PLease read and give advice opinions.....

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 7, 2002

originally posted by robin61970
okay guys i feel comfortable enough to ask for an opinion on this from all of you because i feel like i know you all. i am within 12 hours of finishing up for my associates of applied science and planned on starting rn in january, but i have really been thinking about this lately.......my hubby works for his parents in a family owned business and lately i have been concerned about him being without a job in the next year or so.......with that in mind i have thought about applying for the lpn program so that i can have a license in a year and be able to work.....i know that i will not make as much as i would as an rn, but i would be bringing in some money......i then thought that i could work for 5-6 months.....apply for the bridge and rn......then i could finish up my rn.....i could work part time as lpn while doing rn. i have heard that sometimes it is easier for lpn's going rn.....anyway i am beginning to think this is my only option. my husbadn tells me not to worry that he will work 2 jobs if he has to do so, but i don't feel right putting all that pressure on him.....anyway thats my dilemma please give me opinions.....thanks!!!!!

hi! if i am correct, after the first 2 or 3 semesters in the rn program, you can sit for your lpn boards, if pass, you can work while finishing up your rn in 2 or 3 more semesters. ask at your school's rn program to be sure.

why not finish up your 12 hours to get your associate degree.

another thing to consider, if you take the route you are pondering, how much longer is the lpn program as apposed to the rn program.

if your husband says go for it and your know he is sincere, go for it. let us know what you decide and all the best to you. you can still work part-time as a unit secretary, pca and it would help some until you finish.

as always, keep the faith!

memphisgurl · Jul 7, 2002

you can do RN and after first year in program you can work as a nurse intern while finishing the RN program.

Robin61970 · Jul 7, 2002

I am going to finish my associates regardless of what I choose to do........The things you can do in each state are different.....I have never heard of anyone in my state sitting for boards after 1st 2 semesters and haven't heard of interns either........

Ortho_RN · Jul 8, 2002

If that is how you feel that it will work easier then go for it... But also remember if you can tough out the first semester (money wise) then afterwards you can work at Sparks or St. Eds as a PCA.... And the base pay is $9.22... that is for day shift.. I am working evenings 3:30-12 and make $12.34/hr... So you could then work part time during the 2nd semester... This way you can go ahead and get what you want.. your RN!! Feel free to email me if you want... :)

StudentSandra · Jul 11, 2002

Robin, I would check with your school about the LPN exit (taking the LPN boards after the first year) many ADN programs do this altho they do not advertise it. If it available you could work as an LPN while finishing up your last year of the ADN.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

NursBoxr · Jul 13, 2002

We MUST complete lpn prog (11mos) as a requirement for acceptance to the ADN program (9mos). I had AS too before beginning lpn program. -which meant prereqs were done for both programs!! Lpn's in my clin rotations said "work first" , the RN's said "go on now without stopping". I say you'll be "new" each time you start a new job- new RN... new LPN....Just pick good experienced co-workers to model yourself after. On the job, experience is often more valuable than schooling-wages just don't reflect this... I'm giong on NOW because I can-NOW. My husband is supportive, kids are older, and if I wait, something could happen that makes it so I can't...illness, finances, accidents... you never know what might happen. I'm a 'new' lpn now, and I'll be a 'new' RN in 9 mos. (with $10.00 increase on the hour-yes, I admit money matters when you have mortgages, vehicles, kids, and so on...) I am so anxious to get back to work!! Get your degrees WHEN you can I say!! It's diff for us all- this is just what motivates me... My ADN health instuctor said, she understood, the push in a few years will be to phase out lpn's and..are you ready.... BSN degrees will be REQUIRED to practice! Can you believe it!! Get it while the gettin's good! :-)

Good luck , nurses!!