Worth getting my LPN on my way BSN?

[meganec17]

Hi! Hope that this is an appropriate place to post this question.

I am currently a second semester junior in a BSN program. I am doing very well and definitely enjoying nursing so far. I just got an email from my program saying that I will be eligible to test for my LPN when I finish my psych rotation (will be finished psych in about three weeks).

Do you think it would be worth obtaining my LPN a year before my BSN? My school actually used to have a program where we were eligible to get our ADN after junior year and senior year was the continuation of your BSN.

I wouldn't mind working in an office, actually I would love to... I know that it is hard to find one, especially as a BSN so an LPN may help get my foot in the door. Am I correct in saying that an LPN carries similar responsibilities to that of an RN, but with more supervision and stable patients?

Let me know what you think! Thank you! :)

[Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN]

Similar duties in most non-acute settings yes as both are licensed nurses :) I think you might as well go for it. Get your feet wet with actual licensed nursing experience while you finish up your RN BSN program. And you'll have an idea at the point what the NCLEX will be like in general :)

[Oh'Ello, BSN, RN]

So you only have one year or so left of your BSN program...I'd say its not really worth the hassle. You'll have to pay to take the LPN boards, PASS THEM, pay for your background checks and licensure as an LPN, find a job, buy uniforms etc. Then have your employer foot the cost of on boarding you, orienting you and then bear the burden of you being a weaker staff member for a couple of months, just to turn around and have to have the LPN position again when you graduate.

I don't know if being an LPN in an office first will help you get your foot in the door as a BSN unless you were an LPN somewhere for quite some time. The roles of many RN's in office include the oversight LPN's and techs. So if you come in with 0 experience as an RN and limited experience as an LPN its not likely they'll give you the additional pay and responsibility.

I personally think you should just focus on crushing your senior year (since the work load and clinical are a lot more intense) instead of focusing on orienting to a role that is of a lower credential than what you will have when you graduate.

[bsb1643]

I agree with oh Ello. Spend what time you have left on your studies,not learning a new job

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I suppose I will be the voice of dissent here...

If the OP's goal is to work at a doctors office or clinic, perhaps the LPN licensure will be the ingredient that opens the doors to these opportunities due to the lower labor costs associated with hiring LPNs.

[StacieFales]

Hello!

I have been a LPN for 23 years and decided to go back to school and will achieve my MSN. I currently am finishing up my ASN and my advice is don't bother with your LPN. I actually had to go get my CNA from 24 years ago renewed in order to obtain a student nurse extern position. Yes, I had to move backwards to get ahead! I was frustrated at the time because each state has different limitations with LPNs and most of my experience was in a acute care (I was very lucky). If you plan on working in LTC with your BSN, then sure, get your feet wet, but if not, save yourself some hassle!