Once you are a LPN can you become a RN how hard and is it worth it?

This is a question that i need to know can anyone please help me with this/

It is definitely worth it, money wise. Be aware there is a lot of age discrimination as you get older. Suddenly you don't know anything. There is also a LOT of politics. And back-stabbing. If you can get to the BSN stage, a lot of pressure is off and you get more respect. A lot of nurses have gone into selling Avon.Your best bet is working for the State or a private doctor's office. Best wishes, (LPN)

Yes, you can become an RN and it is totally worth it. The higher degree itself can make you about $10,000 to $20,000 more a year, depending on where you live and how much you work.

Not only are you gonig to get paid more, you have many more options as to the kind of work you can get, and the mobility you have. I have a friend who is teaching 2x a week and getting paid about $4,500 a month. His BSN made it happen for him.

You can get a great degree online. Not only is it less expensive, you have more options as to when you take classes and when you study. Online or not, make sure you find an accredited college. Without that, many of the options you might have had will be lost.

When looking for schools, I'd look for the following:

A school that has earned the highest form of accreditation, which is regional accreditation
A non-profit school
Gives credits for your experience
Offers 100% online degrees except that you take your clinical locally

You can find 3+ schools that meet those criteria and offer even more benefits here:
www.jobs-in-registered-nursing.com/online-nursing-schools.shtml

i recently graduated as an lpn. can anyone tell me is nursing homes the only place i can work?

i found lpn school hard, but many rns say once you do lpn, rn is much easier. yes i think its worth it in the long run. rns have more choices where to work, i find lpns are very limited to where they can work.but remember anything worth anything is not going to be easy.i am suspecious of easy things. good luck

Hello,

I 'm a dental hygienist and it's very hard to find a job. I 'm seriously thinking about becoming a nurse. However, before I jump the gun , I just want to hear from different RN of the cons working in this field. I do not want to make the same mistake as I did before. Please help, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.................

ANd one more thing, I do not have cna or lpn skill just phlebotomy and dental hygiene skill. Does it even matter??

I was an LPN for 6 years when I went back to get my RN. I will be 40 in December. I have been a nurse for a total of about 18 years. It tripled my pay and put me in some of th emost lucrative positions I have ever worked. I am now starting my own company with the help of an NFL football team owner. I jus have to make it work. ALL BECAUSE I GOT MY RN!!!! So YEAH, its worth it!!! Good luck!

Hi,
I was a LPN for 5yrs, loved every year of it. Then we moved from Mobile, AL to Boise, Idaho, where the LPN's were basically, only allowed to do, what the 'SOUTHERNER'S' call nurses aide duties (we couldn't even hang regular IV fluids without taking a special course). Anyway, this pushed me into seeking information into becoming a RN. To my pleasure, I found out that a LPN could challenge the first year of the 2 year program, be sure to check into this possibility if you choose to go back for your RN, which you will make have more choices and make more money.

And just another small bit of advice, after reading some of the other nurses' responses about the Associates program (ADN)vs the Bachelors program (BSN). Something to think about, if you do the ADN program first, then work a few years and find out this is not really what you wanted, then you can use your other 2 years, with your RN nursing experience, to go into something like a social worker; clinical research associate; utilization review manager; or case manager; etc.

If you find any of this info. helpful, please feel free to e-mail me and ask. I have been a nurse for over 20 yrs now, worked my way up the ladder from LPN to RN-BSN and I have been in the Army reserves-if you happen to have any questions about the military-it was mandatory that I had to get my BSN when I joined the Army.

.I alredy went to a LPN school in jamaica and successfully completed a2 years program. do i have do it all over agn here in canada where i am a new immigrant?

I pass the board RN 3 months ago, i still can't find a NEW grad position. I applied every where.

lily in Everett ma in Medford, Massachusetts said: I pass the board RN 3 months ago, i still can't find a NEW grad position. I applied every where.

Have you tried the place you did your clinical training? There should be no problem unless you have received a bad evaluation or has someting bad in your background. Also be aware that some companies are now doing credit background checks before hiring people which to me is a form of discrimination. If none of these are hinders from you getting a job, contact the companies you have applied at and request a reason that you were not hired. You can even request to know what is showing up on your record. Also be careful of who you use as a reference, sometimes people you may think you can trust is envious and will blackbald you. If nothing else helps, go to your local unemployment office and look at the job listings and have them send you on a job, this would be easier for you. Good Luck on your job hunting.

Hope in Alexandria, Louisiana said: This is a question that i need to know can anyone please help me with this/

It is definitely worth it. Your experience as an LPN will definitely help you become an RN but do not go in it for the money. You must like what you do as a healthcare worker. One should have a heart for others, especially the elderly. If you only want to go into it for the money,you may be miserable and should realize it is not for you. Nursing requires true dedication and caring for people. I believe when people only go into nursing for money and do not really like their jobs as nurses, this is where neglect and abuse starts in the nursing profession.

Marie in Dumfries, Virginia said: Is it worth it going for you LPN license at 53 years old. My husband does not want me to get a RN as it would take too long. We moved out further and it messed up my career in Human Resources. A friend told me that it would be hard on my feet. Is their anyone that has done this that could advise. I think I would then get a RN on a LPN to RN program on line.

I say go for it if this is what you want. I know that your husband is a big part of your life and should be respected. But, what happens if something should happen to him or you all are not together later on, who will you have to blame because you were allowing someone else to dedde your destiny? One must make their own deision when it comes to such an important one as a lifetime dream. It may be too late to look back and say "I should have done this?"

whay is it that everyone is talking about the money , not loving being a nurse, that is why hospitals are filled with bad nurses

whay is it that everyone is talking about the money , not loving being a nurse, that is why hospitals are filled with bad nurses

I'm not sure what you do for a living but I can guarantee that you wouldn't do it for nothing or low pay no matter how much you love it. Nursing is the most difficult job I've ever had. When the responsibility of someones life is in my hands I think fair and equitable pay is expected.

I meant to not go into nursing solely for money. I am an RN BSN. I went into nursing mainly because I love taking care of people, especially the elderly. Of course we all want to get paid for working. But as you know it takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. I have seen so many people come into thr field for the money to later find out that nursing is not what they really want to do. So all I am saying is pick nursing if you can be happy with it because you will be dealing with human lives. I have worked from a CNA up to an RN BSN and I never did it for the money. I did it to try to acieve the best I could in the field I chose. Right now I know that I am not receiving the highest pay for my degree but I am content with the job I have. I just went through a period of unemployment. So I know God has blessed me with a job in the only profession I have ever realy had since high school. Therefore, I will not complain about money and value money as a high priority because it can all be taken away with a blink of an eye but the compassion we have for people as nurses will be there forever. There are so many nurses without jobs at this time, so am just blessed to have a job at this point.

I totally agreee with you. When you are dealing with human lives, it should not be based on money. Everyone is not cut out to be nurses and if you know nursing is not for you, then do not go into the career for money only.

I'm interested in furthering my nursing career. Does anyone know any of the details involved in challenging to get your RN. I am currently a LPN. I love what I do just want more education so I can have more job opportunities

There should not be a problem for you. Most Rn programs have what is called fast track Rn programs where you just apply and take the challenge tests. Have you tried Northwest in Ms? If not try Union or Southwest in Tennessee. Call the School of nursing departments at these schools. Make sure you ask about residency, sometimes states have different requirements. I graduated from MS Delta in Moorhead, Ms and later UofM but I did not challenge. Try MS schools first. Let me know if this helps.

ADVICE NEEDED!

I am a forty year old male in the Bay Area. I am seriously considering nursing school. I have never been a very good math and science student, but I am willing to work as hard as I need to to succeed in nursing school. My plan, considering my age and academic backround, is to become an LPN due to less prereqs and the fact that it appears easier to be accepted into LPN school than RN school. After completing LPN school I would then go to an LPN to RN program. I would love to hear advice and comments from nurses out there regarding my situation. Thanks!

A lot of people may tell you to go straight to RN since you have CNA experience. I recommend you to try LPN first, thenafter a year experience go to RN school since you are so young. I went straight into LPN after high school and it was hard for me, but I did not have any experience as a CNA. Now, I am an RN,BSN. LPN experience helped me a lot.

Thank you so much miss Janice, you are right because i see so many new nurses in my age group, that doesnt have any nursing background at all. So when they start working as a nurse they never want to do the dirty work at all. They want all the easy assignments with help at their side.

I am glad I was able to help you. I am sure you will make a great nurse and a difference in the healthcare field. ICU experience will help you a lot but get as much medical/surgical experience as possible, this will help you to function as a nurse anywhere. Also it will help you in passing your boards. ICU and med/surg will help you with your skills and critical thinking. Always focus on the rationale for your interventions in nursing and you will not have any trouble. Do not be afraid to ask an experienced doctor, nurse, or instructor a question. Always ask why you are doing an intervention. Do not forget that even experienced nurses are still learning, even what you think may be a dumb question is not. There is always someone else who wanted to ask the same question but was afraid.

Miss janice how long did you stay a LPN until you got your RN? When u did went back for your RN, was school a whole lot better for you?

I was an LPN for 6years then I received my Associate Degree and waited 20 years to go back and receive my BSN. Please continue your education while you are young. It is harder the older you get. School was easier for me because I had experience.

Hmmmmm, actuly im living in Canada, BC.. i'm 22 years old and taking general sciebnce courses at Douglas College, uhhhhh im suffering alot 2 find what thrills me :(
im really thinking to do LPN, i cant see myself out of health science field and i love to hear from you guys.!!!
As i'm reading, most of you saying its easier to do LPN then RN, but is it the same case here in Vancouver? i dont want to go on waitlist for 2 years !!
Is it easier to get in to the program in Ontario than BC ?
will LPNs private colleges grads have less employment opportunities than community grads ? which colleges do u recommend ?
i really NEED clear advice.... appreciate it :) !!

Thanxxx :)

My husband is in the military and we will be moving this summer. We don't know where but I would like to start an LPN or RN program. What do you recommend my first steps be? Do you know if FINAID will cover online schooling? I want to become an RN and then a BRN (?) or CNO...any info would be great

Becomming an RN from an LPN is worth it in Woodinville, Washington said: Yes, you can become an RN and it is totally worth it. The higher degree itself can make you about $10,000 to $20,000 more a year, depending on where you live and how much you work.

Not only are you gonig to get paid more, you have many more options as to the kind of work you can get, and the mobility you have. I have a friend who is teaching 2x a week and getting paid about $4,500 a month. His BSN made it happen for him.

You can get a great degree online. Not only is it less expensive, you have more options as to when you take classes and when you study. Online or not, make sure you find an accredited college. Without that, many of the options you might have had will be lost.

When looking for schools, I'd look for the following:

A school that has earned the highest form of accreditation, which is regional accreditation
A non-profit school
Gives credits for your experience
Offers 100% online degrees except that you take your clinical locally

You can find 3+ schools that meet those criteria and offer even more benefits here:
www.jobs-in-registered-nursing.com/online-nursing-schools.shtml

Which is the quickest route to RN CNA or LPN?

Katy in Port Orchard, Washington said: My husband is in the military and we will be moving this summer. We don't know where but I would like to start an LPN or RN program. What do you recommend my first steps be? Do you know if FINAID will cover online schooling? I want to become an RN and then a BRN (?) or CNO...any info would be great

Katy,

The first thing I would do is verify your eligibility for the MyCAA program. Once you do that, you can contact any one of a number of schools that can get you the tracks/paths you are looking for.

I guess a good question to ask is: Do you know what MyCAA is?

-Rob

Nope what is it??

Katy in Silverdale, Washington said: Nope what is it??

My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)

Nutshell answer, it's a $6,000.00 scholarship for any spouse of an active duty service member to be used for schooling. Does not affect your husband's G.I. Bill or TA monies, it's all for you. And because it's a scholarship, it's non-taxable as well.

aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx

Enjoy, and you're welcome. :-p

-Rob

great thanks! any other info you have would be great. I need to find out a program that I can do on the move or at least work on, while moving around too I'd like to be able to get my LPN within a year, my ARN w/in 2 years and start my BRN...

Katy in Silverdale, Washington said: great thanks! any other info you have would be great. I need to find out a program that I can do on the move or at least work on, while moving around too I'd like to be able to get my LPN within a year, my ARN w/in 2 years and start my BRN...

That's all I can really help you with at the moment. I don't work much with the Nursing. I specialize in the CMAA/CBCS and I.T. certifications. I don't want to just give information for the sake of typing.. Your best bet, once you create an account w/ MyCAA is to do a program search and contact the schools that offer what you are considering. You're going to need a primarily ONLINE track -OR- be able to attend classes at multiple locations, due to your moving...

I wish I could give you a clearer answer, but it's all I have at the moment. We have highly mobile solutions for what we work with, but I'm not sure about what some other schools do.

-Rob

theinfamouswho in Lakeland, Florida said: I am in my late 40's. Is it too late to start some kind of nurses training?

No, I am 48 and went back to shcool three years ago with health problems and stress and made it. Several people that I know of went back to school in older years.

Hey, Wow, did you get your LPN or RN? How long did it take you? Did you have any college background? I have none and am just now half way through my very college class, English Comp I. I am taking on line through our local community college. Thanks!s

I was 36 in 1996 when I started school to become an LPN I had no experience except taking care of ederly parents. I went back to school in 2005 and got my RN in 2008 at the age of 46. My neice did the same thing and now she is 38 and is a family nurse practioner. Good luck

That is wonderful! I do feel encouraged and my kids are all getting older and moving on. Sure gives me a lot to think about, thanks!

im a jr in high school and i want to become a rn in army but dont know what kind of education is needed

silvia in Sacramento, California said: im a jr in high school and i want to become a rn in army but dont know what kind of education is needed

My recommendation would be 1 of 2 things get your LPN right when you graduate and then go into the army, if you're in HS now you should look into a "running start" program which can be full time LPN program you'd be graduated from that program and HS at the same time and you would most likely be able to enlist in the army as an E4 or above. If you have an associates degree you can enlist as an E3 OR E4 which is awesome in my opinion. Or just enlist straight out of HS and let the army pay for your education you can start right after basic training if you want and even sign up as a nurse if you score high enough on the ASVAB.

hello
needed to know, where is one of the best places in Alabama to get the lpn education? will be moving soon..

lovely site lots of good advice. so from what I take it most reccomend working after getting lpn then going back to school for RN? I'm in the process of going to school for LPN but am just exploring my options as far as opportunities go

Experience is what will help you in continuing your education in nursing more than anything. Sometimes it is hard to work and go to school at the same time but it can be done.

reba in Alexander City, Alabama said: No, I am 48 and went back to shcool three years ago with health problems and stress and made it. Several people that I know of went back to school in older years.

I graduated from LPN school at age 61! Yes, stressful, but then I didn't get my BA until I was 50. Just a late bloomer...

I also have some serious health issues, but am hoping to go on for my RN. Older doesn't mean useless, it means many life experiences, such as caring for older relatives, and a wealth of information that you can only get through life. Oh yeah...there were very few medicines I wasn't familiar with from self and family members! Good luck!

silvia in Sacramento, California said: im a jr in high school and i want to become a rn in army but dont know what kind of education is needed

hey, the person who replied to your thread is misinformed, you can't simply just score high on the asvab, and then automatically become an RN, first you need your BSN, also you will join the officer ranks as an RN (If any recruiter tells you different, you need to automatically step out of their office and talk to a recruiter who is at least honest with you about that. Also after basic it will be very tough to fit in school, with your army duties, also it is not your option on whether or not you will get into the medical field as an enlisted person, if the recruiter tells you that, then make sure you get it in writing..I think your best path if you do want to join the army as an RN

1)Graduate High School
2)Apply to at least 3 Nursing Schools to guarantee acceptance into at least one
3)When you reach your junior year in college, talk to A HEALTHCARE RECRUITER, do not, do not talk to a regular enlisted recruiter
4) In your junior year, check out the ANCP program(the recruiter will tell you about this)

As long as you are pretty healthy, they should accept you
Not only that but you will be An RN and an O-1 (officer rank)
plus if you stay in for 20 years, you would retire in your 40's
my only tidbit is when your in your first couple of years of college do CNA program to ensure the nursing profession is for you,

I'm 6 years prior enlisted, military intelligence in the army, and currently working on my BSN, and becoming an officer in the army.

Hope in Alexandria, Louisiana said: This is a question that i need to know can anyone please help me with this/

Do whatever the heck you want. It is your decision to go to school and become a nurse, or work as a nurse. If you can afford it, just do it and see for yourself. Waiting to get an answer from other nurses just makes nothing happen.

It is hard work, but the pay is great, and there is always a new challenge. You must like to work with your hands, with people and teaching others. Paying attention to documents helps.

Go for it. You'll always have a job in this field.

I don't have alot of nursing experience as of right now, however you do have alot of options..since you are already an LPN, you have the experience, also I don't know if the financial aspect matters to you, but you will make more than LPN with just an ADN. I would recommend the ADN if you don't plan on going further, ie becoming a Nurse Practioner, CRNA, etc, if you do want to go further BSN is definitely the way to go...Far as school goes, make sure you apply to two to three schools, I didn't have a back up school first go round and got denied, I had to wait another six months, and then applied to two schools and got my 2nd choice...good luck in whatever you decide.

ADVICE WANTED FROM NURSES: I am a forty year old male considering nursing school. I don't have a particular affinity for math and science however I am more than willing to go to group studies, work with a tutor, and work as hard as I need to to succeed in nursing prereq classes and nursing school. If I do this my plan is as follows:

1. Get a Clinical Medical Assistant certificate from my local adult school and start work in a medical setting. This would get my foot in the door of the medical field. I also think that this would help me be admitted to and succeed in LVN school.

2. Complete LVN school asap so I can work as a nurse and because I think it would help my admission to and success in RN school.

3. Become an RN asap!

Hello my name is Hakeem i am a 20 year male with C.N.A experience. I wanted to go for LPN but after thinking how much LPN are limited to in my area. I though about going right into RN is that good choice or not please send me your feedback thanks.