I just cant decide

Maybe you'd get a better response if you put this post on the OB/GYN specialty board, where they may be able to answer some of your questions.

J

If you can afford to stay home for longer then why the rush? If you absolutely need a career then start looking into it.

Congratulations on your desire to persue nursing.

Concentrate on getting your RN. Most L&Ds will not hire LPNs because it's not part of their education. However, post-partum units do use LPNs, but you sound like you want to be 'wear the action is".

You most certainly can become an L&D nurse with a two year associates degree.

Start by going to your local nursing school and talking to an admission counselor. They can get you registered in some basic pre-req courses like English, Sociology, or even Anatomy and Physiology and tell you about the requirements and the waiting lists, etc.

No need necessarily to persue becoming a CNA right now unless you have to work and want to get a feel for the profession. Most L&D's do not use CNAs, but again you might be able to get a job in the nursery or post-partum unit. Here in St. Pete the local Red Cross teaches CNA classes (go figure). However, becoming a CNA might not be necessary at first, unless the nursing school requires it (some do, but not many).

Good luck to you and please feel free to ask questions.

Hello!

I know how you feel. My oldest three are in school all day this Fall, but my youngest is only two. I will be taking one class a week at the campus. It is A & P I, which is a lab class. I will be taking three more classes online while I'm home with my daughter. The plan was to wait until she was in school also, but I just can't wait any longer!

So, my suggestion would be to look into your local nursing programs, and determine what the prereqs are. You should be able to take some of them online. If you have someone to watch your kids, then it's totally up to you when you go back to school. Do what you feel is right!

Littlemamakt

From what I've seen, the CNA reqiurement is usually for accelerated programs. Unless you're going into one of those programs or you want/need to work as a CNA, don't bother. Out here in California, it's about a thousand dollars for the course which is 4-6 weeks full time or longer if you go part time.

I'd echo Tweety's advice and say you need to get in to see the advisors at your local schools and then start chipping away at your prerequisites.

The ones that are common to most schools around here are:

One year survey of chemistry w/lab
One year of anatomy and physiology (or 1 semester of each) w/lab
One semester of microbiology w/lab

Sometimes required are also courses in nutrition, statistics, overview of nursing, and pharmacology.

You're welcome. But enough with the "lovely" stuff...you're making me blush. If my wife walks in and sees me, I'll be in big trouble

You can do this! If it is in your heart, than you must! Your kids will be fine. As a matter of fact, pursuing your dreams and being happy is probably the greatest gift you can give them. Of course, you must make sure their needs are met, but I am sure you will. Kids adapt, and happy parents make happy kids! Please don't fall into the trap of feeling they will suffer if you are not there 24/7. Many successful well adjusted kids and adults had parents who worked or were in school. It's the relationship and investment you have in them that matters. If you value them, they will know it. It is a balance that you and your spouse will have to work out and cater to suit your values as a family. Be confident in what you choose and tweak it as needed.

On a practical note, as the other posters stated, speak with an advisor. The CNA is not necessary at this time and would probably just delay your goals. I would HIGHLY recommend taking your prereqs first. Then when the time comes for nursing classes, you can concentrate on them. Many L&D units will then higher you as a second year nursing student. They can get to know you and you can may be able to be hired as a new grad depending on the facility.

Also, by taking your prereqs first, you can be a part-time student and the adjustment will be easier on your family. My guess is that your kids will be amazingly proud as they grow older and watch their mommy help others and take care of them. Kids are awesome at that kind of stuff!

Hey mercurymama! Welcome!

I decided to go to school when my kids were let's see like 3 & 5. My advice would be to
1) find out how to apply to a nursing program. You could probably apply right now for Fall 2008...but better hurry apps are usually due like in Feb..so find out NOW what you need to do. Make that your first goal so you don't miss out on a deadline.

2) Get enrolled in college...basic admission to a community college is usually pretty easy. You will probably need some immunization info, transcripts from high school and if you went to college before, and you will need to take a test to see what your level is...a lot of people need to remediate in math. I took a pretest .. found my weak spots...studied with an adult educator that the school offered for free, and when I took the test (it will either be Compass or Asset) I was able to start off college level.

3) Even if you don't go to a community college for nursing school...go ahead and get enrolled. It's a cheap way to get prereqs and a lot less red tape than a university route IMO. Also google "FAFSA" go to the govenment federal financial aid website and get a FAFSA filled out. Your school will need this to get you financial aid. Unless your hubby makes a hefty paycheck you can likely at least get some Pell grant or a Stafford loan. Neither requires good credit.

4) Once you are admitted to the school enroll in some general education. English and Psych are usually pretty safe bets. Find out what the general education requirements are for nursing schools in your area. If childcare is an issue try online classes! I loved them and they enabled me to get started. I doubt I'd have been able to get my nursing degree otherwise.

You will also need at least A&P and maybe Microbiology. These are rarely offered online although some schools are beginning to offer the lecture portion online and you just have to go to campus for a lab.

Bottom line: get in an application. Find out what you need to do to apply for the nursing program. Take gen ed in the meanwhile so you don't have stressful scheduling DURING the nursing program. Get some stuff done now.

As far as BLS...that is Basic Life Support and is a one day class on CPR. A lot of hospitals offer it. Most schools offer it to as a 1 credit hour course. I only recommend that if you are already full time because you only pay for 12 hours regardless of how many extra courses you take. 1 credit is going to be 100-300 depending on the school. A hospital will only charge you around $30. I think the American Heart website has a list of classes. Try aha.org

Hope that helps! if this is what you want to do go for it. The clock is ticking either way. I graduated in May at 31 and I'm glad that part is behind me and I'm working now. My goal was to get a degree and to better my family's financial well being... to provide what we need when we need it. I'm now there and actually starting to obtain that. It feels good to accomplish my goal! I'm actually going today for a frame for my pretty certificate from the state acknowledging my licensure as a Registered Nurse. I need it up on the wall to believe it! lol

I wish you well! Remember..sometimes other people are insecure because they have never stepped off that ledge to take a chance in life...to reach for something and go after it hell or high water. To persevere and take action and responsibility for their outcome in life. Don't let them squelch your dreams.