 2.5 yrs, and I had two options: spend one year, then start working as a nurse, or work at Home Depot another three-four years while I finish. My options after that were VERY CLEAR... HAHA.

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Hey!

I am also thinking about getting into a vn program starting in june and i am already done with my pre-req's for the adn program, but am not going to get in until fall 2010. I decided to go for the vn program and be done with it by next summer 2010 even before i would get in the adn program. I can then apply to the vn-rn bridge or vn-bsn bridge at several schools and finish nursing. Meanwhile i can also work as a vn and instead of sitting around waiting for a year and a half to start the rn program i'll be half way done with the rn when i begin. Oh by the way i am applying to vn programs that range from $2-4 thousand and not the $23-35 thousand dollars schools. I want it to help me not leave me in more debt when i graduate. I hope this helps, so whatever you decide to do make sure it is what best fits your needs.

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Specializes in LTC.
Is it because the program is shorter? Lack of class spots for ADN? easier?

it just seems like you'd really be selling yourself short with job flexibility, opportunities, etc

I chose to do my LPN first so that I can work as a nurse and making money while gaining experience while still pursing my RN degree. I'm 20 year old what do I have to lose ??? Here are my options Be a nurse while in school for my RN, or continue working as a CNA for the next two years. Even if I did want to stay a LPN which I don't, Lpns are still nurses and they are not selling themselves short. Its all a personal decision.

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I know I won't be selling myself short. I have been a GNA for 5 years, and I will be pretty darn proud to be able to walk into work every day as the charge nurse!!! I also really like working in LTC so, I won't even be trying to find a job at any hospitals.

Eventually I might want to get into an RN program, but for now, the LPN is the best decision for me. The local college doesn't offer the LPN program and it is a 2 year waiting list for the RN. SO, even tho it will cost more, I will be working as a nurse, and making more money in just over a year!!!!

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

1. LPN school took me first. RN school had 2-3 year wait.

2. Work paid for it.

3. Didn't know if I'd like nursing. Easier to chuck a 10mo paid for education than a 2year (really 4 yrs when you count prereqs) education w/loans out the wazoo.

4. I can finish my RN online and still make decent money while attending school.

5. It works for me.

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Specializes in Psych, Emergency, Med/Surg.

This may be an ignorant question, but are there spots for lpn's at the hospitals? I've gone to several hospital's websites and couldn't find one listing for a(n) lpn. I've been thinking about this route too, for ALL of the reasons listed before, but have avoided it because I fear not being able to find work in a hospital. At least as a tech, I can work in the hospital while attending RN school. Am I misinformed?

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

There are no ignorant questions. There are no hospital jobs for LPNs that I am aware of at this point. I was the last outside hire and that was 1 1/2 yrs ago. If you want hospital only, then become an RN. It's a good idea to become a tech in a hospital, because it's becomming hard for new grads to get jobs. If you are already there when you get your RN, you have a definate advantage.

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Specializes in Psych, Emergency, Med/Surg.

I do only want to work in a hospital........for now:coollook:. I have a long road ahead of me b/c I ultimately want to continue and continue and continue my education. I would like to retire as a nurse educator, though. But I want to be one of those instructors that has ran the gammet of nursing. I want to be able to share what I've learned with my students and be able to answer any questions they may have based on my own personal experiences. Hmmmm, this is gonna be fun:D. I just figured b/c of my "plans", I would skip lpn and go straight to rn.

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the one and ONLY reason was i needed to still have an income - had to keep the day job and in san diego, ca at that time LVN at Maric College was the ONLY NIGHT / WEEKEND classes.. tell me how bummed i was to learn i scored high enough on the entrance to get into the RN course, although at that time it wasnt regionally accredited it wouldve still been a half step further than my LVN... but thankful either way... ive been waiting to publicize that for years!!

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