How to become an LVN then a Registered nurse?

Question

I live with my wife and my daughter, we rent an apartment together. I want to go into nursing.. my main goal is start as an LVN if it is possible and then become a Registered Nurse, this is a career I really would like. My question is.. What is the best way to approach my goal? What is the easiest, fastest way to get going, Please keep in mind that I would have ot work full time and also go to school. It does not matter the hours I have to work…. As long as I go to school I will do both at the same time… I live Orange County California and .. does anybody know of any program and or school that I can attend?.... what is the best way to get this accomplished? Would I have to go to a normal junior college to be an LVN? I want to get familiar with the industry and once I have a LVN job I want to be going to school part time to be a registered nurse. Can someone tell me what is the best way for my goal to be easier to reach….. please help me.. I need to know the best and most efficient method… also if I can get some local people that know what they are talking about… what is a great school for LVN ? how easy is it to get a job after?... someone please give me the best advise you can give….. I really appreciate this.

Thanks

Answer 1

Others may have differing opinions, but I don't see the LPN as being any real help in your quest to become an RN. There are two relatively quick ways, and one slower way to become an RN.

Fast Way #1: Go to a community college and earn an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). This would take two years full time in most cases.

Fast Way #2: Get a nursing "diploma" offered by a hospital program. This is a dying breed but there are still some around.

Slow Way #1: Get a 4 year bachelor's degree with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is probablly not a real option for you although it does offer a better foundation and will offer more career possibilities down the road. All three routes sit for the same state board nursing exam, and all become RNs. There are probably ways that you can leverage your ADN a bit to get your BSN later on. Some hospitals may even offer scholarships if you go the BSN route -- so inquire, even if you initially think it is too much time to be in school right now. It will pay off down the road.

I would think that you would have all options available in Orange County.

Answer 2

I agree. If you can pull it off, an ADN would be the way to go. It takes a little longer than an LPN program, but you end up as an RN, and that's better pay, and better jobs. Not saying that LPNs aren't great folk, but if you are looking to make an investment (time, effort, money) into your career, I say head for the top and be an RN.

If you end up going the ADN route, and you like it, and you end up seeing that you need a BSN later (some places require it for advancement) you can always do an ADN to BSN program. Regardless of what you do, there is a need for qualified, quality individuals in any of these roles, so it is an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Either way, you can do it! I just did... and I'm 43. And male. And you know what? I wasn't the oldest guy in the class. Go for it!