New Male Nursing Student....

Students Male Students

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I posted this over in my state forum, but thought I'd post here as well to introduce myself to fellow guys!

I'm a 38yr old married father of 3 boys. I've got a bachelors degree in Information Systems. I've been in the IT field for about 12 years now and it hasn't been very rewarding. Medical has always been a secret love of mine. So....here I am.

Needless to say, I've got all my pre-reqs with exception to my sciences...so that's where I am. Now I'm trying to figure out if I want to go for an LPN and get to work as I bridge to an RN, or just go for the BSN right off the bat. I have all the typical issues it seems....how much will it cost, what to do with the kids, how much time will it require, what will I make, how can I survive this madness???????????

Anyway....I'm in my first Biology class along with an online Psych class. I'm already feeling stressed with the amount of info you have to absorb. I haven't been in a classroom in 10 years!!

Brett

Nurseinator

28 Posts

Nice to meet you. As for your schooling I would say go straight to the BscN. I mean you stated that you want to first complete your LPN and then bridge to the BscN, which will take awhile. depending on the age of your children, I am 20 year old 3rd year nursing student in the BscN program and I have parents in my classes (some even single parents), they say that it is tough but they just manage and plus time does go by very fast. You could also take online courses, but you will have to attend your nursing placements (clinical rotation).

AKFLIGHTRN

101 Posts

Welcome!

I am a 38yr old father of 2 boys. I am currently waiting on a decision from the CC program. I plan to finish my ADN and then go back for my BSN. I too am getting out of the IT world. 20yrs is more than enough.

Good Luck!

Matt

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Hi Guys! We're glad to have you aboard. Especially with IT backgrounds.

I know that it is a little early in the game to decide where you want to go with your nursing careers, but I would encourage you to think about nursing informatics. We (nursing) have to deal with software created by IT folks . . . and the end result is very predictable. Nursing needs a seat at the table - we need folks like you to help us take a leadership role in the development of nurse-centered software systems. Informatics specialists are very much in demand - by vendors & healthcare organizations alike. This is going to continue to be a red-hot career field, especially with the new stimulus plan funding for Health IT.

Hang in there - it can feel like a long road, but it will be worth it in the end. Keep us posted on your progress.

CRNA2BKY

281 Posts

I would say to go for you BSN through an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. That way, you can get your RN, your Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and be prepared to go on to a masters degree program in the future should u ever decide that is something u want to do. Also, you will have many, many better work opportunities with the RN than you will with the LPN. Also, by going through an ABSN program, you can get the RN-BSN in a program that is only a little longer than an LPN would take you. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck.

Absolutely13

354 Posts

Just a quick note on the psych class. Maslow and Erikson are prominant in nursing classes.

Buster70

21 Posts

ok....here's a question for everyone....

Obviously, if one decides to take the 'accelerated program' route, it would require you to be without a job during the program due to so much school work. Since I currently have a decent paying full-time job and a family...how do I replace that income during school?

I know it will have to be financial aid via loans etc, but how can I ensure that I can get enough in loans to cover my bills for up to a year or year and a half while in the program?

doesdad

77 Posts

That is the problem I face too and that is why I'm going the LPN route. I think it would be better for me at least to work in the field and do a bridge than to try and go for the RN straight off. I would do an RN to BSN anyway so hopefully I'll do a LPN to BSN.

CRNA2BKY

281 Posts

In my ABSN class, about 1/3 of the class still held part-time jobs. Even though the program director discouraged anyone from having a job, it is a necessity for many people. Also, there are many private loans out there, and so you can get lots of money to live off of during school. So, don't let lack of money stop you. There are ways to make ends meet, and by getting the RN/BSN right off the bat, you will have tons of job opportunities right out of school. There are far fewer jobs for LPN's, so I still think going directly for the RN is a smart idea.

Rook

75 Posts

You might as well take a Accelerated BSN course. I just graduated from one. Its the quickest way to a RN degree. I was able to work 24hrs/every week in the 1st semester. 15-20 in the 2nd and only about 10-15/wk the last semester. I defo wouldn't go the LPN route. My ex-gf did that and I think she still had to take all of the courses that everyone else did for an AAS. Plus alot of hospitals are phasing out hiring LPNs (though RN Homes will take you) and you might only start out at about $15/hr. Get an AAS or a BSN. Some schools now also have an Associates to MSN track now as well so if a BSN program isn't near you that's another thing to look at.

I got $5100-6100 in loans for each semester and tuition was $3300/semester.

Am_Byth

50 Posts

Hi there. I'm not a male, but my husband is. :p

We are BOTH in the nursing program and will graduate in May. We won't have a BSN though and will have to work on that later. I would NOT do the LPN at all! Go right to RN.

Jason is 37 and we have 2 boys. DH said don't even consider the accelerated program unless you have a lot of money stored away. As of now, he hasn't been able to work much. He has a couple Bachelors already also. We have help from his parents so that is what keeps us afloat. Does your wife work? How old are your kids?

He said nursing school is tough. (And I agree, it sucks when you have a family) He thought it would be a joke b/c the other classes he's studied. He had a 4.0 in all his pre-reqs. It IS doable but it's hard. I'd say go for it, 100% but don't count on working. Count on your wife bringing in the cash or living off loans. And make sure you have a strong support network bc you will need it. If your kids are old enough explain to them that this is only temporary and they will benefit in the end. Our kids are 6 and 3 and don't "get" it enough. They HATE us not being home. The 6yr old is stuggling the most. But time does go fast and we are SO close to being done. They will benefit in the end.

If you have any questions for my husband, feel free to ask. He's right here with me, just not so good with computers. :p

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