Why do people do a LVN if...

Boog'sCRRN246, RN · Jul 9, 2010

"If the LVN isn't a RN, then why do people choose that program?"

#1.) LVN/LPN's are not RN's, they are LVN/LPN's. The differences vary according to state, however they are both licensed nurses no matter where you are.

#2.) There are multitudes of reasons why people choose to do a LVN/LPN program and...

#3.) Not everyone wants to be a RN.

racquetmom · Jul 9, 2010

No they are not the same amount of time. Every school has different requirements and guidelines so like I mentioned in another post you need to either see a nursing advisor or go on your school's website and look at what the differences are between a licensed practical nurse (LPN) associate degree nurse (ADN) or your bachelor of science nurse (BSN). You can also go on the LPN site here and read the discussions of those students or those working as an LPN to see their preference of why they chose the path they did.

caliotter3 · Jul 9, 2010

People go into LVN programs because it is a route (LVN to RN bridge program) to an RN program, or because it gives them "something" that they can earn a living with while they are waiting on getting into an RN program, or just because they want to be an LVN.

allnurses Guide · Jul 9, 2010

My LVN program took about 1 year. I don't know of any RN program that is that short. I've heard from many people here that the ADN in reality takes longer than 2 years if you include the time it takes to do your pre-requisites.

As others here advised, check with your state BON. There are many career paths in nursing, good luck in finding the one that suits your interests! :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2010

Why do people choose to do a LVN, if they can become a RN by doing the ADN, which are both the same amount of time?

The LVN program that I attended was only 12 months in length. I don't know of any RN associate degree programs that are only 12 months long from start to finish. Therefore, both do not take the same amount of time to complete. The only 2-year LVN programs in the U.S. that I am aware of are the part-time programs.

Or wait, is there a difference? It seems like a LVN isn't an actual RN, right? Whereas you can actually become a 'RN' if you do the ADN program.

There is a difference. The schooling of an LVN is more task-oriented and heavy on clinical skills. You do learn plenty of theory in LVN programs, but there's less in-depth exposure to pathophysiology and disease processes when compared to RN programs.

What are the differences then? If the LVN isn't a RN, then why do people choose that program? Am I missing something here?

First of all, not everyone wants to become an RN. Some individuals want a fulfilling job that involves helping people and providing nursing care without the same level of liability that RNs must assume. The LVN role enables people to have that kind of job.

Many people choose to become LVNs with the intention of becoming RNs later on. The LVN role is a good springboard for later pursuing the RN. I was an LVN for four years before I earned my RN license. Some people must choose the route that will permit them to enter the job market quickly (within 12 months) with marketable skills that can command competitive wages. Others must stair-step their ways up the career ladder due to their current situations in life. While attending an RN program full-time during the entire year of 2009, I lived comfortably and earned nearly $50,000 that year as the result of working weekend double shifts as an LVN. Many people who go straight for the RN without ever having been an LVN sometimes struggle financially due to working part-time in lower paying positions such as a CNA or unit secretary.

EmmyBee · Jul 9, 2010

I agree with the above posters:

-they might not have the money for all the required pre-requisites and schooling of an RN program (despite financial aid)

-they might not have the time to commit to going to school longer

-they simply might not like school, but want to make more than minimum wage

-they might want to gain experience and earn a decent pay while enrolled in an RN program

-they might not want to deal with waiting lists and such, so they become and LPN first, to make it easier to get into an RN program

-they might be unsure if they really want to be a nurse, and don't want to invest a lot of time and money into more schooling, until they test the waters

And I'm sure there are many other reasons that others have chosen the LPN route first. You just have to decide what's best for you and your current situation.

xInspiredx · Jul 9, 2010

Wow, thank you to all! I really, really appreciate all of your input! Thanks again!!!! :) & sorry if I come off as naive or ignorant, but a lot of people that I've asked have been telling me all sorts of misinformation. :/

This site is just terrific. Thanks again!

racquetmom · Jul 9, 2010

Wow, thank you to all! I really, really appreciate all of your input! Thanks again!!!! :) & sorry if I come off as naive or ignorant, but a lot of people that I've asked have been telling me all sorts of misinformation. :/
This site is just terrific. Thanks again!

This is a good reason to just go and talk directly with an advisor or make a phone call to the school you are interested in. It was amazing to me how many changes there were to requirements when I was taking my pre-reqs. We needed to have A/P I and II, micro completed prior to applying to the program but then later find out it changed and now you can apply without having A/P 2 completed or some other classes. Net exam could be done only a year in advance but then changed to be 2 years. It is changing all the time like a school may do NET entrance testing then 6 months later it switches and starts doing the teas, little things like that so not sure how people could keep up on the changes when nursing students themselves tend to get blindsided with changes....unless these people actually work in the nursing dept. I really think you will have all your answers if you just check with your school. They will tell you what classes can transfer, how much it costs, how long each program is and is there a waitlist, what requirements are there to get on the list, what passing score do I need on my nurse entrance exam etc. You can then compare what route you want to do based on your time, money, and personal goals.

PatMac10,RN, RN · Jul 9, 2010

I've found that many people in my area seem to be confused when it comes to CNA, LPN's, and RN's. We all had to learn the differences though. I had a girl in my CNA class who thought that LPN's (or LVN's, we call them LPNs here in NC, same thing though) were more trained than RN's. So. it takes time. Like the other posters said LVN's are not RN's, but they are nurses, just Licensed Vocational Nurses and not Registered Nurses (RN's). Hope I've helped.

-PatMac