Career Corner >> Career Advice >> LPN or RN
LPN or RN
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Posted over 5 years ago Hi - I'm new to the site but it is wonderful all of the information contained within the site. I have always wanted to be a nurse - I have been working as a CNA now for about a year. I have taken care of elderly folks in the past and also after my mother had a very extensive surgery I cared for her for about a year. I love working in the medical field! I have submited my application/packet to start LPN school and I was selected to have an interview for the upcoming classes starting in January. I decided to go the LPN route so I could get out there and get started. I plan to go back to school for my RN degree. I have a friend that told me that she was told that hospitals are phasing out LPN positions. I was wondering if this is the case and if I should reconsider a 2 year RN program if I am not selected to start in the January class. Thanks so much for the inside info! |
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| Posted over 5 years ago From what I have found out by lots of research there is such a shortage of RN's that LPN's are doing well. I wouldn't worry. I myself am doing the LPN course so I can get working in a year then am going on to the RN bridge class. I think you will be ok. I think some places would actually prefer an RN but I know where I live they cannot get RN's so for now the LPN field is pretty secure. Call your local hospital and ask questions, that's what I did. |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Hi, i personally am a LPN and in school for my RN BSN now, I regret not going straight for my RN! I have enjoyed being a LPN, don't get me wrong. My biggest problem is, "You can't do that, you're not a RN" I swear if i hear that one more time i wil scream! As far as I am concerned, if you want to go into nursing, go for the gusto, and go for your RN. The LPN to RN transistional classes work too, but it is my suggestion that after graduation and Boards, work as a nurse and continue with school at the same time! |
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| Posted over 5 years ago nurseerin2002 said: Hi. Thanks for the heads up as I prepare for the LVN Program. It was a tough decision for me to make between the RN and LVN Program; the LVN Program Enrollment is coming up before the RN Program at my local CC. Is there a book of general orders of what an LVN can and cannot do? If LVNs can assist with surgery, I wonder how far limitations go. I work for the government where general orders are in place of what an employee can or cannot do; it is written ink. My definite goal is to transition into the RN Program. I hope that my experience/knowledge as an LVN will help me through the RN Program. Fortunately, LVNs are needed in my neck of the woods. I do daily aearches in the my local newspapers for LVN or RN jobs. There is much demand for both. |
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| Posted over 5 years ago Hi. Good for you in your endeavors to improve yourself. As for the LVN/LPN vs RN route. It comes down to 2 basic needs. The LVN route will provide you with a better income in a shorter amount of time than you're making as an CNA. The RN route (via the 2 yr AD program) will provide you with much more opportunities (i.e. jobs, positions) than and LVN can only wish for. And you'll make much more money. So it comes down to time allotment. Can you commit the 2-4 yrs it will take you to become an RN? Most RN programs even if there a 2yr AD program require that all your pre-requirement (english, microbiology, etc.) classes be finished before you enter the RN program. This usually takes 2 yrs. If not, then go the LVN route, work as an LVN, and go to the local CC taking all the non-nursing courses needed to prepare you for the RN program. I've been an RN going on 27yrs and "only" have a 2yr degree. Last year I make over $90,000 working 48-50hrs per week. Best of luck! |
