LPN or RN?

[rpt86]

Question:

Im looking to go to nursing school. Is it easier to get the LPN then work for a bit before you get your RN or should you just get it all at once?

[Robert F]

Either way it is something you are going to have to truly work hard for. I know LPN's who transitioned to RN and wished that they would've just began Pre-Nursing instead of bridging. I have also heard of LPN's who prefer bridging to RN due to the experience. I went straight for my RN, but that path is not feasible for everybody, it is all up to your dedication to the profession and willingness to learn.

[rpt86]

well i would eventually like to become what we call in PA as a Health Professional which is the highest pre-hospital care professional that there is. It is a nurse who challenges the paramedic exam. Ive been an EMT since I have been able to and would love to make it to that stage.

But thank you for your input......I appreciate it...

[Robert F]

Speaking as a Critical Care Paramedic and a Critical Care RN, I can tell you that there is a world of difference between the two. Have you thought of finishing out your RN and then applying your gen ed credits for residency in a Paramedic certificate program for an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine?

Whenever I was finishing my nursing degree, I tramsferred my Gen Ed credits in nursing over to the college where I got my Paramedic certificate and was subsequently awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedicine from the college which allows me to become endorsed as a Paramedic Instructor/Coordinator, if I so choose. To this day I still think that my saving grace on my application for admittance into nurse practitioner school was that AAS, Paramedicine along with my Rn, since I was going into ACNP.

Since you are EMS, I would recommend just going into the RN program.

[rpt86]

Alright man. I believe I will do that. What you are describing to me is actually exactly what I have wanted all along. I appreciate the help. Keep your eyes open I might be asking some more questions in the near future.

Thanks again.