LPN before RN
I live in central New York and I have already attented college for one year but I have decided that I want to go for nursing instead. Due to the prerequisites that I would have to take it would take me an additional three years to get my RN in a 2 year program. So I have applied to a LPN program instead and then I will go for my RN. Is this possible? And is it the right thing to do?
It is possible. You get your LPH which will take you a year. Then you go back for another year and get your ADN. But if I were you I'd do the extra three years and get your BSN. Many good positions are looking for BSN.
You might have to sacrifice some but anything worth having is worth working for.
WR,,, three commas for Becca
I went for my LVN first then went back to school for my RN. I chose that route because 1. I wasn't sure if nursing was what I would want to do forever and 2. I needed a more steady income fast! I've been nursing for 10 years now and 8.5 of them were as a LVN which all of that time I was working on my RN.
I think if you're wanting to get into nursing quick and start making money, I'd do your LVN first. If not, I'd just go for the RN right off the bat. Nothing wrong with either route, just really depends on your finances and how much time you want to invest. But also think of your speacialty. As a RN you'll have tons more options, it's endless!
angeeRN
i went to LPN school first and i am glad i did. never worked in the medical field before just always i knew i wanted to be a nurse. school was very hard and trying to take alot in in a very short time. working as an lpn let me put my skills together and use them and get use to job, i have learned more on the floor than i ever did in school, but i learn better with hands on. co-workers are welling to answer any questions no matter how stupid they are. now i am back in school for my RN. i understand things better now.
This post is over a year old....I wonder how the OP is doing, and what they decided to do?
Starting out as an LPN is perfectly ok; makes for good experience!
'Cat'
Ok, folks! Who all did the LPN to RN route? I will stand and be counted as one who did.
'Cat' :)
Cat-
That is very good to hear as if all goes to plan I will start out doing LVN.
Geez changing career fields is hard! :D
I am considering it VERY soon. RN has so much potential
I took a different, yet similar route.
AAS Surgical Technology [CST]-> AAS Nursing [ADN]-> RN-BSN [BSN]
I know that LPN's often are considered 'less than nurses', and have been the targets of many comments, but many people forget that going straight for the RN is not always feasible.
'Cat'
Hi all
I too did the LPN to RN route, before LPN I was a Pt Care Tech (Like a CNA except we performed phlebotomy, EKG's and foley insertion/removal). I have to say that the best nurses clinically that I have ever encountered were Diploma nurses and LPN bridge nurses. The clinical experiences gained far surpass todays BSN programs. This is applicable only to the state of Missouri which is where I reside and work. I was frustrated by limitation and perceptions (not to mention low pay) regarding LPN's a lot of the time while an LPN, however I think the overall experience makes me a better nurse today
I'm currently doing a LPN to RN bridge... :)
I did it! I am guilty....:houra:
nursesixty8 wrote:i went to LPN school first and i am glad i did. never worked in the medical field before just always i knew i wanted to be a nurse. school was very hard and trying to take alot in in a very short time. working as an lpn let me put my skills together and use them and get use to job, i have learned more on the floor than i ever did in school, but i learn better with hands on. co-workers are welling to answer any questions no matter how stupid they are. now i am back in school for my RN. i understand things better now.
This person sounds almost identical to me!
I knew I always wanted to be a nurse, but I was still a little too immature for RN programs right out of high school. I ended up getting my LPN first, then I got some great experiences in hospitals around here. It helped to do it for agency work while I was in school too! Then I graduated 5 years ago - and I think it is the best thing I have ever done. I have even MORE job options open to me now. The pay is much better than that of an LPN too. My life all around has just gotten much better since I got my degree. I only went as far as an ADN, but now I am considering taking a few courses here and there towards a BSN, and then who knows from there!
Good luck to you.
Incidentally, my 'old' license plate used to be "LPN 2 RN":)
I, too, have gone from nursing assistant to LPN to RN. I appreciate the experiences I have gain in the "steps" I have taken to get where I am today.
