Should I go back to school for lpn?

[bethanygreene]

Hi folks, I could use some advice.

I graduated over a year ago with a degree in studio art (which I'm incredibly proud of). During this year I've taught art classes, led an art club at an assisted living center and realized I don't want to teach art: I want to make it, and I want a career separate from it.

I've been researching different options throughout this year; things I could do with my current degree as well as further education.

Overall I've been (god this sounds corny) soul searching, and attempting to figure out what I really want.

One option I'm interested in is healthcare.

However I'm nervous to go back to school. Nursing was my second choice. However I was very naive when I went for my bachelor's and didn't consider the kind of career options I would have, if it would be fulfilling and if i would be able to make a modest living.

I'm considering lpn school.

These are my concerns:

adding to my (not terrible but nothing to sneeze at) current debt.

getting financial aid

passing the pre-reqs (like A&P I and II)

handling the class work loads

managing stress

having good study habits

staying organized

not failing royally

I've also considered an ABSN program but I don't know if I can hack the intensity.

I'm also worried about the lpn program classes. I realize no one say "yes I know you can do it" or "NOO you will fail", but I need practical advice. I don't know many of the details of lpn school, the intensity and realistic things I need to consider. I don't want my head in the clouds. Thanks for your help :-) Also if I can supply more details I would love to.

[bethanygreene]

thank you LYNDAA for explaining, yes that makes more sense!

I had actually been considering going through an ASN program as my local CC. I was enticed by the shorter program for the LPN...however if I did go through with the LPN there is a chance I'd be kicking myself for just not going to the next level up.

[laydiebuug]

You will have more options and independence as an RN. Lots of nurses find satisfaction as LPNs. I did. But to truly have autonomy in nursing, you will need to be an RN at the very least. As an LPN, your hands will be tied, to a certain extent. To demonstrate your skills without having to hunt down someone to verify that you know what your doing, namely an RN, you would have to return to school, yet again, for an ASN degree. Nursing school is hard. You really only want to do it once, in my opinion. So why not get the RN? You will be able to do what LPNs do, and then some; and enjoy the higher pay as well..depending on your location.

There are some places that are forcing their LPNs to get the RN or get out. There are some places that are requiring that their ASN RNs obtain their BSNs or get out. So, with a bachelors already, why not get the RN as a starting place, and then IF you want to return to school, you can get an online BSN in a year's time, working at your own paced while enjoying family life.

I hope this makes more sense.

I totally agree with you, if I was like the poster and already had a bachelorv in something I would totally go for a BSN and bypass becoming an LPN we all have our reasons for our paths but if you really are passionate about being a nurse then go all the way. You can get a BSN in just a little over the time you spend getting your RN. I went for LPN because nursing school is hard to to get in around here and I had no medical background so I went for it in case I didnt like it. I am now pursing my BSN but its because I am passionate about nursing and would like even more opportunities. I have always kept a job as an LPN they are in no danger of being phased out in my area and I make good money and have been blessed to be in the positions I have gotten. One thing I have learned is people shouldnt look at nursing as a easy way to make money. You have to love Nursing or leave it.

[systoly]

go for RN

nothing against LPN, i am one

but you already have a BA

and these numbers are from my area (50 mile radius, medium sized city)

available LPN jobs: 57

available RN jobs: 189

[tanishasays]

IUPAC ch

[tanishasays]

T dog