Happy or Not So Happy?

[ANurseOneDay23]

Hey Everyone...

I am new here and just want a feedback on my current situation.

Background.

I am 23 years old.

I graduated college with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in Spring 2014.

I have always had to aspiration of wanting to work in the medical field, but I could never really make up my mind, so I ended up with a degree I really didnt want.

After I graduated, I decided I wanted to purse nursing. So I started to research tons of programs and found a accelerated BSN program. I started taking prerequisites at a local community, but long story short that didnt work out.

Next, in the fall I started to take classes again like A and P 1, Chemistry, and Medical Terminology, but due to money issues pursing a second bachelors isnt easy. So I stopped going after the Fall term.

I still wanted to get into something, so I started to apply for business jobs, graduated school and even lpn school and got REJECTED TWICE FROM TWO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS....

So when I got rejected from two PN Programs I felt like maybe nursing wasnt for me and my hopes of getting in the medical field were gone. So in December of 2014. I applied to grad school to get my Alternative Teaching Certificate/Masters in Education.

So I got married in February 2015 and was super happy at first, but then reality started. I need to get into a CAREER ASAP so I can be a active partner in my marriage. My husband is a chemist so we do okay but he is 28 and REALLY READY to buy home, have kids, etc, which he doesnt want to do until I have a career.

So March 2015

I got in grad school, was I happy not really. But I was going to do it because I know I needed to get into so we can progress as a family. So two days before, my master programs was about to start I received and email that I had been accepted into a PN program... I was HAPPY at first....

( At the last minute, the day the applications were due I decided to try one more time}

So I had a HUGE decision to make... I choose NURSING!!! Because I felt like it would open up more opportunities in the future..... Management, Nurse Practitioner, ETC...

Flexibility. Growth Opportunities. Stability. Income Potential.

Problem

Being that I am nearing my max loans you can borrow as an undergraduate, I dont know what I would do once I complete the LPN program.

I would want my BSN, but wouldnt know how to fund it? I am doubting my decision because ppl are saying that this will be a last of time getting my LPN, getting my RN would have been better.... ( I dont have all the classes) because the salary for LPN New grad are low to have a family.....

Now I am regretting, that maybe I should have just waited and applied to an RN program.

Orientation is Next Wednesday

I dont know what to think.... or how to prepare...???

Should I be happy or not?

Sincerely,

ANurseOneDay

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

You can work as an LVN, pay down some loans, bridge over & become an RN. Don't give up on your dream. If you really want to be a nurse, start there & work your way up. I'm an LVN, re-taking my sciences & then applying to nursing programs after. There is no wrong was to nursing.

[CNAAJ]

Everyone has opinions and my favorite is the "you should have done RN" but everyone's situation is different I'm 21 I have a degree already as well, I choose Lpn because I don't have another 2 years to just go to school, granted I don't have any children or anything I just don't want to do it. And realistically and financially speaking trying to struggle off the money I make for 1 year to do a Lpn program opposed to 2 plus years for a RN program the first one won. Do I regret my decision absolutely not I'll be a RN in the same amount of time with a lot less debt if any once I'm done! If you know why your doing what your doing don't question it if schools didn't understand "alternate routes" it wouldn't be a such thing as bridge programs. Use it as a stepping stone and keep going. You may not have your dream job in the hospital as a Lpn if that's what you seek but who cares. In my area some hospitals do still utilize them and that's not where I'm running anyways. Stand confident on your decision and keep pushing if you seriously are going to have a issue working in other areas in nursing besides a hospital until you get finish RN I see no problem. Good luck

[ANurseOneDay23]

Thank you so much...!!! I needed that.

[ANurseOneDay23]

Thank you..!!!

[kwood1989]

My biggest suggestion is if your able to after you finish your LPN/LVN is to find a RN Bridge program and if you can afford the payments pay out of pocket. This something I am thinking of doing as I am in a similar situation.

[SteelGrey]

Get your LPN license and get to work! Check out if your employer is willing to pay towards furthering your education. There are many programs and agreements out there between employer and student regarding loan forgiveness, scholarships, etc. Research, research, research!

And as a side note, don't stress so much about everything being perfect in line like marriage-->house--->babies . One step at a time, and don't be afraid to work for a while and explore the health care field. Enjoy the process, don't worry about the quickest way to becoming a Nurse Practitioner or something you think is the creme de la creme.

Good luck in whatever you choose! I'm another girl with a previous 4 year degree starting over at the beginning with an LPN program. For me its actually quicker to do the LPN which is 9 months, then a bridge program as opposed to waiting lists and start dates for a 2 year RN program.

[ANurseOneDay23]

Thank you so much for all the advice

[mcm336]

I'm 25 with a bachelors degree, hubby and kid and I'm starting over in august. I go to orientation next month and the same things crossed my mind. I'm leaving a pretty good job to start over. I just told myself that I'm going to do what makes me happy and follow my heart. I'd rather try and fail than not try at all. You can do it!