Where do I start a career in Nursing?

Should I start a nursing career as an LPN and move up to RN or just start as an RN?

• I am wanting to start a career in nursing, but I do not know where I want to start. Should I start as an LPN and get experience and then take an LPN to RN course or just go straight ...show more

• Answer:

  If you know you want to be an RN and you can afford the ADN degree, then go for it and skip the LPN. Experience is not necessary. You learn everything you need to learn in your ADN program. The only time I recommend people go for the LPN first is if the ADN programs are highly competative and back-logged with students. Do some research of the programs in your area to see what the admissions situation is like. In some cases, people apply to the RN program 2 or 3 times before they get in, yet if they had done the LPN first and then immediately went into an ADN bridge program they would have had their RN long before then. If you were lucky, you might find work as an LPN where you employer helps pay for your tuition to get your ADN. Sorry, but I don't know what nurses make in Louisiana. You could try doing a search for "Louisiana RN average salary" and I'm sure you'll find some numbers. I just had to stifle a giggle when I read "If I was going to do a 4 year I might as well go for Nurse Practitioner or Doctor." Hate to break it to you, but even getting an ADN is going to take you about 3 years - or more - because of the pre-requisite courses which must be completed before you can even apply to an RN program, then the RN program is a sequenced program that goes two academic years. It's virtually impossible to get it done quicker. And trust me, as an RN who started as ADN, then did BSN bridge, and now am completing my MSN for NP - the BSN is not hard work at all. All the hard stuff with assessments, skills, the first learning of pharmacology and pathophysiology, that is in your initial licensure program. The BSN bridge is just writing a lot more papers and taking a few more electives. Piece of cake. MSN goes back to being more difficult again, intensive pharm & patho, etc. Nothing like finishing the BSN. And hey, you never know. Once you're working as a nurse you might find that you have a thirst for knowledge and desire to go back to school for a higher degree because you find a real passion for whatever it is you're doing. The world needs more NPs, CRNAs, CNMs, CNSs, and those involved in leadership. If you love what you do and you're good at it, challenge yourself to expand your horizons. Good luck to you.