Signing up for an LPN PROGRAM

[maeuni08]

for starters im new to this site.... i wanted to know opinions from new or seasoned LPN'S or those currently in school to become an LPN. I have always wanted to become a nurse and i really think now is the time to pursue my passion. however i am a 28 yr old single parent, and i am currently the bread winner and the sole provider for me and my son, so instead of going into a rn or bsn program i figured it would better for my situation to start off as an LPN since the program is generally shorter. ofcourse i am doing my own research but i wanted to know from others, do you think there is still a demand for LPN's, would you recommend that route or is it going to be better to go for my RN OR BSN. what are your opinions or thoughts on as to becoming an LPN

[iholdmyownfuture]

I just got into a program I will start May 1st. For me I chose the LPn route because I cant afford to go to school 2 years straight without a salary. Depending on where you live you can go for LPN for 12 months and then bridge to Rn for an additional 12 months. Hope this helps.

[AngPartridge3]

My program starts in June. I also chose the LVN route. It took me 2 semesters of doing pre reqs for the ADN program to decide that I would rather babystep my way up. I have friends that tell me that they do not regret being an LVN first. Gain some experience. Then bridge over to RN-RN/BSN or how far you want to go. I want my BSN but have a 2 and 3 year old. So I chose to go the LVN route And I couldnt be prouder :) I started my whole journey as a waitress in a nice retirement home facility and was offered a job as a "caregiver". I was terrified but wanted the raise. After 3 days of knots of nerves learning the ropes, I had my "ah ha" moment and discovered money could not possibly give me as much joy as it gave me to be with the residents and the "friendships" I made with the residents. I became a CNA and still never lost that passion to keep going. Its not where you start that matters. Just the fact that you start. :) Your son will be your biggest motivator. I had my kids names engraved on my stethoscope and on my folders and binders that I will use in school, we did handprints so I am never alone while at school. And I anticipate it will be hard. Going for only one year, Im sure its going to be chaos learning everything in such a short period, But I say go for it :) But start at a pace you are comfortable.

[maeuni08]

iholdmyownfuture thanks for responding! and yes!! my son is already my biggest motivator!! for the lpn program, do you take the pre reqs prior to the program, or are they included in your program?

[maeuni08]

AngPartridge3 thanks for responding, and yes one of the biggest reasons i have decided this route is because it would be almost impossible to go 2-3 yrs without real income ..i have adult bills that are not going to go away and going home to my parents is not an option lol i live in indianapolis and i have found a program that i may be interested in. i will go and visit next week. its called medtech college, the lpn program is accredited, i have been getting mixed reviews on the school but i'll continue to do my research. good luck on your program! keep me posted :)

[AngPartridge3]

Most programs will have pre reqs that you will need tocomplete before getting into the program itself, the pre reqs are different everywhere, your school will let you know, for my program it was intro to biology and a computer class and also a competitive HESI score. And yes it is hard to live without income. I took advantage of using school loans to help me out in the same boat.

[iholdmyownfuture]

Maeuni08 I did not. I am a CNA now which lead me to further my education in the Medical field. I live in Tennessee where if you bridge from LPN to RN your pre-reqs are built into your program. So when I'm done I'm going right in head first.