Should one start with completing LVN before RN
Whether you are just graduating from high school, thinking of changing your career, or just looking into becoming a nurse. Or need some information about whether to do LVN or RN. The information provided in this article may be helpful to you in your decision-making.
However, the information is solely based on my perspectives and experiences. It may not necessarily be 100% right or wrong. Some people may think otherwise. But I share my opinion in the hope that someone will find it useful. The final decision is yours.
Differences between LVN and RN
So, before answering the question of whether to do LVN or RN. Let us first discuss some basic facts.
Education requirement
The fundamental difference between LVN and RN is the education requirement. RNs receive a higher level of nursing education and training and further take more time to complete their schooling.
LVN, on the other hand, takes less time to complete the education and prepare for a career in a shorter period. Depending on the schools, you can complete LVN in 12 to 20 months. However, RN will take more than double that time.
Program Cost
LVN school program is cheaper than RN. Most private LVN schools, on average, charge around $30,000 for the program. An RN program starts somewhere from $50,000, and a BSN RN degree program will even cost more.
The cheapest option for both programs is attending community college. However, the program in community colleges usually takes more time and has a lottery system.
Attending a private school, you need to do your research on whether the school is legit and affiliated with the nursing board of your state. Also, if the school has accepted FAFSA. Some private school does not accept FASA.
Career Advancement and path
LVNs usually work in skilled nursing facilities. Their primary job is to take care of patients’ daily medications, wound treatments, admission, and follow-up with doctors and family. There is some opportunity to be in an administrative role, like Director of Staff Development (DSD), or assistant nursing administration, but requires more training and experience.
While RN has more options besides direct patient care. They can be a case manager, Directors of Nursing (DON), MDS and nursing director, etc. RN can also hire in more places like hospitals, county health departments, etc.
Job Responsibilities
Depending on the place of work, if it is a skilled and a long-term care facility. There is not much difference in job responsibilities. RN and LVN do the same job. Medication administration, treatments, follow-up, and admission of new patients and discharge, etc.
The only exception is IV insertion and administration. If LVN is not IV-certified, LVN can not administer and handle the IV part.
The pay difference between LVN and RN
As for salary, there is a big difference. RNs are paid significantly higher than LVN. In California, on average, LVN salary starts somewhere from $28/hr and RN gets $45/hr.
Job prospective
Both LVN and RN are in great demand. However, LVNs are usually hired in skilled and Long-term nursing care facilities, Assisted Living, Home Health, clinics, urgent care, hospice care, and some hospital.
Experienced RN has more scope and opportunity at hospitals, and county on top of all the above places.
Conclusion
So the question is, should I be an LVN or RN? For those who want to learn and earn fast and have no desire to pursue further education and growth?
Doing LVN may be the right path. Learn and earn, simple.
However, if you are young, and want more opportunity and growth in the medical field and life. RN is the best option and also cost-effective.
And for those who feel they will do LVN and then RN. My advice would be to do an RN straight. Doing LVN first and then pursuing RN will take more time and also become more expensive.
FAQ
Is being an LVN a good career choice?
Being an LVN can be a good career choice for those who are interested in healthcare and want to work directly with patients. LVNs typically complete their education in one to two years, have good job security.
What can an RN do that an LVN Cannot?
RNs have more advanced education and training than LVNs, which allows them to perform certain tasks that LVNs cannot. For example, RNs can conduct comprehensive patient assessments, administer intravenous medications and blood products, develop care plans, and supervise LVNs and other healthcare staff.
Who makes more money LVN or RN?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs was $75,330 in May 2020, while the median annual wage for LVNs was $49,920. However, the salary for both professions can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, experience level, and work setting.
Is an LVN a nurse?
Yes, an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) is a type of nurse. LVNs are also known as LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) in some states.
Is it easier to go from LVN to RN?
It depends on individual circumstances, but can be easier to go from LVN to RN (Registered Nurse) because LVNs already have some nursing education and experience, which may be transferable to an RN program. However, the difficulty of transitioning from LVN to RN can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the requirements of the specific RN program and the LVN’s prior education and experience.
If you would like to know how to become an LVN, read our article on LVN.
