I am 24, a military spouse, and I am starting school late. I am interested in becoming an RN, specifically in women's health and my dream job is to work at a fertility clinic, as it hits home for me and I have found a real passion for it. I have no medical background. I had originally wanted to go to school to become and LPN/LVN, and then make the transition to RN from there and eventually get my BSN. When I visited a school a few months ago, the counselor suggested that because I do not have any medical experience, and most LPN students do. She was worried I would have a harder time comprehending what was going on. This is something I very much want, but I am so confused on the path I need to take to get there. What is your recommendation?
Dear Confused,
I disagree with the counseling advice you received.
One thing I learned in school is that it is not uncommon to receive misinformation from school counselors.
Counselors are but one source of information- don't stop there. Read the college catalog. Once you are in school, your classmates who are pursuing the same classes or have already taken them are another source of information.
Having "medical experience" is neither a prerequisite nor an indicator of success in a nursing program.
If you want to attend LPN school, then take any required prerequisites the program
requires (such as English or Math) and apply. You will either be accepted or not. This is usually based on predetermined criteria, including GPA.
Consider getting your RN instead of taking the LPN route, if it's feasible for you. Study hard.
If you want this, you can do it. By the way, twenty-four years old is not late :).
