[Xenia]

I'm a 32 yr. old woman looking for a career. My history is GED and very little college.. I was wondering if going for a degree in LPN 1st would be the best way to get myself started on my way to RN. With all the prerequisites and suchs classes that I have to take wouldn't it be best to go for it as I'm going for my LPN degree? Would love to hear from someone on this issue of mine.

[ucavalpn]

I think it would be a personal choice . Based on need to work . Sooner vs later. If you can afford to get the RN first then that would be the way to go. But if you need more $ while going to school , then getting the LPN first would be an excellent choice.
Have you checked out schools? I think there are some that allow you to sit for LPN boards after your first year of an ADN program.

[cheerfuldoer]

Hello Xenia,

Sherrie's advice is really perfect! Couldn't have advised you better myself!

If you decide to go for the RN first, take the pre-reqs to get them out of the way first. This will make all the difference when you are ready to begin your clinicals and lectures, and it will certainly lighten the stress of having to study too many classes at once.

I went to college in my late twenties (married and had three little ones), but didn't start the nursing program until my early thirties. You can do anything you set your mind to, just don't abuse that good mind of yours by trying to do too much at once.

________________________________________________

"Just when you think you've graduated from the school of experience, someone thinks up a new course." -- Mary H. Waldrip

[Xenia]

Thanks so much for the advice.. I am soooo excited to go back to school.. This week I meet with an advisor at UNMC and she will let me know I'm sure what I have to do.. She did tell me over the phone that I can take some classes at Metro Community classes and that they will transfer over and will be totally accepted.. I'm pretty excited about my journey.. but I'm nervous because I'm wanting to get out of where I'm working and would like to go for my LPN first so I can get out into the field quicker.. but I'm not sure how that will work when I go for my bachelors as an RN. Has anyone done this before and if so what were the pro's and con's..

[cheerfuldoer]

Xenia,

There is nothing wrong in you wanting to obtain an LPN so you can work while you pursue your RN. It doesn't matter HOW you proceed in reaching your goals. What matters is that you are doing it, and doing it with your own motivation and love for moving on from where you are into something new and exciting for yourself.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong in taking a step-by-step approach to reaching your goals, whether they are in nursing or something else. Listen to your own heart, sing the tune of your own song, and dance to the beat of your own drum. Only then will you be positively happy!

So, it will take you some time to reach your goals. Look at it this way: If you don't do anything at all to reach your goals, where will you be in ten years? If you work on your goals over the next ten years, where will you be by then? GO FOR IT! LET NOTHING STOP YOU FROM GETTING THERE!

Many universities and colleges offer a LPN to RN/BSN program, AND they even offer the MSN to boot! You have many options in reaching your goals. Just pick which one you want, and go for the gold!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET; WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE." -- W. A. NANCE

[Xenia]

I am so greatfull for your responses.. I feel a bit more comfortable with my decisions.. I will ask myself that question every day if I can remember to.. What will I be doing in 10 years if I don't go for it and what will I being doing if I do.. Very good advice.. Thank you sooooo much.

Many Blessing,
Xenia

[cheerfuldoer]

You are quite welcome! Keep us posted as you go through school. Feel free to email me here if I can ever be of any help to you.

"We can't change the past, but we can gather up its lessons and move on, stronger and wiser." -- UNKNOWN

[Xenia]

I sure will.. thanks bunches.. I feel as if I'm getting all the support I need from these forums.. I truely thank you.

Xenia