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LPN versus RN
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Posted over 5 years ago Hi my name is Sharon and I am the mother of 5…at 37 I have decided to finally take the plunge and commit to going back to school..my goal was to become an RN but I am unable to quit my job to go to nursing school full time and there are no night classes available….I am now thinking of doing LPN and use that as a stepping stone toward RN since I since I can go to school after work hopefully once I graduate I can work nights and go to nursing school during the day…..has anyone else taken this route….I want to fullfill my dreams but can not stop working I have friends that are RN’s that are telling me I am taking a detour that is not necissary but I see this as my only way to success Looking for some input….please :) |
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| Posted over 5 years ago I say go for it girl! That's exactly how I did it, from HHA to CNA to LPN and currently working on my RN. It is difficult when you have children to care for, but I tell you ; SKY is THE LIMIT. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT! Do the LPN first it is a short cut to your RN. I was given credit toward my LPN because I was already a CNA . Again given credit towards RN after being an LPN. Girl if you are anything like me, it's your children that has motivated you to accomplish your dreams right? Look into all the technical schools first, a lot of them offer the evening classes that you are looking for. About the friends that's telling you that you are taking a detour; tell them take a hike! They should be encouraging you to pursue your dream no matter what route you take. Whatever route they took when they started their journey was RIGHT for them. I took this route because it was RIGHT for me and my CHILDREN! Remember the NIKE commercial? JUST DO IT? Well JUST DO IT or you'll be forever sitting there wondering what route to take and another year passes by and you have nothing accomplished. By the way I'm 39 and a mother of 3 and I did it SO CAN YOU! GOOD LUCK!!!!!! |
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25 posts back to top |
| Posted over 5 years ago I say go for it girl! That's exactly how I did it, from HHA to CNA to LPN and currently working on my RN. It is difficult when you have children to care for, but I tell you ; SKY is THE LIMIT. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT! Do the LPN first it is a short cut to your RN. I was given credit toward my LPN because I was already a CNA . Again given credit towards RN after being an LPN. Girl if you are anything like me, it's your children that has motivated you to accomplish your dreams right? Look into all the technical schools first, a lot of them offer the evening classes that you are looking for. About the friends that's telling you that you are taking a detour; tell them take a hike! They should be encouraging you to pursue your dream no matter what route you take. Whatever route they took when they started their journey was RIGHT for them. I took this route because it was RIGHT for me and my CHILDREN! Remember the NIKE commercial? JUST DO IT? Well JUST DO IT or you'll be forever sitting there wondering what route to take and another year passes by and you have nothing accomplished. By the way I'm 39 and a mother of 3 and I did it SO CAN YOU! GOOD LUCK!!!!!! |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Thanks for your encouragement...started school 10/16...feel good that I finally made the step.... right now it's a big adjustment for everybody in the family.....feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of work but also very excited....you realy made me feel better about my choice and now that I'm in school I am a 100% behind the path that I have taken to fullfill my dreams :) |
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29 posts back to top |
| Posted over 5 years ago just read your info, congratulations in taking the first step. Continue to work hard and don't let anybody discourage you. Going directly to RN school is not right for everbody. I also started as CNA, went to LPN school, then finally went back to RN school. My problem was that I didn't think I could stick with school for two loooong years! Any way, you found your way, now continue on your journey! |
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| Posted over 5 years ago I did the same thing .. here in CA the wait lists for the straight RN program are clogged and wait list up to 4 yrs long. I was a CMA and Phleb. almost 5 yrs then did LVN and will work and in Dec. 09 do the last 8mths to my RN. I dont think anything is a waste when it comes to education and how you pursue it,..,. the fact is youre doing it and thats what counts! good luck and dont give up .. it will be hard, but hard things dont come easy! |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Hey,
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39 posts back to top |
| Posted over 5 years ago Hi decided to do my LPN first. This even though alot of well meaning ICU RN's told me not to waist my time. The point is what works best for you. I learn better in steps and liked the idea if being licensed while i go back for my RN that way in case something were to happen in my life i'd still be an LPN. I started out as a CMA and worked in a doctors office and then as a CNA and heart tele monitor in the ICU and now a nursing student. I can say while some may think this is the long way around what i have learned has been so valuable. My organizational skills are great and i've learned more about cardiac issues and vents then most in there last year of RN school. Let me know what you decide. Remember also being an LPN first will help you gain assessment skills much needed. And when you go back for your RN it should be that much easier for you since you already have a healthcare background. I actually start my clinicals next week and am sooooooooo excited. Good luck to you. |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Go Girl. I'am doing the same thing like you're doing. I am a mother of two little girls, 6 and seven years old. I can totally relate with you. I t is overwhelming for the most part but let focus on the price. I am 39 years old wants to have my msn by age 45 if possible. I think that's very ambitious, but dreaming is free. I wish you all the best.... |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Hi Sharon, good for you. I like you I am in a similar position. I've worked in the Mtg Banking industry for 18yrs. I myself and 36yrs old and decided to go back to school to complete my Associates Degree in RN after I lost my job of 10yrs. However, I've found that most Jr Colleges have a 2yr waiting list just to enter into the nursing program--time which I don't have. I've decided to do the LVN route as well. I can complete the progam in 14mos and get back into the working world then later I can bridge to the RN. The school I'm attending in Ca offers night classes for working people like yourself. I think you have made the right decision that best fits your lifestyle. Good Luck to you and all the other nursing students out there. |
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| Posted over 5 years ago You Can Achieve it Sharon. I finished my LPN program a few weeks ago. I start on my core for RN Jan 7th. It is not always just the destination but the journey is also important. You will have more practical experience and better skill going LPN first; and no one can tell you the 1 best path for you, but you. Best of Luck! And Plenty of Prayer Power for you! |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Good for you. I went back to school 24years ago. I was a single Mom with and 18month old baby boy. I had worked as a nurse's aid and physical therapy aid for 10 years prior to going back. After 24years, Im working on my RN, better late than never. I will tell you, it wont always be easy, some days you will sit down and think "What was I thinking". After all the flustration, after all the hard work, when everything is said and done you will be so glad you decided to do it. Keep up the great job all of you. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Hello everyone. I am much in the same boat. Currently I am working as a Long Term Care Aide with the elderly in an intermediate facility. Right now I am getting ready to do start the next chapter in my life - LPN. For me, I know that I couldn't handle more then a year or so in school, so bridging from a LTCA to an LPN then bridging from an LPN to an RN is definitely the best route for me to take. My young kids are very important to me so by continuing my education this way, it gives me plenty of time to be with my family still. My husband couldn't be more proud of me and I myself could not be more proud of me. This was a huge step for me to take but in the long run, I will have the education, the experience and the career that I've always wanted. Good luck to all of you who share this very same dream. I know with a little hard work, sleepless nights, and exam/test after another, we will have career stability and be so proud of ourselves for putting our minds to perhaps something that we never thought we could do. Wishing everyone all the best. Good luck! |
