[awdroket]

I've been seriously considering going back to school to become an RN. I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth it or not for me. I'm 24 work full time and make $17.50 an hour. Isn't my dream job but not bad either. I've always been interested in the health care field but have never thought seriously about it till now.
Would it be worth it to go after the RN degree $$wise in IA? How much do Iowa RN's make on average?) I've heard you can become an RN at a community college like Hawkeye in 2 years, this true? What kind of classes will I be looking at? Would it be possible to work full time at my current job and pursue this, or better to just go full time and get it over with?
Sorry for all the ?'s, I hope someone can give me some insite.


Thanks,

Greg

[midcom]

HI Greg,
I'm from the NE part of the state so checked into Hawkeye. Unfortunately they have a 1 year waiting list for their LPN course & it's required for the bridge to RN course. I understand that one has a waiting list also.
I'm taking my LPN training at Hamilton in Cedar Falls starting in the fall. It's considerably more expensive but no waiting list.
Dixie

[chelsea_j]

I went to hawkeye and spread my classes out over 3 years. It is way to much to do in 2. They are a great nursing school with the teachers having a great background. Starting wage in waterloo for a rn is around 19.50. As for Hamilton they are new to having a nursing program and I heard not that great of a pass rate.

[FutureNurse35]

I think it is worth it to get your RN, because you will have so much more options when you done. If I were you, I would start taking prereqs and continue to work full time. Good luck to you.

[awdroket]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'm gonna take a run at it! Maybe I'll bump into some of you along the way.

Thanks again!

[midcom]

Originally Posted by chelsea_j

I went to hawkeye and spread my classes out over 3 years. It is way to much to do in 2. They are a great nursing school with the teachers having a great background. Starting wage in waterloo for a rn is around 19.50. As for Hamilton they are new to having a nursing program and I heard not that great of a pass rate.

Chelsea, I agree that Hawkeye is a good school & have a great program. Unfortunately, though,they have a long waiting list. Believe me, I called and checked. I don't have the luxury of waiting a year to get in.

Now as far as Hamilton not having a great pass rate, how do you know that? This is their first year of the nursing program in CF & their first class just graduated this month. They haven't even taken their boards yet so no one knows how well they do. This is one thing that made me hesitant about going but after talking for an hour with the dept head, I was reassured. She told me that they wouldn't even graduate a student if they thought he/she wasn't ready. In addition, Hamilton pays for the class for the student to prepare for the boards. They want to make sure their students pass.
Dixie

[chelsea_j]

Originally Posted by midcom

Chelsea, I agree that Hawkeye is a good school & have a great program. Unfortunately, though,they have a long waiting list. Believe me, I called and checked. I don't have the luxury of waiting a year to get in.

Now as far as Hamilton not having a great pass rate, how do you know that? This is their first year of the nursing program in CF & their first class just graduated this month. They haven't even taken their boards yet so no one knows how well they do. This is one thing that made me hesitant about going but after talking for an hour with the dept head, I was reassured. She told me that they wouldn't even graduate a student if they thought he/she wasn't ready. In addition, Hamilton pays for the class for the student to prepare for the boards. They want to make sure their students pass.
Dixie

This is what was going around and that our teachers told us a Hawkeye. Just thought I would share advice that I have heard. I think it is worth the wait to get into Hawkeyes program and there are plenty of general classes you can get out of the way while you waiting to get in. Also apply for the RN program during your first semester of LPN I had no waiting inbetween the 2 programs due to that.