Hi kim,
I am a registered nurse in the Philippines with a 4 years experience but its a long time ago (2010). I am currently in a live in caregiver program. I just registered in NNAS for my assessment for LPN but i read on some forums and even here that u can do both LPN and RN assessment at the same time but with additional payment. I was just wondering if its advisable to do it if i want to pursue LPN first then maybe eventually pursue my RN career. I really need your advice. Thanks for your time.

J

Dear J,

Thank you for your message.

It is true that you can apply, through NNAS, for both the LPN and RN route at the same time. In fact that is one of the reasons why the scores on the CELBAN and IELTS were increased for LPN’s: to make the documentation assessment process easier.

NNAS simply gathers all the documents, determines whether you have fulfilled the requirements, and creates a report. You get to choose who that report is sent to. You can choose both LPN and RN, and you can choose as many provinces as you would like: each with an additional fee.

But, the requirements for the LPN route and the requirements for the RN route are different. So, many IENs have chosen to become LPNs as part of the process to becoming an RN. Those who have worked with me as Writing Coaches and Speaking Mentors have told me that they feel a greater degree of accomplishment and hope as a result of becoming an LPN first. Also, they are less worried about the cost of becoming an RN because they are making a better wage. Being in a hospital boosts their morale and self-esteem. So they battle depression less than those that simply struggle through the RN route.

Others, who have chosen the RN route, look at their friends, who are LPNs with longing and yearning: because their friends are actually working as nurses. No, it is not the ideal, but, there is hope.

Hope, self confidence, self esteem are all valuable gifts when coping with the stress of life and the licensure process. There is no price for them, and they are not easy to come by.

So the question, J, needs to be less about the money and more about the self-care as a step towards wellness.

You are valuable as a person. The impact you will have on the world, as a nurse, is impactful. You, as a nurse, will serve our friends and our family members. Your mental health and wellness is paramount. Your ability to succeed on exams is based on your mental health and wellness. So, take care of yourself; choose a course of action that allows you to preserve the power of your mind, your heart and your spirit so that you remain strong enough to serve.

These are valuable life lessons, that when learned early and integrated into your life and career plans, will make all the difference in the world!

And that is my advice: to be your own best friend, making decisions on what is best for your body, heart, mind and spirit.

Sincerely,

Kim