go for the full enchilada and earn your BSN
I was an LPN since 2014 and that provided me a job faster which allowed me to support myself and my daughter comfortably. I just got my ADN and I’m struggling to find a job that isn’t coming with a pay cut for me, as I worked in a Boston hospital since March 2020 (outpatient). Some places do not consider my LPN experience as nursing experience, so it has been quite a frustrating job search for me.
I would say look at what your longterm and short term goals are, because I do not regret getting my LPN as it gave me things that were important “now” (back then). With what I’m dealing with now though, I wish I went straight for my associates or bachelors degree.
that depends on your personal situation. If you need a job "now", LPN school will provide you the fastest path. However, you will be very limited in where you can work, usually nursing homes and doctor's offices. I would recommend getting in to the JC there for the RN and then plan on continuin your education once you are working. I started out as a two year RN and now I have my doctorate.
The costs for LPN education can vary widely depending on where you live. The largest portion of an LPN program is the tuition costs.Tuition refers to the cost of classroom education. Tuition doesn't not usually cover your textbooks or clinical fees.
The US national average cost of tuition for an LPN program is about $10,000 to $15,000. Some programs are only $4,000 - $5,000 but can be upwards upwards of up to $30,000 for others, so be sure to "Tuition Shop" so you'll know you'll have the funds for the program you choose. Costs can daunting and seem like too much money to pay out of pocket, but luckily a lot of programs have financial aid available.
As you search LPN schools, be sure and note the tuition costs for each school.
The only person who can decide if becoming an LPN is worth it for you, is YOU! You may love clinical nursing or you may end up deciding it's not for you...but the very fact you're considering nursing for your career, I'd sure give it a chance. And if you end up loving your career , there are programs that also provide the nursing education for LPNs to become an RN.
Nursing was a GREAT career for me as there were so many choices of nursing specialties ....I started out as a diploma nurse in the ER, then ICU and obtained my BS and MA while working as an RN. My true career began the day I finally acknowledged I was destined to be a pediatric nurse and practiced in that field for almost four decades.
Best of luck to you!!
LPN is never worth it in my opinion. Go big or go home. LPNs are being pushed out.
