LPN OR RN/ What should I do??

[VB@]

Hello everyone!! I am new to the post. I have just completed all the preq's for the LPN program. I am planning on applying in March so that I can start in the fall. The program is very competitive now and I am so afraid that I may not be one of the 20 students selected for the fall. I can't afford to keep waiting and waiting to be selected. I understand that the ADN program accepts more students (60). The only problem is I am so afraid of failing. I have heard stories that some classes start out with 20 students, but only end up graduating 10 or 15 students. I think I can make it through the LPN program, but everyone tells me why go for LPN when you can go for RN. I decided to go for LPN so that I could get some experience and know a little about what I am doing before I go for RN. I was just wondering if anyone has some advice for me.

[caity0407]

Hi there....I understand what you mean because I was contemplating whether I should start out in the LPN program too because my parents kept on bugging me about it...and so was my cousin...but the thing is regardless whether it's LPN or ADN .... there are risks to take...so the thought of failing will still be out there...so don't even think about failure as an option...I've been there before on my first semester of ADN and it wasn't pretty at all...it's because I was constantly thinking of failing...I say if you have the chance to go for the ADN program then why not go for it!!!! It's worth it...the if it doesn't work out then you'll still have the LPN program to fall back on....
good luck

[Mary77]

I would advise you to go for your ADN...you are committed to continue your education and that is a good thing. Either way you will face challenges (going for LPN or RN) and some fear of unknown and failing is normal. Don't focus on that fear but keep working hard and concentrate on succeeding instead. Take it course by course, small, successful steps, and one day you will be at the end of the RN program, looking back and being happy you went for it. All the best to you!

[RNinVT]

To be honest, more opportunities will arise if you do your ADN. The hospital here doesn't even look twice at lpns, which is sad, but its a fact of life. You have a much broader span for your career, as well.

My class at Norwich University started out with well over 60 students. 20 of us graduated. The ones who didn't either changed majors or didn't stick with the studying. I'm a horrible procrastinator, but I managed. It's all about paying attention, taking good notes, and studying. If you believe in yourself, you really can do it, no matter how challenging the class.

[cougarnurse]

Many times there is a financial reason why many start out as LPN's. For me, it was to make sure I REALLY wanted to be a nurse, and for the experience. Oh, and the local Jr. College's RN program stank! (Still does....got my RN elsewhere!)

I hope we hear how things are going......

'Cat'

[justatraveler]

Originally Posted by VB@

Hello everyone!! I am new to the post. I have just completed all the preq's for the LPN program. I am planning on applying in March so that I can start in the fall. The program is very competitive now and I am so afraid that I may not be one of the 20 students selected for the fall. I can't afford to keep waiting and waiting to be selected. I understand that the ADN program accepts more students (60). The only problem is I am so afraid of failing. I have heard stories that some classes start out with 20 students, but only end up graduating 10 or 15 students. I think I can make it through the LPN program, but everyone tells me why go for LPN when you can go for RN. I decided to go for LPN so that I could get some experience and know a little about what I am doing before I go for RN. I was just wondering if anyone has some advice for me.

IF you have no medical background maybe you could take a CNA course. It would give you a feel for nursing. Hopefully you could get a job in a hospital but even LTC would be good. Some LTC's have upped their acuity levels in the past few years. Some have IV's etc now.

IMHO if you decide to go the LPN route make sure there are opportunities in your neck of the woods. I'd hate to see you complete the program and have no job to go to.

Also, if you can put a time limit on being an LPN. I did it for 17 years. In hindsight wish I had gone on to RN much sooner. Life, as it so often does, got in the way.

:luck:

[nightstar3dp]

Originally Posted by RNinVT

To be honest, more opportunities will arise if you do your ADN. The hospital here doesn't even look twice at lpns, which is sad, but its a fact of life. You have a much broader span for your career, as well.

This comment isn't true at all facilities. My hospital has tons and tons of LPN postings in just about all departments. Where as you may have more opportunities as a new grad RN, starting out as a LPN gives you the a great deal of experience that most, if not all, new grad RN students do not have and it also helps you out when your going to RN school (LPN - RN bridge) because for one you already know what the instructor is talking about and this gives you a chance to restudy things you have already learned or may of not did as well on in LPN school and grow on the material to master it better.

I went to LPN school first because I wanted the experience of being a nurse while going to nursing school (RN). Not to mention I'm getting paid a higher salary and my job isn't as 'expendable' as other positions in the hospital.

Good luck in what ever you do! :P

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by VB@

Hello everyone!! I am new to the post. I have just completed all the preq's for the LPN program. I am planning on applying in March so that I can start in the fall. The program is very competitive now and I am so afraid that I may not be one of the 20 students selected for the fall. I can't afford to keep waiting and waiting to be selected. I understand that the ADN program accepts more students (60). The only problem is I am so afraid of failing. I have heard stories that some classes start out with 20 students, but only end up graduating 10 or 15 students. I think I can make it through the LPN program, but everyone tells me why go for LPN when you can go for RN. I decided to go for LPN so that I could get some experience and know a little about what I am doing before I go for RN. I was just wondering if anyone has some advice for me.

It is now March... what did you decide to do?

[RNinVT]

Originally Posted by nightstar3dp

This comment isn't true at all facilities.

Which is why this person needs to see where they think they are going to seek a career. The fact is, if you are an LPN in my state, you are very limited. The hospital here requires an RN to even apply to it. It must depend upon the area.