Worth it? Step-by-step LPN-RN-MSN?

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Since I was on a waiting list for my RN program (begins Jan '09), I decided to do a one-year LPN program. It began in Jan '08. I have straight As, find it challenging but not too difficult, but am beginning to have doubts as to whether it's even worth it to continue on with the next two long semesters. I'm a nurse aide, and am finding that hospitals in my area (and many areaa!) don't hire LPNs, and that nursing homes are the main places to find jobs. The pay isn't that great, either. Plus, my clinical experiences have taught me that nursing homes are not exactly the most postive places for someone aspiring to be a good nurse (and sorry to the many caring nursing home nurses I know are out there-but again, MY experience).

Honestly, I thought it would be great to gain experience as a LPN while in school for my RN. For whatever reason, my instructor doesn't like me (very strange situation, and I don't quite understand her reasonings) and it kind of sours my time in class. My clinical instructor thinks highly of me, plus I get along with my classmates. I feel like the program-as well as my experience in the LTC facilities-might actually make me lose my passion for being the kind of nurse I want to be. Doing this LPN program is not worth it to me if it's only going to bring me "down", since I do have really high aspirations related to my nursing career. And, I have worked in health care-hospice, dialysis, hospitals, etc. I have never had the kind of drama/negative experiences/negative opinion given to me by a supervisor, etc. I've really thought about this, since I wonder if maybe I'm doing something(s) wrong or bad, but there is something to be said for reputation. I've earned a good one, but my LPN student experience is really making me question EVERYTHING about myself. Almost depressed.

Is it best for me to successfully complete my semester (done in 2 weeks) and drop out of this program. I could work and save money for when I begin what I aimed for from the beginning, which begins in Jan.???

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Is it easier to get into a bridge program from LPN to RN? Or...do you have to complete an RN program from start to finish?

I did an LPN first because of the waiting list for the ADN program. So...I did the LPN program (along with the RN prereqs) and then voila, no waiting list for the ADN bridge from LPN to RN!

Had I been smart, I would have done a BSN from the get-go. However, hubby was active duty military so we moved so frequently I couldn't complete a program before we moved again!

So..in answer to your question, I would finish out the LPN program and then do a bridge program to the RN.

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Thank you for your advice. In theory, it does make sense to finish the LPN program. I'm just so down emotionally, I suppose. I think my vision of "nurse" is getting beaten down, and that's what's bothering me.

We do have a bridge program. Since I have a RN regular seat for Spring '09, I'm going to follow that only because I'll be done sooner than if I did the bridge program. It starts only in the Fall semester, plus the NCLEX-PN must be passed and I think some work experience before you can even apply! I don't want to risk another waiting list, the way they can be now. I do appreciate your advice, though, and see your point.

Somehow, I need to work on my head, and keep myself positive and with my passion for nursing so that I can give it my all when I am where I want to be. And that's more of what I mean about whether I should stick this out in the LPN or not. ...Whether it's worth it, since it's so negative for me.

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I myself am thinking on the same path you went with. LPN first vs waiting 2-4 yrs to get into a nursing program. Ive taken most of my pre-req's and I am seriously thinking about an LPN program this next winter. Then after that, I can work still and do an online program that bridges to RN and BSN. Let me know if things are working out for you with yours. :) thanks

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hello all

has anyone heard or tried achieve test prep? it give tutoring classes to help u test out of excelsior exams....

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Specializes in geriatrics.

First i earned my CNA, then my LPN, currently I am in my senior year of BSN at a major university.

As a CNA i worked LTC. As an LPN i worked LTC and Corrections.

There have been advantages and disadvantages having LPN/LTC experience during my BSN programs.

The good: Having the LPN/LTC experience eleminates some of the "first time jitters" in the BSN program: giving injections, talking to patients, communicating with other health care workers. Since I wasnt afraid of those things I was able to really focus/fine tune my work and also explore other areas of the nursing world.

The bad: Some of my professors did not recognize my past experience. I told them (about my LPN) thinking "they will be excited to have me. they can push me to new heights." That was not the case. Often I felt I was "brought down to new levels," and disregarded. I give them the benefit of the doubt: they're used to teaching new nursing students... after all this is not a LPN-BSN program.

My rec: get your LPN then go to RN/BSN. The experience (even in LTC) will put you head and shoulders above your peers. But I would also recommend never telling ANYONE in the program that you are an LPN. I don't recommend lying, just not volunteering information.

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First i earned my CNA, then my LPN, currently I am in my senior year of BSN at a major university.

...My rec: get your LPN then go to RN/BSN. The experience (even in LTC) will put you head and shoulders above your peers. But I would also recommend never telling ANYONE in the program that you are an LPN. I don't recommend lying, just not volunteering information.

Thanks for the heads up.

Well, just signed up for Am Red Cross NA training down in E. LA ($1500 vs. local CC at $600 total; 4wks vs 9wks; late March vs Sep start date).

Just wanted to get some experience b4 next round of Nursing lottery results come out in Sep & Dec '12, Feb & Mar '13 (from all 3 CC's).

I think w/ your LPN status, your instructor(s?) probably saw you as a "wise guy." Just a thought.

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Specializes in Home health, Med Surg, LTC.

Hi, I am currently an LPN student and have a bachelor’s degree in Public health and can relate to this post. After waiting two years of applying to accelerated BSN, regular BSN and AAS schools, I decided to apply for LPN programs which I got in. Although attending a LPN program seem like I was going backwards, I still am happy that I applied. It is very competitive in NYC nursing schools and getting into one is very hard. It is so much easier to be an RN, while being an LPN. I’ve did my research. My next step is to apply to a LPN to RN program then an online BSN program. I know a lot of people that done it and had their BSN in less than 3 years. I took a lot of classes needed in the RN program, I believe that I will get my BSN in less than 3 years.

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Yes I can say at some point in my lpn program the school owners seem more likely to kick you out then to help you. But I wouldn't let those bad experience get to you. You have experience and will be able to work somewhere else where it's not negative. I did get my license in may and finding work is crazy without the 1yr experience. But even so I have applied and will be doing achieve prep to get my ASN through excelsior. No matter what happens never second guess yourself and keep pushing towards your goal.

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Specializes in Foot & Ankle.

I am doing pretty much the same thing as you. I have been a nurses aide for two years now and decided to get my LPN first since I recieved my business degree from the same school that I'm getting my LPN at. I figured it would be easier since I wouldn't need to redo any classes and so that I can make more money sooner since I am a single mom. I think that the LPN to RN program would be a good next step instead of the LPN to BSN program since most hospitals want nurses to have at least two years RN experience. So while you're getting your RN to BSN program you'll have the two years experience by the time you have your bachelors!!

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