SOMEONE PLEASE HELP.

I am a single mom too, and when I considered going into the medical field, two of my first choices were Radiology Tech or Ultrasound Tech, for the exact same reasons (medical field and quick schooling). BUT when I took a step back, I realized that around where I live, the cost of school was almost the same as nursing school AND the pay was low. (Maybe $10-14/hour). Plus, making sure it's an accredited school and if not, the whole accumulating all those hours (a WHOLE YEARS WORTH) before you can become accredited. On top of the fact that NOBODY wants to hire you, even per diem, if you aren't accredited. So it may seem easy in the beginning, but tends to become difficult.

Ultimately, the best decision would be to become an RN, then you can always go back and do Radiology, Phlebotomy, Ultrasounds etc. Same as is the LPN, but you also have to remember that you would be making less money, hospitals seem to be looking more for RNs, and you would be one of the bottoms in the chain of command. It's all up to you and how far you want to go in your career.

I spoke with a nurse the other day, who is very happy in her position. She is an LPN in a clinic and does phlebotomy on the weekends for extra cash. As for me, I plan on getting my ADN for now, work, go back to get my BSN, work, get my MSN to become a PA or NP or CRNA. Not sure yet which, but I still have plenty of time to decide. Good luck in whatever path you choose, I'm rootin for ya!

To become an RN you basically have two ways of going. You could get your Associate's Degree (ASN), which will take you 2 years to complete, then you have to pass your boards (NCLEX-RN), then you're a nurse! Or you can get your Bachelor's Degree (BSN), which will take 4 years to complete, then NCLEX. Both of these will get you to an RN status and most (but not all) hospitals will pay the same rate for either. The main reason why some nurses decide to go for their BSN, is when they want to move up the chain of command and more towards managerial (i.e. charge, lead, or head nurse) and don't plan on being a floor nurse for their entire career.
I would love to go to go to nursing school straight through to my BSN, but as a single mom, I know that I would need the income NOW, so I am just going to get my RN and work on the rest later. Plus working as an RN in a hospital, would allow me tuition reimbursement and going back to school to get my BSN and eventually my MSN (Master's).

I won't lie to you, from what I hear, nursing school is going to be hard. If you're anything like me, you will have to work AND go to school. Time management, organization, and multi-tasking is crucial when you have work, school, and kids. But I feel that all the work and effort is worth it in the end, when you realize that you are providing well for your kids' future. Plus you are teaching the children that nothing is impossible with some hard work and never to give up on their goals.

I'm always in awe of you single moms. Raising kids is just HARD! Can't imagine doing it all on my own.

It seems you have already figured out that there is no quick solution - becoming a nurse just takes time. We're responsible for people's lives, and this means we have to have a pretty high-level knowlege base and skill set. It takes time to acquire all the knowledge and skills you will need. Don't give up. Nursing education is not a 100-yard dash - it's a marathon.

I don't know where you live, but where I'm from (Boston), the waiting lists for Ultrasound and Rad Tech programs are longer than nursing school waiting lists.

An LPN job will make it easier to become an RN. If time is a factor, would it be possible to get training as a phlebotomist, then apply to nursing school? Phlebotomy programs in my area are 4-6 weeks, and most places will contribute (if not outright pay for) continuing education.