Would It Be Better To Be A Lpn First, Then Go For Rn?

itsmyturn · Nov 3, 2007

Yeah, I have to waste my money and go the LPN route because I am not able to go to a 4 yr university like some here, lucky you. The LPN route for me was about being able to take it slow by being able to get a job, hone my skills and go back for that R.N. degree like the rest of you and be able to pay for it without having loans. I have not worked anywhere but home in the last twenty years, let alone attend school, so I need time to get back into the swing of things instead of throwing myself out there and setting myself up for failure which will happen if I go the R.N. route right now. I know me. I may have to throw an extra 5000 out the window but I agree...money on any type of education is never a waste...I will make just as good a nurse as those who can get their R.N way before me. And, if I have my LPN, I won't have to go through so much stress about the waiting list that those who are trying to get into R.N. school fret over...where I live, LPNs get first priority over new students who have never been in a medical profession. That is certainly worth the extra money to me all by itself!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2007

LPNs get first priority over new students who have never been in a medical profession. That is certainly worth the extra money to me all by itself!

Everyone has good and valid reasons for going LPN to RN or straight to RN. We all must do what we feel is best for our situation.

Your last sentence isn't making much sense to me because someone without medical experience will start and the beginning. LPNs don't get in the same program as them, so it's two programs and two separate waiting lists (or no waiting lists).

Here there are waiting lists for LPNs and RN schools with the LPN being shorter, and the LPN to RN doesn't have a waiting list at all. So many people are choosing the LPN route to get it done quicker.

deleern · Nov 4, 2007

Look at what is available in your area, Where I live the only route is Lpn to RN at the community College, unless I wanted to drive 3 hours a day to the university. I am going to continue on for my BSN or do the RN to Masters. with available online programs. But I am an RN. and that is what maters.

suanna · Nov 4, 2007

Be careful!, Once you get your LPN you start a lifestyle that requires working as an LPN- Its tougher to stop and return to school. The year you spend getting your LPN is almost half way to an ADN. Honestly, if you are not able to cut it in the basic math and sciences I'm not sure how effective you would be in eather path. You mignt try taking a prereq. math or a science course before making you final decision. Learning is never a waste and you may be supprised how well you do.

As far as my fellow posters- basic Chem. is required for all science degrees. When nursing dumbs down its requirements since "you aren't going to use it much" it moves closer to a technical certification and further from a profession. To have your B.S. in any field should indicate at least a basic understanding of science, sociology, logic, history, ethics... Nursing care in todays hospitals require bright articulate people who have a good understanding of the science behind thier care.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2007

Be careful!, Once you get your LPN you start a lifestyle that requires working as an LPN.........

I whole heartedly agree. This is another good reason to go for your goals immediately if possible. I know many LPNs who intended to go back, and still do, but years go buy, family obligations pop up, they get used to making a certain salary and don't have the time or energy left to pursue their degree. Kind of like me who took 15 years to start my BSN when I swore that I would "just take a year off". :lol2:

jmking · Nov 4, 2007

I finally got accepted in an RN program. It's the same school I graduated with my LPN. I think it's okay to get your LPN first. It just depends depend where you are in life. I make a nice wage that helping me save for school and I have a nice job with lots of down time that will allow for me to study while attending classes.

Regardless of the creditials you are always a nurse!

Jennifer LPn

itsmyturn · Nov 4, 2007

I guess it depends on your school. In the community college where I got some of my pre-reqs finished, there were not two separate programs, only the R.N. program and one waiting list that put the current LPN's at the top of the list then students without nursing liscences came next, even though the LPNs only took part of the program. Go figure.

CRNA2007 · Nov 5, 2007

Ummm, there are two year nursing degrees as well. It's called an ASN

Not everyone can afford four years at university. The Pn Diploma guarantees an income for people who can't afford to do it.
Plus, it will also weed out those who think they want to be a nurse and suddenly find that dealing with the human body and its functions isn't what they really want to do.
Education in any form is NEVER a waste of money.

NC Girl BSN · Nov 5, 2007

If you can get into a RN program, then I say go for it. But if you are put on a wait list for a couple years and have an opportunity to get into a LPN program while you wait and its not too expensive then go that route while you wait. I had to take this route because of the wait and I'm glad I did but I long to have my RN. Oh by the way, math and science are a piece of cake compared to all those critical thinking test in nursing.

mariamsally · Mar 26, 2009

Hi-reading this thread with interest. I am on the wait list for LPN, which is one to two years. RN wait list here is 4 years. I needed to re-take all my bio classes, since they are all over 7 years old. I am 46 and just got my certification as a CNA.

It is very disheartening to see all the sniping that goes on between LPN/RN. Aren't we all nurses? (Thank you moderator for stopping that.)

The reason I am doing LPN first, then RN is because of the wait list. I long to be an RN, as I did when I graduated high school. (life being what life is, things turned out differently); however I am doing it NOW and that is what is important.

School has been easy for me, so that's not the issue, the issue with me is the WAIT to get into the program. I find it incredibly frustrating..........

I simply don't understand the wait. There's such a shortage, yet there's an incredible wait list out there with lots of people just sitting around stewing and waiting to get into the program.

My goal is by the time I'm 50 I'm either starting RN school or finishing up.

It's never to late to be what one wants to be.

At least I'll have my foot in the door and lots of experience as an LPN while I wait for RN school

BMXMom · Apr 1, 2009

At the school I attend, the first year of your schooling allows you to take the LPN board. We had to do the math and chemistry. Even as an LPN our school tests you out on math for meds. Honestly, chemistry was one of my easiest courses of the nursing program.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 2, 2009

Ummm, there are two year nursing degrees as well. It's called an ASN

Fiona lives in Canada, which has a different educational system than the US does. In addition, not everyone is interested in obtaining even their ASN. Doesn't mean something is wrong with them.