Should I just stick with the 1 year LPN or go for the 2 year RN program?

Question

I got approved for the pell grant but I dont know what I want to take. I keep thinking well I got approved so why not go all the way for the RN but is it worth it? I am a full time stay at home mother and I dont want this to take too much away from my kids Plus I am pregnant and am not going to start till the baby is born Should I just take the LPN so I can get out of school quicker.

Answer 1

The more education you have, the more options (and pay) you have. If at all possible, get your R.N. degree. My friend is a nurse, and she said the degree in demand now is a M.S. in Nursing.

It depends on what you feel you have the energy to do at this time, and how far along you are. If you can finish one semester before your baby comes, you will be that much farther ahead with less to do to complete your R.N. later.

Best wishes and congratulations!

Answer 2

If you're sure that you want to become a nurse, I don't know that you'd benefit by becoming a CNA first. In the course of doing clinical work to become either an LPN or RN you will learn the basics of patient care which will cover everything that a CNA would do. CNAs have no real responsibilities and mainly take vital signs and do the direct hygienic care of the patients. I do think that you could follow your aunt's advice and take the LPN course first; you'd learn in a shorter time period and you'd have the opportunity to discover whether or not you really like nursing as you'd have lots of clinical experience in a variety of settings. LPNs, too, can do most of what RNs do, and there are opportunities to work in variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, agencies, and doctors' offices. Generally, one year is the time to required to become an LPN, while the courses to become an RN with a baccalaureate degree may take up to four years, since the three-year hospital-based diploma programs have been eliminated. An associate degree nursing course would be two years. Each classification of nurse would be permitted definite responsibilities, particularly in a hospital setting where there is a definite hierarchy in effect. If cost is a factor in your decision, Practical Nursing is much less expensive, and you can be working in a fairly well-paid job while pursuing your RN.

Answer 3

As a former HR manager for a nursing home, I want to tell you that with either an LPN or an RN degree there will be a demand for part time nurses.

But I'm going to disagree with most of the first postings I read. Most of the RNs actually start as LPNs, work in that field and then work towards their RN certification AFTER they are in the field. The reasons are: 1) Many of the classes you will take in the RN program will require practical experience. Well, maybe not require, but it is easier to understand the concepts if you have actually been working in nursing for a while.
2) The money you will make as an RN will be much higher, but you really want to ensure you like this type of profession before committing to an RN program.
3) Because you are a mother who only wants to work part time, you may actually find it easier to get a job after you are certified. Most hospitals have part time positions open and they would prefer to hire a person from part time to full time because they know the work ethic and quality of work of an employee.

Have you had a chance to enroll in a nursing program yet? Many schools have long waiting lists due to space availability.

But most importantly, talk with the head of the nursing program (or their admissions representative) to see what the program will entail. You might find out that the best way to go is actually to take it one step at a time.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Either way can work, you have to decide what you want.
I know a few women that just got their LPN, then as they were working they did some studies over the inet and later obtained their RN. I not sure of all the details I just know this how they went about it.
But, I will say, regardless if now or later, get your RN, it be a better job and pay and more you can do for and with your family.

Answer 5

A person shouldn't undertake to much of a load. But if you see your way to make it through 1 year I think that you would have it in you to make it 2 years.

As your children grow you will have more & more time to find work that you can do & still have time for your children.

Being a LPN or an RN would give you many oppertunities for finding a job with hours to fit in with family life.

Answer 6

Go hard or go home!! Yes, go for the 2 year/RN program! I had a friend who was a LPN for years and years and she finally got her RN and it was sooooooooooooooooooooooo worth it!!! More money. Get it done all in one shot. It will be worth it!!!

Answer 7

Go for the RN. It opens lots more career opportunities if/when you do choose to work outside the home. With either you can work part time, RN pays better.

Answer 8

Dear Bree, after being in the mental health field for over 30 years I would definitely recommend to you, that you should seriously consider the RN program..for one thing it is more diversified an the pay is twice a much in most areas, regardless we can't have enough good nurses..good luck in whatever you decide.

Answer 9

NO way, go for RN. You know what LPN stands for, Low Paying Nurse!!!! RN is much more versatile.

Answer 10

rn is difficult
you may have too much on your plate right now

rn is frequently spread into a 3yr course of study

it's worth it, though
but, not if you flunk out
they're serious

but it IS worth it

talk with your counselor at the school
talk with students who have graduated

it may be more comforting to you (with your pregnancy)
if you get the lpn now
and add to it later

g'luck