should I go private for LPN or wait until I get into a RN program?in bc canada
I’m really stuck on what to do and wanted some outside opinions from people in nursing or who’ve been in a similar situation.
My goal long term is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, so I eventually want to become an RN and continue my education after that. I’m especially interested in pediatrics/NICU.
Right now, I didn’t get into the nursing intake I wanted, and my options are either:
Go the LPN route through a private school and start sooner
or
Wait a year, work during that time, and reapply for January 2027 and September 2027 RN/BSN intakes.
The thing stressing me out is taking a whole year off. I feel behind seeing everyone else move forward, but I also know private LPN programs can be expensive and I’m not sure if rushing into one is the smartest move long term.
For anyone who’s done LPN first:
Was it worth it?
Did bridging later feel manageable?
Do you regret not waiting for RN?
And for people who waited and reapplied:
Did the extra year help you mentally/financially?
Do you regret waiting?
I’d really appreciate honest advice because I keep going back and forth every day.