LPN to RN

Hi, this is my first post but just wanted to say thanks for all of the great information on this site. I am currently a chef but am very interested in nursing. There is currently a waiting list at my local school for RN so I was considering getting my LPN then transferring and working toward my RN as I work part time. Does this sound like a good idea? I have heard some say that it is relatively easy to find a job as an LPN and others say the opposite. I am in Northern Virginia. Any knowledge of local pay? I am extremely motivated to make this work and am trying to see what others in the field feel is the best way to go about this. Thanks.
I completed my pre-requisite for the ADN program at my college however, I went through the LVN program first. I got my license in September 2007 and got into the LVN transition to RN class last Fall. I am happy to say that I got accepted into the LVN upgrade this Spring and will start 3rd semester of the ADN program at my college on January 7th and will graduate in December 2008. This was the best scenario for me because I didn't have to wait to get into the traditional RN program.
That sounds like a great plan. You might want to make a post in the state forum asking about pay so you can hone in on some locals.