Starting nursing school: LPN first or straight to RN?

LPN first or straight to RN?
I am back in school, finishing my pre-req's for nursing. I won't start actual nursing classes and clinicals until the end of August.
I'm trying to make up my mind - right now I work in an office (but it's a LTC pharmacy so it's still somewhat in the medical profession) and want out of the office environment ASAP, so I was thinking about quickly becoming an LPN and then getting a job in LTC or Hospice and going back for RN, ADN then BSN.
Would this be a mistake?? Should I just tough it out another few years for RN and THEN get a nursing job?
I have mixed thoughts and am looking for feedback. Thanks!

Go straight for RN. I was not in the position to at the the time I went to school, and believe me, I wish I was. As the people said above, we, as LPNs are not used as true Nurses unless the RNs are shorthanded and the lack of respect is more than present if you work in a hospital. (although the workload is just about the same)! Its motivation for me to finish, but if you can, go straight for RN, you will not regret it!!!!!!!

You could have a very hard time working as an LPN and doing your RN training at the same time. Getting in your clinical requirements while employed could be tricky. I'd go right for the RN even though it will take a little longer.

Good luck

There is a very big difference in RN and LPN...and its really your choice...I personally say, If you have the time, go for RN...it does take alittle longer but well worth it...and The pay differences are MAJOR..I started as a LPn and went back for RN it was alot harder to do that, so if you have the time and patience, u may as well go for the gold hunny! lol...Although they do offer 2 yr. RN programs, but its similar to LPN...Go for the 4 yr RN program..if you are asking a diff. question, let me know...Good luck to your future hun..P.S. At least you have SOME experience in the medical field, I had none and was CLUELESS as to what i was doing...you have an advantage, USE IT GIRL!

There is NOT that big difference in RN and LPN It depends on where you work....I personally say, If you have the time, go stright for a BSN and then to an MSN..it does take a little longer but well worth it...and The pay is much better and the RESPECT that you get is a lot more.
You also have more flexablitiy.

Stick it out and get RN. LPNs have their place in the industry, but most of them dont find out until it is too late that it is a well abreviated place in the industry. Unless, that is, you are interested in working in a nursing home. That seems to be one of the few places that LPNs can work as nurses. In most hospitals, they are overpaid aides and used as nurses when RNs are in short supply (sad, but true). Also, if you go LPN first, you may have to repeat most or all of your clinical hours for your RN. Go all the way the first time. Good Luckl