I live in NN, VA and want to go to school for Professional Nursing.Which school is better for me to attend?

I have researched different schools in the area (Sentara School of Nursing, MCI, Riverside School of Nursing and the Thomas Nelson Professional Nursing Program) I can't figure out if one program is better than the other. Also, does anyone know the difference between an LPN and an RN? I was told that RN's do a lot more paperwork. I don't mind paperwork but Iwant to work more with the patient. The programs say that I will finish with an Associate's Degree but an LPN finishes with a Diploma. What is the difference if both Nurses have to go through the state to be licensed?

Sentara's School of Health Professions is a great choice for most people,although you do need to finish your pre req's at say Thomas Nelson or Tidewater Community College's before being accepted into thier program. On the same note, both community colleges offer an RN program. As for the difference in LPN versus RN....although they perform the same job function,an LPN is limited as to what she is able to perform as opposed to an RN...here is an example, there is a medication order by a doctor,the LPN needs an RN to pull it from the medication drawer and approve it to be used on a patient..where as an RN only has to confirm the med with another nurse and just push the med...also,LPNs get paid less than an RN...
LPNs are also not allowed to give certain medications as opposed to an RN.
It comes down to this....if you really want to be hands on with patients,and dont mind a bit of a lower pay for the same amount,if not more, work go for LPN and get done with school a little quicker....but if you really want to make a career out of nursing,I strongly suggest you go ahead,take the two year associate program one of the community colleges offer... it is well worth it....I know my mother regrets not going back for her RN at times...She has been an LPN for 30 years and has loved every minute of it,dont get me wrong.....
Either way...good luck with school...and if you decide to work in the Emergency Department I may be seeing you, and giving you report!

Why don't you visit your local hospital and talk with some to the nurses. See what they have to say. Also talk with the LPN and get their opinion. Nursing is a great profession for those who want full time employment, and as good for married women who only want to work part time. They are even able to choose their working hours in some areas.