[chester427]

WCU did their clinical rotation in OB in the Spring of 2005 and still does as far as I know. CCH does not have their nursing school anymore they have gone into an agreement with DCCC. Their nursing school graduated their last class in 1999 if I am right. I know that you didn't have the CCH/DCCC nursing instructor because it would have been the same instructor and she is a great instuctor. DCCC at CCH has their normal day program and they just started a nights/weekend program where they do clinicals at the hospital on the weekend. If I were you I would become an RN its just easier. I took A&P the year before I started nursing school so it took me three years but the time does fly.

[Cherry Ames, RN]

I am currently in the DCCC/CCH program. I had thought about the LPN route as well. What changed my mind was my lab partner during Anatomy class. She had just graduated from CAT-Brandywine's LPN program. She said it was very intense. When I asked her why she was getting her RN (I met her August 2005, she graduated May 2005), she said the pay and job opportunities were better for an RN than an LPN.

Now I did call the CAT-Brandywine program director and got some brochures and cost of the program. I seem to recall the cost was $15,000. My RN will cost approximately half that or less. Even though it will take twice as long to finish. But then I will only have to bridge to BSN; not LPN to RN to BSN.

It is something worth thinking about.

Good luck.

[lanjjosie]

Originally Posted by adamsmom

HI
I am 40 years old and just started as a NA working to become certified. I work at a nursing home my end goal is to become a RN. I do not particularly enjoy working at a nursing home but where I work has a scholorship and I can work on 2 12 hour shifts on the weekends and attend school full time. But I do not have any college credits so I would be starting from scratch. I went to Brandywine Hospital school of nursing open house last nite. I would have to take a year of classes at Immaculata University then apply for there school so it would take 3 years and I would have to work 1 year for the nursing home as part of the scholorship. Or I can go to LPN school for 12 months while working for the nursing home work 1 after LPN school and work 1 year for them and take college courses towards my RN. I am so confused? Please help
Lee

I think you should get your LPN first because it's only one year still work on your preq for your RN, im doing excelsior you can make great money while you work on your RN, I've been a LPN for two years I will be done with my RN sometime next year I've met alot of RN's who wished they did it my way because Lpn is so hands on from the beginning.

[phillycat26]

I was wondering the same thing too. i have been a unit sect for 15 years, also a monitor tech and NA. I know i could ace the LPN school with my eyes shut! But i'm a little nervous about the RN school. Should I just sign up for pre-req's for Jan.term and start lpn in the fall while taking pre-req's at the same time? Like one class at a time, or do you think i should just "buck up" and go straight thru RN school and forget the LPN part? I'm as confused as the other poster.. I would love to have a buddy system to do all this with someone.

[WestKat]

I have been going throught the same thing for 3 years! I became a CNA to check out the healthcare world, then starting taking pre-req classes at DCCC (at a snails pace, but completed 4 classes already) I checked out CAT Brandywine and finally decided to go the LPN route. I am going to take the NET test in two weeks! I think going for the LPN is a good start. Especially if you can't commit to a 2 year program right off. At least I can start working as an LPN then go for my RN. For me it is a great decision...that's that one is made

Good luck with your decision.

[WestKat]

Phillycat26 - If you have the experience you might consider going for it. If your still not sure, your on the right track with taking Spring classess and LPN in the Fall. CAT Brandywine fills up quick though, if you haven't already - call them to get your addmissions paperwork and schedule the NET asap. My initial thought was to go for the RN and get it out of the way...although that would be nice, I need to work as I am going to school, so a 1 year program sounds better to me. This way at least I can change jobs and work as an LPN as I go for my RN and hopefully my new employer will pay for some of the cost!

[LVNRSG06]

I graduated from the LPN program at CATB with the intentions of obtaining my RN. I am enrolled in an RN program and I am completely happy of the choice I made. Im able to work, go to school, and take care of my family. It helped to had gone through the PN program which was VERY intense...in which Im grateful for. The instructors were tough, courses were challenging...definitely wanted to insure they are producing quality, safe, educated PN's. I am fortunate to be employed at place where I can practice to the fullest extent of my license. Good luck in your decision!

[june2009]

Don't bother with the LPN. You get less money, less respect, and you're always being told what you can and can't do, which differs from facility to facility. I've been an LPN for almost 8 years, and the most recent facility I worked at did not allow me to start a peripheral IV (even though I'm certified and I've started about 100 IVs in my career)touch a central line (even though I've had a special certification course), I could not give sq injections of heparin (but I could give insulin which if given too much, could kill someone). But when a new admission came, the supervisor wanted me to do the admission assessment. Now how can they tell me I can't do things that are in my scope of practice, and then expect me to do something that is NOT in my scope of practice. Needless to say I refused. as an LPN I feel that I am absolutely not appreciated. The only options I have are LTC or maybe LTAC but even LTACs are not hiring LPNs anymore. That's why I'm going back for the RN. June 19th YEAH!. Anyway don't bother with the LPN. Also, once you pass your LPN boards, some people don't "take time off" and then, before you know it, It's 10 years later and you're still an LPN.

[ErikaPa]

I am currently attending CAT-B LPN program and absoloutely LOVE it, my mother graduated from there 5 years ago and then bridged to the Brandywine RN program and she felt she was more than prepared for the bridge program, for me I needed to part time hours (CAT-B has a part time evening program) and the timing worked out. I think it depends on where you are in life, there IS a saying though LPN's make the best RN's!