I'm 37 & male...

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about to get into a two semester LPN program. I'd be done May 2014. I have twins coming this year around August as I go into the program. I simply couldn't imagine spending those two semesters doing RN prerequisites and then another four terms in the ADN while on my current CNA salary. Not supporting two kids and a bed-bound gf.

I am knocking out A&P during LPN school. I know I can because I took Orgo and calc-based Physics simultaneously in the past. Not the same. I'm not saying nursing is easier. In fact, A&P, LPN school, twins and work sounds brutal.

Any men going through anything similar? I'm also interested in working with babies after school. Anyone hear of LPN's in L&D or the NICU? Would my size be too much? I'm 6'3" and 280lb (29% bf and needs work I know)

I feel busy but not overwhelmed. I should be flustered but I stay pretty calm. My cage doesn't get rattled. I'll work on my BSN ad I work as an LPN. Eventually I want to be a Nurse Practitioner. Either in L&D or Women's Health. Any shot for men in these fields?

Thanks for your advice and input.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
about to get into a two semester LPN program. I'd be done May 2014. I have twins coming this year around August as I go into the program. I simply couldn't imagine spending those two semesters doing RN prerequisites and then another four terms in the ADN while on my current CNA salary. Not supporting two kids and a bed-bound gf.

I am knocking out A&P during LPN school. I know I can because I took Orgo and calc-based Physics simultaneously in the past. Not the same. I'm not saying nursing is easier. In fact, A&P, LPN school, twins and work sounds brutal.

Any men going through anything similar? I'm also interested in working with babies after school. Anyone hear of LPN's in L&D or the NICU? Would my size be too much? I'm 6'3" and 280lb (29% bf and needs work I know)

I feel busy but not overwhelmed. I should be flustered but I stay pretty calm. My cage doesn't get rattled. I'll work on my BSN ad I work as an LPN. Eventually I want to be a Nurse Practitioner. Either in L&D or Women's Health. Any shot for men in these fields?

Thanks for your advice and input.

*** You have orgo and calc-based physics in your pocket and you are going to LPN school? Sounds weird to me. Anyway you have made quite the bed for yourself. My advice is to embrace it. Be the model partner for your baby momma, be an involved dad, work your ass off in school so that when you get where you are going you can look back with satisfaction. Of course you likely won't sleep much. Can't have everything.

No role for LPN is critical care, including NICU. I can't speak for L&D but I doubt it. While I am sure several will come forward with exceptions they know of, there is a lot of anti male nurse discrimination in L&D. NICU is a reasonable goal once you are an RN. Your size won't matter, being a stay calm guy WILL be a true asset for you. As for being an NP, almost no roll for NPs in L&D. CNMW is all about L&D. My suggestion would be to consider FNP. Then you could focus on women's health while still having a very marketable skill set. As an LPN you will find the best paying jobs are the VA and prisons.

Couple things you should know. LPN to RN can be done in 9 months if you pick the right school. Not absolutly required for you to get a BSN before you do NP school. There is NO DNP requirment for NP. Most NPs go into it for the schedual, not the money since many take a pay cut to go from staff RN to NP. Get into the right field and the right area and you can easily make well over $100K/year as a staff RN not counting working OT.

I wish you good luck. If you have any questions about anything I have mentioned just PM me.

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I was originally slated for medical school. Becoming a physician didn't mesh with me. Also, I took time away from school to care for my grandma before her passing.

I tell ya, after having your grandma pass away holding your hand hardens you to where not much rattles you.

Orgo and Physics are just prerequisites for a past life that I chose not to pursue. I know some say "just go for an RN". Well no. I still have to pay for life. I'm not willing to drag my fiancé and twins through 2-3 years of RN school on CNA pay. I have designs to be an ANP.

Tell me more of these programs not requiring the BSN for NP...

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
I tell ya, after having your grandma pass away holding your hand hardens you to where not much rattles you.

*** I doubt it. I have observed several dozen grand parents pass away while holding their grandchildrens hands. I didn't observe them become hardend. I suspect you are the way you are and you experience with your grandmother only brought it out in you.

It is a fantastic asset for you. I have known many a nurse who could not make it in critical care cause of their inabliety to thinking clearly and criticaly in high stress emergency situations.

Orgo and Physics are just prerequisites for a past life that I chose not to pursue. I know some say "just go for an RN". Well no. I still have to pay for life. I'm not willing to drag my fiancé and twins through 2-3 years of RN school on CNA pay. I have designs to be an ANP.

*** Obviously you will have to become an RN if you want to be an ANP. I understand about needing to make money for your family. I don't know where you live but the highest paying LPN gig I know of is working for the Ca department of corrections.

Tell me more of these programs not requiring the BSN for NP..

*** There are a number of RN to MSN NP programs that do not require you to have a BSN. Instead of a BSN they have you complete bridge courses, Usually about 18 credits. If you already have a lot of college credit under your belt it might well be shorter to get your BSN instead. For example you could likely get a BSN in only 7 classes through after you are an RN. The other posibiliety would be to do an ADN to gerneral MSN (no bridge courses required) like the RN to MSN at Universtity of Arizona then do a post masters NP program. That is a shorter route than RN to BSN to MSN depending on your education history. Knowing your education history and what state you live in would help.

There are a number of such programs and requirment vary. Here are a couple:

ADN-MSN Bridge | Frontier Nursing University

RN-MSN Entry | Master of Science in Nursing | Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

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Thank you for your sage advice, Sh!t Magnet (funny avatar). I meant that in a humorous, sincere way. I didn't feel like sitting out trying to apply for 2-3 years to GET IN an ADN or BSN program. I live in Las Vegas, NV now but will move to Chesapeake, VA when I finish. I've been a CNA in LTAC, Rehab, Corrections and home health. You are correct in that I've always been calm. I can't see how anyone can figure out a problem under extreme duress. So I eliminate my response to stress. I'm stoic and very steady.

I looked and saw a few LPN-BSN programs in the area I am moving to. From there I can do an MSN program. It's great to plan that but I am focusing on the right now. Getting through LPN school. Taking care of my kids and gf. Progressing through the LPN seems odd to most given my scholastic history. It makes sense to me.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
Thank you for your sage advice, Sh!t Magnet (funny avatar). I meant that in a humorous, sincere way. I didn't feel like sitting out trying to apply for 2-3 years to GET IN an ADN or BSN program. I live in Las Vegas, NV now but will move to Chesapeake, VA when I finish. I've been a CNA in LTAC, Rehab, Corrections and home health. You are correct in that I've always been calm. I can't see how anyone can figure out a problem under extreme duress. So I eliminate my response to stress. I'm stoic and very steady.

I looked and saw a few LPN-BSN programs in the area I am moving to. From there I can do an MSN program. It's great to plan that but I am focusing on the right now. Getting through LPN school. Taking care of my kids and gf. Progressing through the LPN seems odd to most given my scholastic history. It makes sense to me.

*** If I were you I would skip the LPN to BSN program. LPN to ADN is only a year and with the huge pay difference between LPN & RN you would be much better off to get the RN ASAP and then BSN (should you decide you need it) or MSN while you are an RN and making more money. You are moving to a low wage (for nurses) area so the faster you get your RN the faster your pay will increase, at least relitive to LPN pay.

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Again, you are a there with the advice. Man (or Woman) you rock!

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The LPN-BSN was a three year program and going to a low pay area was looming. The faster I can get RN experience the better?

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
The LPN-BSN was a three year program and going to a low pay area was looming. The faster I can get RN experience the better?

*** I would do whatever got you an RN license the fastest. RNs not only make more money but they have far more employment options than LPNs do. You will have more educational options, and more money to take advantage of them as an RN.

I am a man and like you came to nursing as a 3rd career.

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I looked into all programs. The ADN programs with their prerequisite study is comparable in length to a couple of LPN-BSN programs. If I can't find a one year LPN bridge program I think I will stick with a 2.5-3 year BSN program. Going to a low wage area and then having to pay state income tax is rough.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Just wanted to chime in - I am acquainted with a stellar NeoICU Manager (CNS-pedi/neo). He is 6'3" & probably 300# or so. He is not only a wonderful nurse manager, but has been instrumental in developing some revolutionary approaches to caring for preemies & critically ill newborns. His wife, as I recall, is a minister. They're a fabulous couple.

L&D & Women's health may hold more challenges due to the strong patient preference for female clinicians... just look and see who the 'rock star' OB docs are these days; women are the most sought-after by all hospitals. Women just prefer working with someone who has the same equipment - much more empathetic relationship. I actually don't see why ANY one would work with that patient population - UGH. Never have seen the attraction. I'm Critical Care all the way. Maybe after working through the pregnancy/delivery & coping with twins (!) you'll decide it's not for you either - LOL.

I think that going the LPN-first route is smart. It will provide a reliable source of income with an option for schedule flexibility while you get your RN... That's what I did. Worked full time on a compressed shift (16 h Sat & 16 h Sun) while going to school during the week for my BSN. I also had small ones at home. Thank heavens hubs was fully supportive & an engaged parent! With that schedule, I didn't actually have a 'day off' for ~ 2 years. Very do-able with the right motivation & support system.

Best wishes & lots of luck to you. Thank your wife - it's hard work making new people.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
I looked into all programs. The ADN programs with their prerequisite study is comparable in length to a couple of LPN-BSN programs. If I can't find a one year LPN bridge program I think I will stick with a 2.5-3 year BSN program. Going to a low wage area and then having to pay state income tax is rough.

*** You can do LPN to RN in 9 months, I did. CLEP is your friend. However that would require relocating to an area very far from the two you have mentioned.

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