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I am a hairstylist and i want to go into Nursing but am having a hard time deciding wheather to get my lpn to start or my RN. I have done nothing and just beginning to talk to someone at Crouse Hospital or St. Joe's. Don't know which school is better. I am very intimidated due to the fact as I am not good in math at all. I wonder if anyone knows of any school's that due tuition reimbursement? Is it better to start out in LPN or RN. What do I have to do before enrollement?I am just lost. :o

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Specializes in geriatric LTC and loving it.

Hey Tootsie:

At my local community college where I'm a first year nursing student we're required to take the LPN licensure exam at the end of our first year in order to qualify to go onto the second (RN) year. I plan to take the exam as soon as they offer it (probably May or June) and move right on into the RN year next fall.

This first semester was an eye opener and really tough, but it's do-able. It's mostly a ton of work and not for the faint of heart. Persistence is an ally, for sure.

I recommend getting your generals done. I even have mine done for next year because it just lightens the load some. It takes some time, but then when you get the acceptance letter for the nursing program you can be confident that you are truly ready.

Just my humble opinion.

Good Luck to you!

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Hey yeah, I'm in the same boat as Tootsie! I've been out of school for about 5 years and I've decided to become a nurse! I'd like to become an LVN (LPN?) first so I'd have some income to pursue my RN (BSN?).

I'm having trouble starting up however because I don't have 20 to 30 grand lying around. I have previous coursework that should bring my costs down but it's REALLY expensive! I've heard that some hospitals offer tuition assistance for employees, does anyone know anything about this??

I'd like to go to a good school (as in accredited!) but I have absolutely NO idea to start. I have appointments at Maric & Concorde colleges in North Hollywood, CA but they want 25k for LVN and 45k for RN!

ANY advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!

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Hi, thanks for the advice. Would it be more benficial to go to like boces for lpn, and then go for my RN. I am so confussed. Do you know anything about tuision assistance programs through hospitals.

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I think it all depends on what you want to do. Where I live LPN's work mostly med/surg and LTC. Many speciality areas no longer hire LPN's. As far as tuition is concerned there are many scholarships and grants available to students through national organizations and feds. HRSA (Health Resources and Services Adminiatration) which is part of the federal government has grants, loans, and scholarships for students. Some even have a stipend that you can use for books and other expenses. Just read carefully some require you to work in an area that has been determined to be medically needy. Think very rural. I personally love it but it is not for everyone. Here is the website http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/ Good Luck!

Kathy

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