At a cross roads and really need some advice...

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in Wound Care.

I have 13 weeks left in my LVN program and I will be done. I know I want to go further in the health care field mainly because I will starve as a single mom in California on an LVN salary. With that aid, I know I need to go further but I'm not sure what my next move should be since my time is limited. Long story short, I am going through a divorce and really need to be stable in the next few years so i can't do the "forever student" thing.

Here are my options:

I recently got accepted into into (2) physician assistant schools and was thinking about going that route. The issue with this plan is one of the schools in located about 70 miles ONE WAY from my home which would require a long commute (The program is 2 years) BUT I could complete the program for just under 8k. Since the program is community college based I would be a physician assistant with an AA degree which is not THAT big of a deal and I could work towards a BA and even a Masters degree down the road after I start working. Also, I can't move close to the school due to a custody issue so I would be commuting 70 miles one way (140 miles round trip 5 days per week for 2 years). Doing the math after taxes I would be making about $5,3000 per month) and no student loan debt.

The other option is to attend the other school I got accepted to. It's closer (only 20 miles from my house) BUT its also $140,000.00 for the program since it is a private UC school. Good thing is I would graduate with a Masters Degree from a top school (but i'm not sure that even matters). I did the math and after graduating new grad physician assistant usually start out at 75k-85k year. (Giving me about $2,500 a month to live on after taxes and student loan payments...UGH!!!)

The other option would be to complete my LVN-RN bride at a community college, then get my BSN at a Cal State then get my NP. The good thing with this route is I could possible work during the entire time (hopefully). The down side is this route would take me close to 4 years to complete which would mean I would be 35 or 37 when i finish and in the mean time living as a starving student.

Another option would be to go the West Coast University and do their 3 year LVN-BSN program. The good thing about this program is it is local (15 min from my home) and I would possibly work while going to school. The down side is the total program is $120,000. I could then do the NP program later down the road. Also there would be student loans :(

Any ideas?

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Specializes in retired LTC.

While I see that you have several educational pathway opportunities for your future career, I see you being hampered by travel, time and SERIOUS DEBT constraints.

What I don't see are job opportunities. You still have to pass your licensing exams after you successfully pass your educ programs. Also, I have no real knowledge of the future job market for PAs. As for your being an LVN (and then RN), I'm seeing Texas or California as your home state, to which you are committed for the time being. From reading posts here on AN, the job market for nurses is extremely challenging for new nurses in those areas. My concern for you is how long can you manage your finances in such an UNPREDICTABLE job market??? And with your changing family dynamics.

Unless you have something else to help support yourself with those significant debt obligations? I believe you're thinking about this too.

I know there's financial aid possibilities out there but everything sounds so IFFY to me.

Sorry, but I don't have any answers for your education decisions. As for me, I'd be so worried about my future with the double albatrosses of job and debt hanging around my neck. That's what would be influencing my educational choices. And I, personally, would be ever so cautious. Just my opinion. Good luck with whatever is your decision!

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Option 2 & 3 seen the same.... 2, 500 a month to live on is enought for this LVN for now. Why can u not work as a and be a student?

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Don't be scared of debt. Most ppl die with debt. Find a good life insurance policy.

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Don't be scared of debt. Most ppl die with debt. Find a good life insurance policy.

Bad advice. Be smart with your decisions and your money. Familiar old saying from mom: "Just because everyone else is doing it..."

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Personally I would not consider the UC or West Coast University option. Combine the debt with an uncertain job market and the responsibilities of a single mom...it is not something I would personally take on.

Community College programs are a much better deal. I cannot comment on RN versus PA, but you haev been accepted to a PA program and I hear LVN-RN bridge programs are extremely difficult to get into. If you believe it is important to advance yourself now, I would pursue the 70 mile away program and try to improve the custody situation so you can relocate closer to school.

The third option is to start your career as an LVN and wait a few years before taking your next step. I have a friend who transitioned from bedside into coordinating hospice care and then medical device sales, she now earns well above a PA's salary. Working will help you understand the industry better and give you a better understanding of what position you would succeed in. The starting salary as an LVN is difficult for a single mom, but if you stay close to family so you can get help with childcare and keep your lifestyle simple it is totally doable.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I completely agree with the "no debt" PPs. Student loans are a horrible burden. Even if you can maintain timely payments, the high debt load will drag down your credit rating & this has a long-term impact on everything from car loans to mortgages.

I'm not familiar with the PA job market in Ca- surprised to hear that there is a program at the AD level since I thought all of them were Master's level these days. My organization employs some PAs, to assist our hospitalists & intensivists... covering nights & weekends mostly ... but they are all Master's level.

You're going through a very stressful and difficult time right now. Please take it slow and don't make any rash decisions until you have had time to recover from your divorce and get back on your feet. Best wishes to you and your young one.

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